Dendy was an All-American college player at Middle Tennessee State University before beginning his professional career in 2012.

Dendy, a 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) power forward and center from Greenville, South Carolina, originally committed to Clemson.

He then went to Iowa State for the 2009–10 season, where he averaged 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in a reserve role.

He had a strong year, averaging 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game and leading the Blue Raiders to the Sun Belt Conference regular season title.

He was rewarded with the Sun Belt Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year and an Associated Press honorable mention All-American designation.