Meet the Mural Player: Sophomore Kendrick Abraham opens up about this season

You’ve probably seen Kendrick Abraham before. Maybe not in person, but his likeness is portrayed catching a basketball as part of the mural on the side of the activity center on Linn-Benton’s Albany Campus. Abraham is one of the captains of Linn-Benton’s basketball team where he plays shooting guard.

“Kenny creates a tough match-up to guard because of his ability to shoot the three and get to the rim in transition,” said Head Coach Everett Hartman.

Abraham is originally from Eugene, Ore. where he attended Churchill High School and played soccer, and track as well. Abraham said he chose LBCC as they were one of the only teams interested in him. He has, however, taken advantage of other teams passing up on him. Abraham is currently averaging a team-high: 14.6 points to go along with 2.3 assists.

“Since I’m a sophomore I’m supposed to be a leader out there,” said Abraham. “Show the freshman how to prepare and play out there.”

The team as a whole has gotten off to a somewhat slow start, sitting at a league record of 1-4. Their record, however, has not discouraged Abraham.

“Right now we’re still trying to figure things out, but I feel like we can be pretty good,” said Abraham. “I’m trying to contribute as much as possible and be a leader out there and do my best.”

One of the most overlooked part of being a collegiate athlete is the student aspect. Abraham’s major currently is elementary education.

“I think it would be cool to guide future generations even if it’s a small role,” he said.

Abraham plans on continuing his basketball career and transferring to a university after this year but hasn’t quite decided on where yet. He says his favorite part of LBCC is that even though it’s small, he’s still made great friends that will go on past his time here, including on the team itself.

“My favorite part of the team so far is my teammates,” said Abraham. “It’s a cool group of guys and we all get along; it makes basketball more enjoyable.”

The team will host Lane Community College on Jan. 25 at 7:30 pm. The Roadrunners will look to get back on track after last week’s skid following a successful league opener.

“I feel like we can improve on just playing a complete game and finishing at the end of the game,” said Abraham.

Story by Nick Fields

Interview by Josh Knight

Photo by Elliot Pond