Luke Kendall

[Melb Wildcat]

Where is Kendall playing this season? Is he going to be in the NBL? Have not heard much about him. Has he signed with any yet?

[angry ant]

I don't he will be in the NBL next season. Cairns would probably be the only possibility, but someone said they signed Daniel Dillon.

[2sc945]

Where is Kendall playing this season? Is he going to be in the NBL? Have not heard much about him. Has he signed with any yet?

Most likely the Melbourne Tigers Big V team.

[Mookie]

Can someone refresh my memory on the reasons for this? Is it a points cap issue? I find it unfathomable that a recent Boomers representative has suddenly dropped to a point where he is struggling to get a gig in the NBL. If it is purely a points cap issue, then surely amendments need to be made...

[Nerf Herder]

I'm sure the Tigers will work their magic once it's clear that Kendall won't be able to get a gig anywhere else and they will get him re-rated to like 2 points or something so they can fit him on their roster :)

I agree that it would be a great shame to be without Kendall this season, it was a shame when he went down with that season-ender...

[DDFan]

Augh you Kings fanboys never let go.

Kendall was only a Boomer because Brian insisted that he had to be. He was atrocious at that level, & everyone here knows that.
My splinter wearing Boomer heroes, Catt & Muzzy are both now retired & still Kendell can't pull on a jersey in our newfound less flashy league? Me no understand.
And why is he still in Eviltown as rumoured, when Sydney's still where it's always been?

j/k guys. ;)

[paul]

Well, he actually didnt really get a run at that level, just sat on the bench mostly. He wasnt up to that standard in most people's opinions though, but he was certainly in the next tier and given player availabilities at the time not really that bad a selection.

He has never really recaptured his excellent 2008 form and is still apparently asking for decent money (?) so that probably has a bit to do with it. A second Melbourne team in the comp might be his saving grace next year, but he may have to settle for a year off or a gig in one of the lower Euro comps for now.

[DDFan]

Well, he actually didnt really get a run at that level, just sat on the bench mostly. He wasnt up to that standard in most people's opinions though, but he was certainly in the next tier and given player availabilities at the time not really that bad a selection.Well considering that Sav & Nielsen got a run, I would've thought it would've been the right thing to give Mark Nash a call.

He has never really recaptured his excellent 2008 form and is still apparently asking for decent money (?) so that probably has a bit to do with it.No need to spill your guts on player payments on a public forum, & besides, he played on the cheaP for the King$.

A second Melbourne team in the comp might be his saving grace next year, but he may have to settle for a year off or a gig in one of the lower Euro comps for now.OMG, not another, "We'll hijack the league, so that we can play a competitive team", 2nd Melbourne team.
Victoria, the Garden State.
Pile on the Cowen manure.

j/k guys ;)

[Nerf Herder]

j/k guys. ;)

I don't get it, are we fanboys, or are you just kidding? you can't just keep adding that on the end and have that obsolve you of any comments that you think might get taken the wrong/right way...

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm talking about Kendall in the NBL, not internationally... The haters out there always bring up his Boomers stint being because of Goorj and that he was useless... International experience doesn't reflect on anything other than international experience, as if we went on that, there's no way that David Anderson should be playing in a league any higher than ABA...

Paul was right in that due to a range of reasons, he hasn't captured his good form from when he WAS a King, but that doesn't mean that he's not capable of contributing greatly to a team given the right role...

Also, I'm not quite sure that Paul is saying anything other than another team in Melbourne, (where Luke is currently/last based?) and hence another 10 roster spots opening up, being the only realistic way of Kendall getting a gig in the NBL anytime soon... I could be wrong, but that's how I read it...

No-one has seen Kendall playing anywhere in the off-season? Looking at Boxscores in the Big V comp, his name hasn't popped up in the teams that I've checked...

[angel]

Kendall's family is Melbourne based so I guess he's staying near them if he's still there.

If he's still with his girlfriend she may be working there as well. No point returning to Sydney if there's no work here for him.

[Melb Wildcat]

Kendall hasnt played ABA this season, hence why I asked the question. The Kilsyth Cobras do need a point guard though.

I wouldnt be surprised to see him play for the Kings as thats really the only team left.

[DDFan]

I don't get it, are we fanboys, or are you just kidding? you can't just keep adding that on the end and have that obsolve you of any comments that you think might get taken the wrong/right way...Mate, the whole post was a piss-take & I knew all too well that someone would take it the wrong way, hence the j/k.
I'm not taking you to task, just explaining my position.
If anyone had done any background on where I stand on player unemployment, they'd know that I wouldn't be rubbing my hands at any player being without a job. It was the crux of why I desperately wanted last season to happen, & I enjoyed it.

