By Laura Amato
DJ Kennedy will be the first to admit his head is spinning just a bit.
The former St. John’s basketball star agreed to a deal with the Denver Nuggets Aug. 16, just a few weeks after leading his squad, Overseas Elite, to a second straight championship in The Basketball Tournament.
It’s been a lot to take in, but Kennedy is doing his best to stay focused. He also can’t wipe the smile off his face.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Kennedy said. “It’s just been one crazy journey. You never know what can happen. I’m just in shock and I’m stunned, but I’m excited. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.”
Kennedy—who played four years with the Red Storm before having his senior season cut short by a torn ACL—has a few games of NBA experience under his belt already, having played two late-season games for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012.
He played in the NBA D-League for the Erie Bayhawks and the Rio Grande Vipers—where he won a D-League championship in 2013—and most recently saw training camp action with Dallas in 2013.
He’ll have to prove himself at camp to earn a spot on the Nuggets’ roster, but Kennedy is confident he can do just that.
“I want to get into the NBA,” he said. “Of course, that’s everybody’s dream, but I have a perfect opportunity here. That’s really my next goal, is really just showing the NBA that I’m that type of level guy.”
Kennedy’s road back to NBA opportunities has been a long one, with a jam-packed passport and appearances in several international leagues. He last played in Russia for Siberian team Enisey Krasnoyarsk (2015-16) after stints in Germany, France and Israel.
It’s been an exhausting schedule, but one that Kennedy is thankful for. It also drew interest from NBA scouts, who have kept in contact with the former Red Storm star for years.
“It’s been a long time coming really,” Kennedy said. “They’ve been keeping an eye on me, seeing how I’m doing and teams have seen me each year get better. You’ve just got to be patient. Sometimes it’s a waiting game and you can’t get too down on yourself, just keep working and focus on things that you can control. That’s really been my approach throughout the whole process.”
Kennedy’s game has never lacked confidence—no matter what country he’s playing in—but his recent run of success in The Basketball Tournament was enough to add a whole new dimension to his on-court approach. He knows the next few weeks won’t be easy, but Kennedy has never been one to back down from a challenge.
In fact, he’s embraced them.
After Kennedy got hurt—just ahead of the NCAA Tournament in 2011—the St. John’s athletic community rallied around him with a “Do It for DJ” hashtag. He’s never forgotten that support and he’s battled back for every opportunity since, but now, with the NBA so close, Kennedy isn’t resting on anyone else’s encouragement.
He’s doing it for himself.
“I’ve always been the underdog and there’s going to continue to be a chip on my shoulder,” Kennedy said. “I’m just going to go out there and show people what I’m capable of.”
