“I’ve been so anxious and ready to get it over with officially,” Kennard said. “It’s very special to me. Not just me, but my family and this entire community.
“Being able to play for the best coach in the entire world and one of the best basketball programs in the entire nation, I’m proud to say that. I’m excited and can’t wait for that opportunity.”
His parents (Mark and Jennifer) and sister (Lauren) took center stage with him, and Kennard had plenty of thanks to deliver when he addressed the crowd.
The 6-foot-6 guard and reigning Ohio Mr. Basketball verbally committed to Duke and coach Mike Krzyzewski in March.
Kennard chose to give up football this fall, even after an All-Ohio season at quarterback as a junior. He said it was difficult, but something he needed to do.
“I missed it, especially that first Friday night,” Kennard said. “I think it was just the best choice for me. I was in the student section, front row, cheering my butt off. I had a great time doing that.”
Franklin coach Brian Bales beamed like a proud father during Wednesday’s signing ceremony.
“Oh man, what a special night for Luke, his family and our community,” Bales said. “He’s very content about his decision. I think when he was (at Duke) during the North Carolina game, when we left there, I told my wife, ‘This is where he wants to go.’ I could just feel it.”
Mark Kennard was responsible for getting his son’s letter of intent to Duke after it was signed. The elder Kennard spoke to Krzyzewski earlier in the day.
“I can’t say enough about Coach K,” Mark Kennard said. “I truly believe that he is a sincere person and he means this from his heart — he was so excited.”
Krzyzewski made the following statement in a release on the Duke website:
“I like everything about Luke Kennard. I like him as a young man, love his family, love his town. There’s not a thing I don’t like about him, and then he’s a great player. He defies one position because he can handle it and be a point guard. He can play the wing. He’s a natural athlete and competitor. Although he scores a lot, he’s an amazing passer, and he’s an easy guy to play with. I’m not sure most people would say that a 40-point a game scorer would be easy to play with, but he is.”
Mark Kennard said he’ll miss taking his son to the gym next summer. Luke said he’ll likely start classes at Duke in June.
“That’s going to be rough because I’ve been taking him to the gym since he was probably 2 or 3 years old,” Mark said. “I’m proud of Luke. He’s a great young man. He’s worked hard, and the good Lord’s blessed with him with talent. I love him more than anything.”
The 18-year-old Kennard said his father “got me hooked on the sport” and was instrumental in helping the southpaw develop his right hand through the years.
Luke was asked about Krzyzewski’s expectations for him when he hits the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
“He said I could play the 1, 2 or 3, but I’d say probably the 2 or 3,” said Kennard, noting that he’s undecided on a major. “Being a playmaker, creating for other teammates and myself, a hard worker on the floor … that’s all he wants from his guys. I think I can do that. I’m ready to work and be pushed.”
His Franklin teammates were in attendance Wednesday, including classmate and lifelong friend Evan Crowe.
“I’m just happy to see my best friend get it done,” Crowe said. “All his hard work has paid off. It’s a good day for him.”
Crowe made a recent commitment himself. He’s headed for Taylor University in Upland, Ind., where he’ll play for former Middletown coach Josh Andrews.
“I like him a lot,” Crowe said. “I spent a lot of time with the guys that are going to be my teammates. They were just people like me and have the same values. It was something I was very intrigued by.”
Kennard and Crowe are the top returnees for an FHS squad that went 20-4 last season. The Wildcats have four starters back and are hoping to break through the rugged Division II sectional and make a run at a state title.
“That’s my ultimate goal,” said Kennard, who averaged 40 points, 10.3 rebounds, four assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocked shots per game last season. “We have to come out with the attitude like we’re going to go all the way.”
Added Crowe, “I really hope we can have a special year. We’ve been hashtagging on Twitter RTS — Road To State. We’ve been putting all this work in. We need to get past that sectional.”
Bales said the Wildcats, who don’t open the season until Dec. 9 against visiting Talawanda, are working hard in practice.
He’s anticipating a sellout for every Franklin home game this season. The ticket situation is a little tricky and falls within his duties as athletic director.
The Wildcats’ marquee events this year will be the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Flyin’ to the Hoop in Kettering.
“We’ve got a chance to do something special and stay humble and stay hungry,” Bales said. “This doesn’t come around often. I want it to go slow. We’re going to do some neat things with this group. We’re going to do some things away from the gym. Not only are these seniors pretty good players, they’re special kids.”
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