A Season of Firsts
Kevair Kennedy etched his name into conference lore by becoming the inaugural MAAC athlete to collect both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors within the same campaign. The unanimous selections underscored his immediate impact and the respect he garnered from coaches and peers alike.
During the 2025‑26 campaign he spearheaded the Warriors in scoring and playmaking, averaging 18.4 points and 4.2 assists per game while dishing out a total of 143 assists. His 627 points and 152 made free‑throw attempts placed him at the top of the league, and he logged a perfect 100‑percent free‑throw performance in a single game with 16 attempts.
Kennedy’s consistency was evident as he reached double‑digit scoring in 33 of 34 contests, including 16 outings with more than 20 points. A standout performance came against Siena, where he posted a season‑high 32 points in overtime and went flawless from the line.
The Philadelphia native’s achievements also earned him NABC All‑North Atlantic District first‑team recognition and a spot on the All‑MAAC first‑team. His blend of scoring, rebounding, and facilitation — highlighted by a 16‑point, 11‑rebound, eight‑assist line against Boston — illustrated a rare all‑around skill set for a rookie.
A New Chapter with the Demon Deacons
Following the conclusion of his historic season, Kennedy signed with Wake Forest, joining a program steeped in tradition and ambition. Head coach Steve Forbes, who has guided the Demon Deacons through a resurgence, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Kennedy’s dynamic talents into the team’s offensive scheme.
Forbes emphasized that Kennedy’s arrival aligns with the university’s vision of competing at the highest level in the ACC. The coaching staff sees an opportunity to blend the newcomer’s playmaking prowess with the existing roster, aiming to elevate the program’s competitiveness in the upcoming season.
The signing also marks a symbolic transfer of talent from Merrimack College, where Kennedy previously honed his craft, to a powerhouse ACC program. This move not only promises exciting basketball for fans but also signals a strategic push by Wake Forest to recruit elite, award‑winning talent.