Shortly after helping Team Canada take a huge step towards once again being a presence on the hoops map by qualifying for the 2010 FIBA Worlds, I had the opportunity to interview one of the main contributors for the “Red and White”. After watching Levon Kendall capture back to back BC High School rings in 01-02, his road led him down south to the University of Pittsburgh. Following a redshirt year, Kendall saw limited minutes during his first year in uniform. For the following three seasons his value to the Panthers increased, along with his role as a member of the Canadian National Team. Jumping up from the Junior squad to join the big boys in 2005, Kendall has provided the team with a solid presence on both ends of the court. Currently over the pond playing for Maroussi Athens BC in the Greek League, it was a pleasure to catch up with a local boy doing great things for the game.
First off, congratulations on being a key contributor to the Canadian National Team qualifying for the World Championships for the first time since 2002! What were the feelings amongst the team after the victory against the Dominican Republic? Do you think you matched, exceeded or fell short of any personal or team goals during the games?
The team was naturally ecstatic after beating the Dominican, as was I. Our goal the entire summer was to qualify for the worlds and we accomplished that. We were fortunate enough to get some second chances and despite a few up and downs we were left with one deciding game. I think we definitely surprised a lot of people by qualifying. We also decided as a team that despite a few losses we could give ourselves a chance to accomplish our goal. We had a team meeting after losing to Argentina and really came together against Brazil, despite losing, and were clicking when it mattered most against the DR.
Now that the FIBA America Games are completed and the team heads off in their separate directions, will you have a chance to play with or against any of your teammates before regrouping next summer? I believe that part of the reason some of the European teams and the US squad are successful is because they have the opportunity to do so, whereas the Canadian players are more scattered throughout the various leagues.
It doesn’t look like I’ll meet any of my teammates this year although it’s still possible. I think that the European teams have success because they are taught to play as a team from the beginning. They play that style of basketball regardless of who they’re playing with. Obviously having a similar group of players together every summer makes for better chemistry, evidence of which we are starting to see with our own program.
You are one of the longest tenured members currently on the Senior National team (since 05) how do you feel about being one of the veteran players?
It’s nice to be considered a ‘veteran’, although I’m not much older than most of the guys. Maybe just a few more summer stories than some. I try to step up as a leader when the opportunity arises. I tend to be lead by example type of guy but also enjoy ‘coaching’ guys through stuff as it happens, using my basketball IQ to help others.
Where did the nickname “Road Warriors” come from?
I think the “Road Warriors” thing came from the minds at the Canada basketball office. Since we almost never get a chance to play at home and spend endless hours flying in the summer the name was only fitting.
Does all the talk of adding Nash, Bonner, and Magloire have a positive or negative impact on the team? While it is always positive to add great talent, do you guys sometimes feel like, give us credit for what this crew can do?
Well personally I hear almost none of that talk. We are so far removed from the gossip in Canada while we’re playing that most of it goes unheard. I think we maybe feel a little shorthanded but having the best players represent your country is what it’s all about. It’s unfortunate that guys who were on the team that qualified could be losing out on a spot to play at the world championships. But then again that’s the nature of the beast and the type of thing that breeds a competitive atmosphere.
How do you feel about the fact that Team Canada hardly gets to play in front of hometown fans, whereas the US and other participating countries have more of an opportunity either with exhibition games, tournaments or global events (FIBA, WC, Olympics)
It’s unfortunate that we’re unable to get much exposure but I think with further success and a developing program it’ll get better. I had more than enough people say to me “We have a national basketball team?” The fact that our game was televised on the score this year is a good step in building some interest throughout the country and maybe getting some funding or tournaments at home.
At what stage in your career did you / have you had the most fun playing the game? Kits, Pitt, National Team, Pro? Why?
Every stage of my career has had its moments for sure. Winning the provincials and thinking we were the hottest thing in school was great. The entire college experience, despite its ups and downs, was something out of a movie. It’s a truly unique experience that was full of fun. Other than a few big wins with the national team, the friendships and times traveling/hanging out etc… is one of the reasons I come back every summer.
Kendall denying Melo's finish @ 2008 State Farm Challenge. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Continuing along the basketball road, what are your future professional goals? Are you planning on staying overseas, NBDL, NBA?
Well the NBA is always something I strive for. I feel like I could compete at that level given the opportunity. I still need to improve and continue to get better but I think it’s attainable. Moving up the ranks in the European leagues is always a constant goal of mine. To be competing at the Euro league level and on one of the top teams is something I hope to achieve soon.
You have been playing overseas for three years now, why do you think that the European Leagues have the ability to succeed, whereas until now with the two IBL teams (Vancouver and Edmonton) Canadian leagues have struggled or been nonexistent.
Well the most obvious factor is money. If there was the type of financial support there is in Europe a Canadian league might stand a chance. With that support comes better players and better basketball. Another thing the leagues have going for them over here is the club system. Kids are raised playing sports for a particular club and grow up to be supporters of those clubs. Therefore there is a larger sense of pride and support for the teams over here.
Did the Vancouver Titans approach you about playing for them in the IBL?
I was approached by the Titans. Although I opted to take some time off since it was the first opportunity I’ve had to take more than three weeks off in the past seven or so years.
Based on your response, combining the well deserved and needed rest and your commitment to Team Canada, it appears that there will be very little chance to see you in a Titans uniform next season let alone as part of the summer tournament scene in Vancouver (Dolphin Basketball Classic, Kits fest and Hoop fest). While I am sure it is an out of this world opportunity to play for the national team, has there ever been a moment in which you wanted to kick back and take in some of these events?
I would definitely like to be a part of some of the local summer events. Vancouver is such a special place (particularly in the summer) and to enjoy those great environments and atmosphere’s while playing ball would be a blast. Then again playing in the world championships isn’t a bad alternative.
You have been rumoured to enjoy some of the “extreme sports” in the offseason (mountain biking, cliff diving, white water rafting etc). How have your coaches at any of the levels you have played at felt about this? We certainly wouldn’t want to group you with Vlad Radmanovic and Monta Ellis!
I got a funny story from my first year overseas. I spent about three months riding the pine and in the dog house for reasons I couldn’t figure out. I was playing great in practice and dominating but not getting any court time. My agent was relaying word that the management wasn’t happy because they thought I didn’t care enough about basketball and that I had too many other interests. I wasn’t focused enough and was happy playing the piano or going to the beach etc… At the end of the season the guy playing ahead of me was hurt so I played the last few games of the season. Our team achieved our goal of finishing 3rd in the playoffs and I happened to be at the top of the leader board in evaluation among all the players in the playoffs. And guess what, the management attributed my success and ability to bounce back after not playing for so long. My diversified interest in life and the fact that I wasn’t too caught up in the bs… go figure.
I tend not to worry too much about how the coaches react. If it has a negative effect on my playing or practicing they can let me know. I have been a little more careful with my escapades then when I was younger but life is here to be lived! Same goes for my ‘radical’ hair cuts that often get a comment or two from the coaching staff. If it affects my jumper I’ll cut it off ha-ha.
