NBA player, Franklin native Kennard expands local basketball camp: What to know

As a young boy in Franklin, Luke Kennard went to summer basketball camps.

So last year, when Kennard considered attaching his name to a youth basketball camp, he thought about holding it in North Carolina, where he played two seasons at Duke, Detroit where he plays for the Detroit Pistons or his hometown.

He chose Franklin, and on Wednesday, Kennard announced an expanded second year for his summer youth basketball camp.

The camp will be held July 19-21 at Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, and is open to boys and girls entering grades four through eight in the 2019-2020 school year. Cost is $300 and registration ends July 1.

Registration is open online.

The Luke Kennard Overnight Basketball Camp will be able to register more participants for two nights and three days of a professional basketball camp experience.

Throughout the camp, Kennard and WTNO coaches will offer tips and hands-on instruction, including lectures, fundamental basketball skills stations, contests, and games in a high-energy, fun, and positive environment, he said. Campers will be placed in small groups by age to ensure each child gets maximum instruction. The camp will be staffed by some of Southwest Ohio’s top high school basketball coaches and Premier Health athletic trainers, it was announced at the press conference.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Luke,” said Dr. Keith Bricking, president of Atrium. “Luke’s commitment to his hometown is a natural fit with Atrium’s mission of improving the health of the communities we serve.”

WTNO Director Brian Bales, who also serves as the head boys basketball coach and athletic director at Franklin High School, talked about Kennard basketball accomplishments: Two-time Ohio Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year and was named the Parade National Player of the Year his senior season; standout player for two seasons at Duke, then he was drafted by Detroit Pistons with the 12th overall pick.

Bales said: “He’s a better person than a player.”

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