UCC Demons part ways with American Zachary Hinton after just three games

Demons, who have had a rocky start to the new season, are 1-2. They defeated Neptune ins there opening game but subsequently lost to Killorglin and Tralee Warriors. 

Zachary Hinton arrived at UCC Demons with a strong resume. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

UCC Demons have parted ways with 6’7” American forward Zachary Hinton after just three games of the new Domino’s Super League season.

The defending champions have had a rocky start, losing back-to-back games to Killorglin and Tralee Warriors. Their only win so far came on opening night in a derby against Neptune, who are still winless at 0–3.

Demons aren’t the first team to make a roster change this year, with Wildcats in the women’s league also replacing an American after week one. The move doesn’t come as a major surprise, with Hinton struggling to make an impact, despite arriving with a strong résumé.

The big man fouled out cheaply against Neptune in week one, then picked up a calf knock in the second game. He was much improved against Tralee, finishing with 18 points and 8 rebounds, but by then the writing may already have been on the wall.

Coming into the season, the key question around Demons’ title defence was how they would replace the interior presence of Elijah Tillman. Hinton offered a different skill set than Tillman which is fine, but the problem was the fit as he shared too many similarities with Spaniard Tala Fam, who returned to Demons this year. Both are athletic and rangy but neither provides a major physical presence inside and neither are great outside shooters. Playing the two together just hasn’t quite worked out.

Demons are expected to have a new big man in for this weekend’s double-header against Killester and UCD, and are believed to be looking at players with previous Super League experience. Tillman is not currently available, so someone new will have to try and fill his sizeable shoes.