Forever a Blue Devil at Heart”: NBA Star Luke Kennard Pays Tribute to His Alma Mater by Building a Replica of Duke’s Iconic Coach K Court Inside His Home
In a sport where careers often move at lightning speed—from college campuses to NBA arenas to global fame—some athletes never forget their roots. For Luke Kennard, the sharp-shooting lefty from Franklin, Ohio, those roots run deep in the hardwood of Cameron Indoor Stadium. And now, years after trading in his college jersey for the bright lights of the NBA, Kennard has brought a piece of Duke University home—literally.
The NBA veteran and Duke Blue Devils alum recently unveiled an extraordinary tribute to his alma mater: a custom-built indoor basketball court inside his home, meticulously designed to mirror Duke’s legendary Coach K Court. From the blue-and-white color scheme to the signature floor paint and detailing, the space is more than a practice area—it’s a monument to where his basketball journey truly took shape.
“Duke gave me everything,” Kennard said in a recent interview. “The memories, the growth, the people—it shaped who I am today, on and off the court. This court is a reminder of that chapter. It’s where my story began.”
Kennard played under Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, better known as Coach K, from 2015 to 2017. During his two seasons in Durham, Kennard quickly became one of the nation’s most reliable perimeter scorers. He averaged 19.5 points per game in his sophomore season, earning All-American honors and helping lead the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship.
That success paved the way for his selection as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. Since then, Kennard has carved out a solid professional career, playing for multiple teams and becoming one of the league’s most consistent three-point threats. But through it all—travel, trades, and the demands of the NBA—he’s carried Duke with him.
Now, with this personal homage, he’s etched that connection into the walls of his own home.
A Court That Feels Like Home
According to sources close to Kennard, the idea to build the Coach K-inspired court began as a passion project during the offseason. What started as a basic training facility evolved into something much more meaningful.
Working with custom court designers and Duke’s athletic branding consultants, Kennard oversaw every detail—from the “DUKE” lettering across the baseline to the replica midcourt logo and polished wood grain mimicking Cameron Indoor’s floor.
The court even features tributes to his own time at Duke, including framed jerseys, locker replicas, and a digital screen cycling through highlight reels of his college career.
“It’s surreal walking into it,” Kennard admitted. “Every time I step onto this court, I’m reminded of the grind, the discipline, the teammates who became brothers, and the coach who believed in me. I’ll always be a Blue Devil at heart.”
Coach K Responds
News of the tribute eventually made its way to Coach Mike Krzyzewski himself, who responded with pride and admiration.
“Luke was one of the most disciplined, team-first players I ever coached,” Krzyzewski said in a statement. “To see him honor Duke and our program this way speaks volumes about his character and his loyalty. It’s a beautiful gesture—and I’m honored by it.”
Fans and Former Teammates React
Duke fans across social media were quick to react, praising Kennard for his humility and devotion to the school. The Blue Devil faithful flooded platforms with photos, video clips, and messages under hashtags like #DukeForLife and #CoachKCourtAtHome.
Former teammates, including Grayson Allen and Jayson Tatum, also chimed in with supportive comments, calling the project “legendary,” “inspiring,” and “the most Duke thing ever.”
More Than a Tribute
While the court may seem like a luxury, it stands as a symbol of something deeper: identity. In an era when loyalty in sports can feel fleeting, Kennard’s gesture is a powerful reminder that some players carry their college experiences far beyond the stat sheets and banners.
“You don’t have to wear the jersey every day to still represent it,” Kennard said. “This is my way of showing that Duke will always be a part of me—wherever I go, whatever I do.”
From Cameron to Kennard’s Court, the spirit of Duke Basketball lives on—not just in arenas, but in the hearts of
those who never stop representing it.