[Nerf Herder]

Mate, the whole post was a piss-take & I knew all too well that someone would take it the wrong way, hence the j/k.
I'm not taking you to task, just explaining my position.

No worries, I'm not going all Cesar on you, just curious as there was a couple in there should have put more emoticons in :) and well, I'm atually LUke Kendall and I'm a bit sensitive about the whole subject ;)

[gangsta boo]

Its a damn shame he hasn't picked up a gig yet. There MUST be a spot for him on a team in the league , and I'm still surprised he didn't seem to get a shot at the "new" Kings either

[Prodigal]

Its a damn shame he hasn't picked up a gig yet. There MUST be a spot for him on a team in the league , and I'm still surprised he didn't seem to get a shot at the "new" Kings either

He bears "the mark of Goorj". From what I'm hearing anyone who bears that mark is persona non gratis in Bobby Turner's brave new world.

[gangsta boo]

even though they announced "Goorj" as a consultant or whatever? but I'd believe what you say Prodigal - especially from the make up of the team. No one from the last two Kings seasons

[Prodigal]

even though they announced "Goorj" as a consultant or whatever? but I'd believe what you say Prodigal - especially from the make up of the team. No one from the last two Kings seasons

It's one thing to announce someone as a consultant, it's another thing to actually consult with them and listen to what they say. There are at least 2 players signed to the roster who were strongly advised against by the consultant. I don't believe there's been too much consultation going on after that.

[Cussy]

Wouldn't a Goorj player have certain expectations of what is expected from the club, like an expensive program, or the lack of school and community visits? Maybe it's a good move for the new Kings, especially as Kendall has shown a lack of professionalism playing for teams that aren't Goorj-based Sydney teams.

[Prodigal]

Wouldn't a Goorj player have certain expectations of what is expected from the club, like an expensive program, or the lack of school and community visits? Maybe it's a good move for the new Kings, especially as Kendall has shown a lack of professionalism playing for teams that aren't Goorj-based Sydney teams.

I see where you're going with that, but don't necessarily agree with you. I've no doubt that Luke's expectations salary wise may have been beyond the parameters of what the new organisation were prepared to offer. It remains to be seen how those parameters and their decision making roster wise pan out for the future.
Luke's time in Perth may not have been a happy one for him, the club and you as a fan. I can only make my judgements on personal experience of the guy and I have no question marks on his professionalism or willingness to do what's required by his club.

[paul]

I imagine Luke is still rehabbing from his knee and that may have also counted against him when teams were putting together their rosters. Despite reports to the contrary, it is still a tough market for players at the moment (with the exception of top level guys of course) with only 9 teams.

[angel]

Wouldn't a Goorj player have certain expectations of what is expected from the club, like an expensive program, or the lack of school and community visits?

He's quite a friendly person and easy to talk to. He would be good at that past of the community and school visits. No idea if he'scapable of passing on knowledge to school kids though.

Hopefully he recovers from his injuries and finds somewhere to play.

[DDFan]

No worries, I'm not going all Cesar on youThat's the strange thing for me, you & ChoPsticks are cool dudes in my book & I enjoy your posts, well except for the recently exposed ugly rivalry. Seriously guys, you're both top blokes & really need to sort it out.
I've also noticed that you've taken some bumps from Kings fans recently, when I'd interpreted your posts as fun & witty. The internet's a strange thing. ;)
just curious as there was a couple in there should have put more emoticons in :)I've sprinkled posts with emoticons before to try to steer people in the right direction & still had kickbacks. All OzHos that I've caught up with, come to grips pretty quickly that I'm in it for the love of basketball first, but can't help myself with my misunderstood humour. They'll all be able to recall my play by rule of, let someone take something the wrong way twice & let it go as normal. If they're stupid enough to get it completely wrong for the 3rd time & come back narky, I give them credit for being consistent, but come back at them with their same stupidity. It's a bit childish I suppose, but if they're having fun, I'll play by their rules.
and well, I'm atually LUke Kendall and I'm a bit sensitive about the whole subject ;)And I'm Body Odor Nagi, so suck it uP princess. ;)

[Nerf Herder]

Lol... I think the "rivalry" has been left behind now... At least I haven't heard anything recently... Shame, it at least added some excitement to the day... Didn't get a forum section thingy named after me this time though... Must work harder next time...

