Meet Kendrick Perry
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 175
Year: Senior
Hometown: Ocoee, Fla.
High School: Edgewater
Position: Guard
2013-14 Season (Senior)
- Named Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year.
- Midmajormadness.com named Perry the Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year.
- Named Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year by Blue Ribbon Sports.
- Top Ten Mid-Major Point Guards to Watch in 2013-14 by MidMajorMadness.com.
- Appeared on the Cousy Award Watch List, given annually to the nation's best point guard.
2012-13 Season (Junior)
- Selected National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District First Team.
- Named First Team All-Horizon League.
- Ranked second in the Horizon League with 17.3 points per game and tied for the League lead with 1.9 steals per game.
- Scored in double figures 25 times, had 10 20-point performances and two 30-point efforts.
2011-12 Season (Sophomore)
- Named NABC All-District Second-Team.
- Named First Team All-Horizon League.
- Led the Horizon League in scoring at 16.8 points per game.
- Set a program single-season steals record with 74.
- Tied for first in the Horizon League with a 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio.
2010-11 Season (Freshman)
- Averaged 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
- Ranked fourth in the Horizon League in assists per game and second in the league with a 2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
- Shot 49.2 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range.
Youngstown State is coming off their best finish in over a decade. What are your goals for this season?
We really have one goal, and that’s to win a Horizon League Championship. Throughout the year, we’ll lay some goals that will lead us to that ultimate goal. We’re not worried about being ranked fifth [Horizon League Preseason Poll finish], our main focus is being the best we can so when February rolls around we’ll be in great shape to win.
Numerous sources have named you the Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year and you were recently named to the watch list for the Cousy Award, given annually to the nation’s best point guard. What are your initial thoughts on the accolades you've received thus far?
It’s very humbling, especially when it comes from these sources that have seen so many talented players, not only this year but in the years past.
Talk about the season you had in 2012-13, one that saw you average 17.3 points per game and tie for the League lead in assist per game.
I heard a quote that said “As long as you’re missing shots, you can always get better.” I just tailor my work ethic to that and hope to get a little better every day.
What are some things you worked on in the offseason?
I hit the weight room harder than I ever have and I’ve gained some weight and gained a lot of muscle to become physically stronger and I also worked on mental toughness as well. Being the leader that I am for the team this year, I can’t have mental breakdowns. Also, just being a leader for a good group of guys and being that voice for them.
Not only did you average 17.3 points per game last season, you were also named to the All-League Defensive Team. Do you take pride in your ability to play on both ends of the court?
I actually take more pride in my defense than my offense. At the end of the day you can score as many points as want but in order to win games, and especially to win Championships, you got to defend people so that was an honor.
If someone has never met Coach Slocum, what’s one word to describe him?
Driven. Whatever his goal his, he sets his mind to it and he wants it done his way and it’ll get done his way.
Who is the biggest jokester on the team?
The biggest jokester on the team has to be Larry Johnson, Jr. Some guys, if it’s early morning, they’ll take an hour to get going. As soon as Larry see’s the guys, he’s on, he’s always on. He doesn’t have too many off days.
What are some things you like to do in your free time?
I’m a regular college student. I have a girlfriend so I do spend time with her. I know coach would yell at me if I didn’t mention her! But I play video games, hang out with the guys. I’m trying to get into a lot more reading, I just got a good book from one of our assistant coaches that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I'm reading more basketball books dealing with mental toughness and being a leader and books that cater to those areas.
Where’s the best place in the Youngstown area to take your girlfriend out to eat?
It would have to be a place for dinner, but the thing is my girlfriend is a vegetarian. It’s kind of tough. I would say Springfield Grille or Alberini's. They have a lot of food she wouldn’t eat so I have do some research to find a place that fits what both of us like.
You’re in your final year of eligibility. Next year at this time, where is Kendrick Perry going to be?
Hopefully playing for a professional basketball team, if I’m blessed. I always said I’m going to keep playing this game until my legs literally tell me no so as far as basketball takes me I’m willing to go.
Tags: Youngstown State - Men's Basketball
