“It’s been going really, really well,” Kennard said Tuesday morning in a phone interview from Durham, N.C. “We’ve been practicing for over a month now, so I’m really getting into the system and the style of play and how I can fit in. Our upperclassmen have done a great job being leaders. They’ve taught me a lot.”
The 6-foot-5 freshman shooting guard has made an immediate impact for the defending national champions.
Kennard totaled 39 points in exhibition routs of Florida Southern and Livingstone, and his 19.5 average trailed only freshman swingman Brandon Ingram (20.0).
“I think the summer helped out a lot with just kind of learning my way around and bringing it onto the court,” Kennard said. “I feel very comfortable now with all the guys and how they play the game.”
He’s made a connection with the Duke fanbase and loves playing in front of the Cameron Crazies, the Blue Devils’ student section. The “Luuuuuke” chant has already started.
“It’s a different experience (playing here),” Kennard said. “It’s pretty neat. I’m just kind of taking it all in.”
Kennard started the second exhibition against Livingstone last week and responded with 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists. He was 6 of 11 from 3-point range.
“I was shooting it all right,” Kennard said with a laugh. “It was a good game. It was fun.”
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski made it clear after the game that he has no problem with Kennard letting it fly from long range.
“He should have had more. I thought he passed up about three,” Krzyzewski said. “If they are there, he can shoot. We have always let shooters shoot. Sometimes we have let guys who are not good shooters shoot. He is a good shooter, a really good one. He can shoot it whenever he wants and his teammates will feel good about it.
“I thought he was a little bit nervous at the start of the first game, and as that game progressed, he was better. That is why I like playing the exhibition games and not scrimmaging. There is something about playing in front of a crowd, no matter what, and putting your uniform on. You have got to get accustomed to that.”
Kennard got the start in place of junior guard Matt Jones, who was out with a groin injury. Jones has returned to practice and figures to be ready for Siena, so Kennard may be coming off the bench.
“Whatever coach wants to do. We trust his process,” Kennard said. “If I’m coming off the bench, they’ll look to me to be a playmaker. Score the ball, rebound, be a good teammate, get other people open, knock down the shots. Whatever my role is, that’s what I’m willing to do.”
He said teammates like Jones and sophomore guard Grayson Allen have helped him on and off the court. “Going up against those guys in practice really makes me better,” Kennard said.
The bar is always set at sky level by Duke’s basketball program, which has five national titles, and Kennard is fine with all the attention and pressure that comes with that.
He’ll have strong family support for the Siena game and had to maneuver to get a few extra tickets.
Kennard remains in contact with Franklin coach Brian Bales and said he still thinks about his Wildcat playing days.
“Oh my goodness, it seems like yesterday,” Kennard said. “Coach Bales is keeping me updated on Franklin, and I talk to quite a few people from back home. But I’m having fun here. The coaches are great, my teammates are great, and we’ve got a great supporting group of people. It’s all been good so far.”
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