Ed DeChent Set To Be Inducted Into New England Basketball Hall Of Fame

Bridgeport, Conn.-University of Bridgeport men's basketball standout Ed DeChent will have his stellar collegiate career recognized on Saturday June 22, 2013 when he is inducted into the New England Basketball  Hall of Fame in a ceremony that will take place at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

After graduating from Yonkers High School, DeChent began his college career at Post Junior College in Waterbury, Conn., where his on-the-court success continued. He finished the 1985-1986 season leading the nation in rebounding with 16 boards per game and finished runner-up for the national scoring title with 34.3 points per game.

That same year DeChent was named Post College's Male Athlete of the Year and earned a spot on the All New England (NJCAA) Region XXI first team, and the (NJCAA) All-American team.

Following his time at Post Junior College, Ed continued his career at the University of Bridgeport from 1986-89. During his senior season with Purple Knights, he averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game, leading the team to the Division II regional final.

He finished his career at Bridgeport with 1,086 points, one of only 29 players in UB history to net over 1,000 career points, earning All New England Collegiate Conference team honors as well as a spot on the Regional Championship All-Tournament team.

Following his playing days, DeChent began teaching at the Yonkers Public Schools in 1996 as a physical education teacher. In 2005, he was named an assistant principal at Roosevelt High School, working at various schools since in the same capacity since. He currently is the assistant principal at Early College High School.

DeChent said he has taken lessons learned on the hardwood and tried to pass them on to his students in Yonkers.

"As a teenager, I asked myself the same question every day: 'What have I done today to make myself a better student and player?'" he said.  "I still ask myself the same question each day, but now it relates to me as a coach, administrator, and mentor.  What have I done today to positively affect students and provide appropriate guidance in their lives?'"

Tickets for the June 22 Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony which begins at 5:45 p.m. are $135 per person and can be purchased at nebhof.ticketsocket.com.