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September 28, 2012

Kendle forgoing final year of eligibility

Bellarmine guard, Jeff High grad going to pursue pro career

By KEVIN HARRIS kevin.harris@newsandtribune.com

LOUISVILLE — Jeremy Kendle has decided he will not play this coming season for the Bellarmine University men’s basketball team.

On Friday, Knights’ coach Scott Davenport announced that the former Jeffersonville High School standout guard will forego his final year of eligibility and pursue professional basketball opportunities.

The two-time NCAA Division II All-American has signed with an agent and gotten interest from pro leagues in Germany, Greece, France, Australia and Mexico. He also has gotten interest from the NBA’s developmental league.

“I already have my undergraduate degree, and I can always come back and continue graduate school,” Kendle said in a statement. “I also realize that with my previous injuries and surgeries that my window of opportunity for playing is smaller than other players graduating from college. I thought I’d better pursue my dreams of playing while I can.”

Kendle played three seasons at Bellarmine from 2009-2012. The 6-foot-2 guard helped lead the Knights to their first Division II national championship in 2011.

Kendle leaves Bellarmine as the only player in school history to be named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-America team two years in a row. He ranks fourth on the Knights’ all-time scoring list with 1,792 points.

Kendle’s other accomplishments at Bellarmine included the 2011 Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year award, a three-time all-GLVC team selection and five GLVC Player of the Week awards.

“My experience at Bellarmine will be something I’ll cherish forever,” Kendle said. “Winning a national title and all that goes with it … it’s really hard to describe. I really appreciate all that the Bellarmine staff and Coach Davenport have done for me and my family, both on and off the court. I’ve really grown as both a player and a person, and that something I’ll carry with me forever.”

After graduating from Jeff in 2006, Kendle suffered multiple injuries during a two-year stint at Olney (Ill.) Central Community College. He only played two games during his time at Olney.

But prior to last season, the NCAA granted Kendle two years of additional eligibility because of the medical hardship.

“Jeremy has done a tremendous job on and off the court,” Davenport said in a statement. “He earned his degree and began graduate school last year. He overcame serious injuries throughout his career and never let any obstacle stand in his way academically or athletically.”

 

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