by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Kansas City Kansas Community College star Joe Lendway is taking his basketball career all the way to Alaska.
A sophomore from Lansing, Lendway has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
“They saw me in the national tournament and really liked me,” said the 6-7 power forward, who was offered a full scholarship immediately after the Blue Devils were eliminated in the national tournament in mid-March. “I’m excited. Besides receiving a full ride, I’ve wanted to live on my own. I’ve never been able to experience dorm life.”
One of the best benefits is that while he’ll be living in the nation’s coldest state, he’ll begin his career in Hawaii where the Nanooks will be taking part in an early season jamboree.
The son of Krista and Paul Hudalla, Lendway and his mother visited the Fairbanks campus which is the flagship of the Alaska school system. Founded in 1917, it has 7,562 students and is a member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
“I really liked the team and the coaches and it’s so beautiful up there,” Lendway said.
“We’re really excited about Joe joining our program,” Nanooks coach Mick Durham said. “Joe will bring a physical presence on the inside for us but has also demonstrated a pretty solid skill set as well.”
Fairbanks is coming off an outstanding 22-8 season that saw the Nanooks reach the Great Northwest championship game for the first time in history and set a record for the most conference wins in a season (15-5), a feat that earned them selection as HERO Sports’ NCAA Division II Breakout Team of the Year.
While Lendway played power forward at KCKCC, Durham said he will be moved to the post at Fairbanks.
“We lost both of our centers to graduation this spring so Joe will help fill that void for us,” Durham said. “Joe has been on three very successful teams over the last three seasons and been the main force on the inside for all those teams. He will bring a lot of competitive experience to our team next season.”
As a high school senior, Lendway helped lead Lansing to an undefeated season and the Class 5A state championship and then started every game in his two years at KCKCC, leading the Blue Devils to a 23-9 record last year and 22-13 mark this season and the Blue Devils’ first ever appearance in the NJCAA Division II national tournament.
As a freshman, Lendway finished second in scoring (13.2) and led the Blue Devils in rebounding (5.1), field goal percentage (.599) and blocked shots. A first team All-Region VI selection this season, he led the region in field goal accuracy (.583) and was fourth in rebounding (6.6) while averaging 12.9 points and 1.2 assists.
“He’s been the key to our success the last couple of years,” KCKCC coach Kelley Newton said. “One of our captains, he’s been a leader and a rock in our program. Very consistent, you knew exactly what you were going to get game in and game out. He will truly be missed and leaves big shoes to fill for whomever comes after him.”
In addition to his play on the basketball court, Lendway immersed himself in campus life at KCKCC. Vice president of the Student Senate, he took part in numerous non-athletic activities on campus all the way from serving pancakes to decorating for the holidays.
“I hope to get as involved as I was here (at KCKCC),” Lendway said.”I’ve had a great time at KCKCC. The first year I didn’t know very much but got to know everyone and really got involved in school.”
Lendway is the fifth player to sign with Alaska-Fairbanks, joining two other transfers and two freshmen.