Luke Kennard

Luke Kennard is an American professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in Franklin, Ohio on June 24, 1996, he attended Franklin High School where he was a 4-time All-Ohio selection and Mr. Basketball of Ohio in 2014. He also won Gatorade Player of the Year honors for Ohio during his senior season.

Kennard committed to Duke University where he played college basketball alongside future NBA players Brandon Ingram and Jayson Tatum. As a freshman starting all 34 games, Kennard averaged 11 points per game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range and 68 percent from inside the arc, as well as earning ACC Sixth Man of the Year accolades. During his sophomore year at Duke, Kennard saw an increase in production across all categories as led team with 19.5 points per game while shooting 44% from three-point range en route to winning First Team All-ACC honors.

In 2017 at the conclusion of his sophomore season at Duke University, Kennard declared for the draft and was selected by Detroit Pistons with 12th overall pick in 2017 NBA Draft becoming then first two-time All-ACC honoree selected by franchise since Dave Bing 1969 draft class . In 2019–20 season under coach Dwane Casey’s leadership Luke burst onto scene averaging career high 15 ppg on 40/37/85 splits over 64 games before injury cut short his stellar campaign helping lead multiple comebacks wins and ultimately taking sixth spot Eastern Conference standings that year .

During 2020 off season due to pandemic resulted numerous changes within organization including hiring new coach Troy Weaver among other front office moves which created opportunity for increased role upcoming season., Kennard signed four year $64 million contract extension prior start 2021 campaign now serving primary backup point guard behind Derrick Rose backed up rookie Saben Lee Despite limited touches through first month 2021 , Luke has managed average 9 ppg on 39/40/80 splits over 28 minutes per game continuing prove worthiness investment made despite lack ideal playing time .

Now entering eighth professional campaign Luke ready take next step development after stints overseas representing USA Team World Cup qualifying tournaments summer 2018 yet again being invited participate training camp part preparation Tokyo Olympics if event not postponed due current Covid climate . Regardless outcome this upcoming Olympic cycle one thing certain will continue compete honorful manner remaining true true character displayed throughout career until date firmly establishing himself formidable presence within league today only further cementing legacy created thus far both Detroit Michigan National level alike going forward into foreseeable future