KENNARD ON THE COURT
Kennard's offensive game is multidimensional, as he can do everything from shooting the 3 to slamming home dunks.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
While
Kennard says his list of basketball offers is narrowed to about 10
schools, his father said this week his son’s college recruiting on whether the
future is football or basketball is "still totally up in the air." But,
Mark added, "I think he favors basketball."
Bales said Kennard
wants No. 1 a good education and No. 2 a good fit into that particular
college program regarding their 2014 and 2015 classes. He also wants to
feel comfortable with the coaching staff. Bales said Kennard’s goal is
to play in the NBA.
Kennard
averaged 27.1 points on the floor as a sophomore last season, which
broke the school mark for single-season scoring average held by Mark, a
1981 Franklin graduate (26.6 ppg.). He also set school records with the
most points in a season (624) and most free throws made (135) – also
milestones held by his father.
Bales said it was at the Peach Jam
that North Carolina coach Roy Williams, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and
Kentucky coach John Calipari saw Kennard for the first time in person. It's where Kennard put everything together and his team made it to the final four of the tournament.
Kennard's stock rose quickly after a spectacular summer.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
"They
think he is really special," Bales said. "A lot of people are intrigued
by him. He could play the 2 or 3 and possibly the 1 in the right fit."
Kennard,
who is eight points away from 1,000 for his career, earned
MaxPreps Sophomore All-American second team honors last season. He was also the
Associated Press Division II State co-Player of the Year. His high
school career high for a single game is 43 points.
As a freshman
he led his high school team to a 20-0 regular season for the first time
in school history and averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and five
assists.
Kennard, who also participated in the LeBron James
Skills Academy in Las Vegas this summer, said he’s been working on
getting to the basket and improving his post moves. He said he was a
little surprised by the amount of attention he received this summer but
has enjoyed the experience.
"I worked very hard and I am glad I
got them," he said. "…It's very exciting talking to some of the top
college coaches in America. I have been very blessed with it."
