Illinois State’s Kendall Lewis

Back for a Big Run

(St. Louis, MO) – Illinois State’s Kendall Lewis is a multi-dimensional, ball-hawking forward for the greatly improved Redbirds roster. The 6’7 forward is the ringleader of coach Ryan Pedon’s retooled, second-year squad.

Pedon has added four Division 1 transfers and has a solid hall of freshmen talent, but Lewis and his other returning veterans form the cornerstone of this now competitive Missouri Valley Conference team.

Lewis’ 2022-23 season was unique and productive. The Georgia native was the league’s third best rebounder (7.3 per game), averaged 10.9 points and was one of just 17 players to accumulate at least 46 steals, 45 assists and 24 blocks. Lewis is a great defender who can defend multiple positions, and his energy and passion are a spark of life for this veteran squad.

While Pedon has recruited four talented freshmen, he has gone all in on the vets. Lewis is one of nine Redbirds that are either seniors or graduate students. He and fellow returning seniors Darius Burford, Malachi Poindexter and Luke Kasubke accounted for forty points per game and each averaged at least 27 minutes per game.

Lewis says that core group is very confident about this year’s team and they are focused providing leadership to the eight new Redbirds.

Valley watchers know of Lewis’ defensive and rebounding prowess. The Appalachian State transfer says defense and rebounding are as much about attitude as ability.

While Lewis was recruited by previous coach Dan Muller, he was greatly impressed by Pedon and last season decided to stay in Bloomington-Normal. He appreciated Pedon’s loyalty to him and even during last season’s ‘portal pandemic’ he’s glad he stuck around. Lewis appreciates how Pedon listens to his players and is a ‘solutions-based’ leader.

Redbird Remake

Illinois State’s Kendall Lewis is greatly impressed by the incoming transfers. D1 transfers Brandon Lieb (Illinois), Myles Foster (Monmouth), Jordan Davis (Wisconsin) and Dalton Banks (Southern Illinois) have extensive collegiate experience.

Lewis says Foster and Davis each bring outstanding defense and Foster averaged over 12.5 points and 6.6 rebounds at Monmouth. Davis and Lieb bring Big Ten Conference experience and are adding some toughness to the Redbird rotation. Dalton’s career has been hindered by injuries, but the 6’2 guard knows what it takes to succeed during Valley play.

Lewis likes what each of the players bring to this year’s squad.

The 7’1 Lieb provides a unique piece to the team. Lewis says all the newcomers have acclimated well and coach Pedon will utilize each of their unique skills in various personell combinations.

The Freshmen

Ty Pence is a top-200 recruit from St. Joe-Ogden High School who scored over 2,200 prep points and Johnny Kinziger is a three-time Wisconsin all-stater and last year’s ‘Co-Mr. Basketball’. Kiniziger tallied over 2,100 high school points. 6’9 freshman Chase Walker is one of the top high school players coming out of Ohio.

Illinois State’s Kendall Lewis believes his team will be much improved. His confidence in both his old and new teammates is evident in each of his answers. ILS won just six MVC games last season, so there is plenty of room for improvement.

It is often said that teams have to be ‘old’ to enjoy Missouri Valley Conference success. Lewis is one of eight seniors on this year’s squad and all eight are D1 veterans.

During our entire YouTube conversation Lewis speaks to his original reasons to attend Illinois State, NIL opportunities at ILS and why he expects to be the team rebounding leader. You can also hear our conversation at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.

Do Good

 

Editor: Cover photo courtesy of goredbirds.com.