LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2009)--Bellarmine University Head Men's Basketball Coach Scott Davenport announced the signing of a junior college transfer as well as the addition of one more player. The pair completes the Bellarmine roster for the 2009-10 season.
Jeremy Kendle, a 6-1 "combo" guard, has signed to play at Bellarmine next season after earning an associate's degree from Olney Central Community College (IL). As a high schooler, the Southern Indiana native starred for Jeffersonville, where he graduated in 2006.
"Coming off a tremendous season, our goal was to recruit players who would fit into our team," Davenport said, "and Jeremy is a perfect match. He has demonstrated an incredible work ethic and attitude, and I really look forward to working with him when individual workouts begin later this month."
Kendle comes to Bellarmine after suffering through an injury-plagued junior college career that resulted in very limited action. As a high school senior, he put up14 and a half points a game while averaging four assists and four rebounds per game. Those numbers helped earn him first team all-conference, all-region and all-area honors.
His high school coach, Jimmy Just, said, "Jeremy was one of our top players his senior year. I thought that with him and Antonio Ballard (now at Miami), we had two D-I level players." The Red Devils went 23-2 in 2006 making it to the final eight before losing to Bloomington South for the second time that season. "Jeremy was playing hurt that game," Just said. "If we had him healthy, I think we had a legitimate shot at winning."
"Jeremy is a great kid who is really committed to getting better. As a player, he can do a lot of things with the ball...he can create for himself and for his teammates. I think he's a great fit for Bellarmine, and being so close to home it was a great draw for him to be able to play in front of his family."
Kendle said, "I'm really looking forward to playing under Bellarmine's coaching staff and with this group of guys." The Jeffersonville native was already familiar with several of Bellarmine's players having played against New Albany natives Justin Benedetti and Braydon Hobbs many times growing up. "I'm very familiar with Braydon and Justin," Kendle said, "I'm just glad they're going to be on my side this time."
Davenport also announced that Aaron Robison would be joining the team. The 6-6 forward who played at St. Xavier High School attended Bellarmine last year but did not play, so he still has four years of eligibility. "Aaron gives us added depth to our inside play, and he fully understands the commitment it takes to play at Bellarmine," Davenport said.
