Cool Honor for Former Duke Basketball Guard Luke Kennard

There will soon be a "Luke Kennard Court" in Ohio to pay tribute to the Duke basketball product and seventh-year NBA sharpshooter.

Matt Giles | Mar 1, 2024

Photo credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Duke Blue Devils

Two-year Duke basketball bucket-getter Luke Kennard's Franklin High (Ohio) is moving, set to dedicate its new home on Saturday afternoon before classes begin there on Monday. And "Luke Kennard Court" will be the name of the floor in the new gym, as the Franklin Board of Education approved that honor this week.

Dayton Daily News' Ed Richter outlined the generous contributions of Kennard to his old stomping grounds:

"[Superintendent Michael Sander] said the board wanted to recognize Kennard for what he continues to do for the Franklin schools behind the scenes and being a good role model for students and the community.

"Other things that Kennard continues to do for the community is supplying the Franklin boys and girls basketball teams with shoes and backpacks and hosting a youth basketball camp each summer with all the proceeds going to the camp.

"Kennard and his family have donated $20,000 for the weight room at the new high school as well as $50,000 for the new scoreboards for the new gym."

Luke Kennard, the 2017 ACC Tournament MVP, was a five-star prospect at Franklin and one of three McDonald's All-Americans in the 2016 Duke basketball recruiting class, alongside Brandon Ingram and Chase Jeter.

"Cool Hand Luke" is one of only five Blue Devils this century to reach 1,000 career points as a sophomore, recently joined on that list by current sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski.

After finishing with the NBA's highest 3-point percentage in each of the past two seasons, the 27-year-old Kennard, a late lottery pick in 2017, is now averaging 10.7 points while shooting 44.8 percent from three (fifth in the league) in his second year with the Memphis Grizzlies.

List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more updates on NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.

Published Mar 1, 2024

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.