KENNEDY READY TO STEP IN & STEP UP
After sitting out an entire season, Keonte Kennedy is ready to suit up in a UTEP uniform and help lead the Miners into the 2020-21 season. Kennedy, a transfer from Xavier, is more than excited to step onto the hardwood again and begin his career as a UTEP Miner. “I can’t wait. I have a different pep in my step,” Kennedy said. “It’s been over a year since I played, so I’m really excited to get back on the court with my new teammates and form new bonds. Coach O (Arturo Ormond) mentioned that in the first weeks he saw a new pep in my step. I’m ready for the season to start.” The 6-5 guard played his high school ball at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. After a season playing at Xavier in 201819, Kennedy decided to make a change and return to the Lone Star State to don the Orange and Blue. He chose UTEP for a spe-
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cific reason as the player-coach relationship is important to him. “Coach [Rodney] Terry was why I chose UTEP,” Kennedy said. “He’s a good friend of my high school coach, so I already had a relationship with him. It made my transition easier going through the transfer situation.” Kennedy wanted to jump on the Terry train, knowing that coach will push him to be a better basketball player and all-around person. “No matter what, he’s going to push me just like he pushes everyone else,” Kennedy said. “He wants us to be the best players and people we can be. I know how much determination he has. It’s a passion for him, as well as for me.” Men’s basketball student-athletes who transfer from Division I school to another have to sit out the following season per NCAA rules. It’s a difficult deci-
sion for these student-athletes to make, knowing that they’ll have to sit out, but understanding it’s a small price to pay to play in a desired program. Kennedy made the best of the situation and explained the advantages of redshirting. “Redshirting is beneficial, especially if you use it the right way,” Kennedy said. “I spent a lot of time in the weight room to get bigger and stronger. I had a full year to learn the playbook, and adjusting to a whole new system. Sitting out is a good thing if you take the right steps like watching a lot of film. It helps if you want to be great.” Kennedy took full advantage during his redshirt season. “I worked on getting stronger in the weight room and being more comfortable with the ball in my hands,” he said. “I want to be a true combo guard and get us into our sets. Coming off ball screens and making shots are two of my biggest areas of emphasis.” @UTEP @UTEPATHLETICS ATHLETICS