I can completely understand having humour misunderstood... some people just aren't cluey enough to get it, but you seem like a smart enough guy if you can see past the internets to identify the wittyness of my preachings :)

But back to the point of this thread... Mr Kendall... I have to admit to some surprise at the anti-love from Cussy... I'm not up with Luke's time in Perth, other than his 2-3mpg during his stint there... Were there shenanigans? Or is this anti-Gorj sentiment rubbing off? Was Luke dodgy down in Melbourne as well? (not arguing, just curious, since I'm so very very far away from both places) And how would one identify lack of professionalism in Melbourne? It wouldn't stand out, that's for sure :D

I've only chatted to him a couple of times and he seemed quite nice and personable... Nothing out of the ordinary at least... Can't see why he wouldn't be able to be good to school visits, and hopefully whichever team anyone plays at, that would be a big part of their off-court work anyways...

Ah well, who's to know the goings on behind the scenes... If I had to take a guess, I'd say maybe salary (based on what seems to be a budget team the Kings are setting up so far) and wanting to stick closer to family might be some realistic issues... Shame...

I forget what injuries Kendall and Knight suffered last season... both serious at the time, but looks like Knight recovered quicker?

[DDFan]

Lol... I think the "rivalry" has been left behind now... At least I haven't heard anything recently... Good to hear.

I can completely understand having humour misunderstood... some people just aren't cluey enough to get it, but you seem like a smart enough guy if you can see past the internets to identify the wittyness of my preachings :)You wouldn't believe how smart I was before I had my accidental head injury, then struggled with concentration in a very dangerous real-time control centre job, then health issues had me retire early, only to have a mental meltdown, then sent to a funny farm, & thankfully had ECT sessions to have me back in society. The drugs & booze since, are just the icing on the cake. :p

Back on topic:

I've only chatted to him a couple of times and he seemed quite nice and personable... Nothing out of the ordinary at least... Can't see why he wouldn't be able to be good to school visits, and hopefully whichever team anyone plays at, that would be a big part of their off-court work anyways...That's the thing that floors me, when posters can lash out at a player, without ever meeting the guy. A player that's dear to my heart, the 36ers "Big Fella" (Reesy), copped shitloads over his career & a great example of how opinions can change with some communication, surfaced when djrod partnered in interviewing him on a podcast. He went from being a hater, to a "we'd love you to be regular feature" on our podcast, & it was all done over the phone. Massive kudos to djrod for his honesty.
I forget what injuries Kendall and Knight suffered last season... both serious at the time, but looks like Knight recovered quicker?FFS, you dysfunctional internet Kings warrior, if you weren't so b1as!!1! in that asterisk season, you woulda knowed that pre-season, the Tigs were on track for the title with Wortho, no imports & a truckloads of DPs. OMG, those cheetahs were trying to pull a fast one. ;) :D :p.

There's a Nemo (cryPtic) school'n for yah, right there. ;) ;) ;)

Don't embarrass yourself if you don't geddit, PM me. :p

How do I do it? I'm lighthearted, even though it's clogged up with fat. My humour's to die for.

[Silencer83]

But back to the point of this thread... Mr Kendall... I have to admit to some surprise at the anti-love from Cussy... I'm not up with Luke's time in Perth, other than his 2-3mpg during his stint there... Were there shenanigans? Or is this anti-Gorj sentiment rubbing off? Was Luke dodgy down in Melbourne as well? (not arguing, just curious, since I'm so very very far away from both places) And how would one identify lack of professionalism in Melbourne? It wouldn't stand out, that's for sure :D


Luke showed up at Perth expecting a starting role, what he got was playing a back up role to Darnell Hinson and Peter Crawford. He got more than 2-3mpg but seemed to sulk about not starting and again it appeared that he was not putting in the same amount of effort as what was displayed in his final Sydney season. It really looked like he did not want to be there.

By the time he left, Perth fans were happy to be shot of him and upon arriving in Melbourne he displayed his true colours and helped them to the Grand Final against South Dragons. His second season with Tigers was marred by injury and he never really did a lot in the time he was on court. Keep in mind the entire Melbourne side had an awful season last season.

[edit] For emphasis, he was the anti-Luke Martin, Martin came into two teams late and played as if they were his chance to prove he belonged in the league. Kendall came into the Wildcats late and played as if it was his right to be there and that it was not a big issue that a club was giving him a lifeline. If he doesn't get picked up this season maybe that sense of reality will set in and we will see a more determined Kendall trialling for a spot on a team next season.

