Devon Saddler will continue his basketball career less than an hour away from home.

The Aberdeen combo guard committed to Delaware on Tuesday, picking the Blue Hens over Central Florida, Drexel, Fairfield, Providence, TCU and several others.

Saddler, a 6-foot-2 senior, said Delaware’s proximity to home wasn’t a factor in his decision. The school and program had more than enough positives besides location, Saddler said.

“It’s like 45 minutes [away from home] but it wasn’t that. I just liked the school,” Saddler said. “I wasn’t trying to stay close to home at first -- I was trying to get away. But it’s a good school so I couldn’t turn it down.”

Saddler received an offer from the Blue Hens in August. He thinks his play at the Hoop Group Elite camp in New Jersey, where he earned top shooting guard honors, piqued the interest of UD head coach Monte' Ross and his staff.

Saddler, who averaged approximately 18 points, six rebounds and six assists as a junior, said Ross’ honest approach won him over -- especially his take on playing time.

“The coaches said they don’t go by the upperclassmen thing -- they go by who works hard in practice,” Saddler said. “A freshman could come in and take someone’s spot [if they perform better than the upperclassman]. They said they do it fair.”

Saddler, who plans on studying sports medicine in college, was also immediately struck by the Delaware staff’s emphasis on academic support. He said he was sold on the UD coaching staff and education, but a visit to the school pushed Delaware over the top.

“I went like three weeks ago on an unofficial visit. I liked it,” Saddler said. “I liked the players and I liked the atmosphere. It was real positive. I went to the football game and saw a lot of basketball players, and I just loved it up there. ... It feels real good [to be committed]. My parents are excited; so are my teammates and my coaches.”

Saddler said he’s glad his phone will finally stop ringing off the hook. He’s now focused on studying for the SAT with a tutor everyday after school, and working on his game so he’ll be ready to contribute immediately in Newark.

“Delaware fans can expect a hardworking player and a big-time player from Aberdeen.”