[Julian]

.JPG of hot girlfriend?

[paul]

He was only average for the Tigers in both part-seasons he was there.

[Nerf Herder]

.JPG of hot girlfriend?

If it's the chick that I remember seeing in Sydney a few times, then I WISH that I could print out a picture from my memory... 'cause WOWSA...

I think re: lashing out at players though, most (and when I say most, I mean me) generally base their opinions on how players conduct themselves on the court? I know even from playing any sort of sport that people can be totally different when they're being competitive, which could explain why DJRod (speaking of which, did anyone see his tweet about Crocs iPhone covers? that looked pretty sweet!) had a change of heart once he got to know him off the court... I came into the tail end of Rees' career so I can't judge him (much) but he struck me as one of those guys that if he was on your team, he was awesome, but everyone else saw his dirty little niggly things? Sorta like putting up with Wortho's constant whinging to the refs ("yeah, it WAS a foul, Wortho! totally agree with you, mate!") and sourpuss face when he was a King (although it DID get a bit much at times to be honest) but then as soon as he's a Dragon, BAM! whinger :)

As old Obi Wan Kenobi was fond of saying... "blah blah blah... certain point of view..." As long as we can have certain points of view, we can be fat-clogged lighthearted comrades-in-wittyness...

Ta, Silencer... very succinct and helpful :) I only remember Kendall having poor Wildcat stats as I burned my top FNBL Free Agent waiver on him that season... blegh... Spot on with the anti-Luke Martin description though, well, in the way that I more understood what you mean (will leave his defence up to his more ardent lady admirers ;) )

[Mookie]

As LeBron James says, we are all Wittynesses.

[angel]

Spot on with the anti-Luke Martin description though, well, in the way that I more understood what you mean (will leave his defence up to his more ardent lady admirers ;) )

I suspect that's me but I can't defend his time in Perth as I didn't see the games. I was glad he got a spot but I have no idea as to what happened once he got there. I do think he looked better in purple that perths colours, if that helps. :-)

[haggard]

I find it unfathomable that a recent Boomers representative has suddenly dropped to a point where he is struggling to get a gig in the NBL. If it is purely a points cap issue, then surely amendments need to be made...

I find it unfathomable that he was ever a Boomer. I don't think teams are too interested in a 'point guard' who isn't in the best shape, that quick or aggressive.

[Mookie]

I find it unfathomable that he was ever a Boomer. I don't think teams are too interested in a 'point guard' who isn't in the best shape, that quick or aggressive.

I don't believe that there was any issue with his shape at the time he was made a Boomer -- he was part of a serious defensive unit in Sydney at the time. Also, calling him a point guard exclusively is a bit limited. He's a combo guard who was forced into a lot of point duties due to the limitations in the PG ranks at the time. His strength clearly is not in quickness, but rather his shooting ability and all-round game, which was (on its NBL merits) definitely one of the best Aussie packages out there at the time.

[haggard]

I don't believe that there was any issue with his shape at the time he was made a Boomer -- he was part of a serious defensive unit in Sydney at the time. Also, calling him a point guard exclusively is a bit limited. He's a combo guard who was forced into a lot of point duties due to the limitations in the PG ranks at the time. His strength clearly is not in quickness, but rather his shooting ability and all-round game, which was (on its NBL merits) definitely one of the best Aussie packages out there at the time.

Ok, I'll rephrase my comment to make it two points.

first being i still believe he should have never been a Boomer, even through the boomer lean years, but that is not what is at dicussion.

Second, I think today teams aren't too insterested in a guard (I'll concede your point on the combo guard status) who isn't in the best shape. He turned up to the Wildcats out of shape, wasn't a lot better at the Tigers and has since been injured. Taking Kendall would be a bit of a gamble, most other teams either have their starting guard combinations or are looking for imports to fill that void.

Should Luke find another NBL stint then he should realise that it will have to be off the bench, probably playing small minutes. Could he contribute again at NBL level? I don't know, I would say its possible. But if I were running a team I wouldn't bother finding out.

[Mookie]

Fair enough, I'll take your points on his Melbourne/Perth days, as I haven't been around to witness them really. I figured that he would attract similar interest to a guy like Damien Ryan, though possibly his points situation and/or salary demands may be the difference there.

[haggard]

but you're back now. and thats whats important right? :)

[Mookie]

Oh yeah, fo shizzle dizzle. The NBL won't know what hit it.

I'll also be in Turkey in a couple of months writing ridiculous amounts about the World Championships -- they won't know what has hit them either!

[mattic]

This (apparent) dud was the guy who was going to be ROTY over Brad Newley, right?

[Prodigal]

This (apparent) dud was the guy who was going to be ROTY over Brad Newley, right?

I would say "dud" is a long way from the truth. He was a starter and had decent numbers on some very good Sydney teams and was a very good player (whether or not people think he deserved his green & gold singlet). He's had a couple of bad knee injuries and is 29 now. His efforts in Perth and Melbourne were a long way from his best form but I'm positive if his knee is close to good and he was bothered (or motivated) to get in shape he would certainly still have something to offer.

All that being said, where he is now doesn't change his past. In his rookie season he was outstanding

[gangsta boo]

This (apparent) dud was the guy who was going to be ROTY over Brad Newley, right?

He killed it in his first year but unfortunately went down with a season ending injury . At the time he was having a brilliant year (got injured against the Crocs from memory)

[Mookie]

He killed it in his first year but unfortunately went down with a season ending injury . At the time he was having a brilliant year (got injured against the Crocs from memory)

Correct.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Basketball/Bruton-Kendall-the-kings-of-pain-only-as-Crocs-come-out-snapping/2004/11/17/1100574542755.html

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Basketball/Goorjian-faces-life-without-Bruton-and-Kendall/2004/11/18/1100748147652.html

[Mookie]

For those interested, a good piece on the Kendall-Goorjian history here:

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/21/1098316790099.html

[Stumps]

first being i still believe he should have never been a Boomer, even through the boomer lean years, but that is not what is at dicussion.
This was done to death at the time, but I'll summarise my view as it may provide some context for yours.

Was he ever one of the 12 best players in the country? No.
Was he ever justifiable for Boomers selection as a versatile guy who knew the coach's system inside-out and could fill 2-3 different roles as an end-of-the-bench reserve? IMO, yes. Your 10, 11 and 12 players aren't there for rotation minutes, they are there as emergencies in case of injury or foul trouble, so it's ideal to find players like Kendall who can come in at a number of positions.

[mattic]

Ah, ok. So, injury prone, old dud with an attitude problem is a fairly accurate description, if one wanted to be uncharitable.

[Stumps]

This (apparent) dud was the guy who was going to be ROTY over Brad Newley, right?
Kendall was the starting point guard on the best team in the league -- they shifted CJ Bruton to SG to accommodate him there. He was leading the league in steals and averaging something like 15-5-5 on top of that.

I've never seen a rookie point guard make an impact like him. It's not a position where you usually see a guy come straight back from college and run a top-of-the-table team as a starter from Day 1 -- usually even the most promising ones do reserve duty for a couple of seasons to learn the ropes.

[Prodigal]

Ah, ok. So, injury prone, old dud with an attitude problem is a fairly accurate description, if one wanted to be uncharitable.

Stop looking in the mirror :p

[DDFan]

Kendall was the starting point guard on the best team in the league -- they shifted CJ Bruton to SG to accommodate him there. He was leading the league in steals and averaging something like 15-5-5 on top of that.

I've never seen a rookie point guard make an impact like him. It's not a position where you usually see a guy come straight back from college and run a top-of-the-table team as a starter from Day 1 -- usually even the most promising ones do reserve duty for a couple of seasons to learn the ropes.Hell yeh (penny finally drops, it was Kendall), I remember being excited about this rookie kid tearing it up that season & was reeeeeally looking forward to seeing him hit the court at the Dome, but it didn't happen, with his disastrous injury getting in first. :(

[mattic]

Stop looking in the mirror :p
Hehehe!

So he's like Trahair, then.

[Stumps]

So he's like Trahair, then.
No, Trahair was more hyped prior to coming to the league (how many people knew who Kendall was until he suddenly turned up and started kicking arse?), but didn't shine as brightly or carry as much responsibility in his first season. (He also didn't have the excuse of a serious injury, as far as I can recall, and was never really fit by any objective standards -- Kendall by contrast was probably the fittest guy on the fittest team in the league.)

[paul]

Kendall was very good as a rookie, and in 2008. But it is easier to be a good rookie point guard when Bruton was really the one running the team. Not taking anything away from an impressive first year though, hopefully he can rediscover the desire to get super fit again (and get a contract) and play some great basketball.

He is at his best when he is playing with another point or combo guard though, his decision making is his great weakness, and his ballhandling is just ok, so being relied on as the sole pg is not his strongsuit. But as far as someone who isnt afraid to make big plays, he is right up there with anyone.