What does it really take to make it to the NBA? Talent? Sure. Work ethic? Absolutely. But often, behind every rising star is a tight-knit circle of people who laid the foundation, made the sacrifices, and stayed the course when things got tough. In Luke Kennard’s case, that foundation starts with his parents, Mark and Jennifer Kennard, the duo who didn’t just raise a pro athlete but molded a well-rounded human being.
It’s easy to watch Luke drain threes with a shooter’s grace and assume it was all smooth sailing. But zoom out of the highlight reels and into small-town Ohio, and you’ll find a story that’s deeply rooted in family, basketball, faith, and a relentless belief in doing things the right way.
So who exactly are Mark and Jennifer Kennard? How did their values, sacrifices, and support shape the Memphis Grizzlies’ guard into the player and person he is today? Let’s rewind the tape.
Who are Luke Kennard’s Parents?
Before Luke was catching lobs or cashing in on NBA paychecks, he was just a kid in Franklin, Ohio, with a ball in his hand and a hoop in his backyard. His dad, Mark Kennard, knew a thing or two about the game. He played college basketball at Georgetown College in Kentucky. That early exposure to hoops wasn’t accidental.
“He started taking Luke to the gymnasium when he was three,” a family friend told Journal-News. “They were a team, this father and son.” This wasn’t a stage-parent kind of thing. Mark didn’t push. He guided. There were no cameras or forced drills, just a dad and his kid, putting in reps and enjoying the process.
Jennifer Kennard, his mother, meanwhile, played an equally crucial role. While Mark handled the Xs and Os, Jennifer kept everything else together. She took care to ensure homework was done, dinner was served, and emotions were managed. But don’t let that fool you—she was all in, too.
“It became who we were as a family,” she told The Daily Memphian. “And we loved it, but it required a lot of us all to make it happen.”
Luke Kennard’s High School & College
By the time Luke Kennard reached Franklin High School, his name was already buzzing in Ohio basketball circles. He earned back-to-back Ohio Mr. Basketball titles, finished as one of the top high school scorers in state history, and racked up multiple scholarship offers.
But his parents were never blinded by hype. Mark told Eagle View News, “Luke feels he has been blessed, so he always wants to give back to the community and school. He’s donated to the weight room, scoreboards, equipment—you name it.”
And the community gave back too. In 2023, Franklin High School dedicated its new gymnasium to Luke. That kind of full-circle moment doesn’t happen without deep community roots—and parents who made sure those roots stayed firm.
After a stellar high school career, Luke took his talents to Duke University, one of the most storied programs in college basketball. Again, it was a joint family decision—never just Luke going solo. When it came time to declare for the NBA Draft in 2017, the Kennards didn’t rush. They prayed, talked, and weighed the pros and cons. It was very much a family call.
“I remember when he was a little toddler, that’s what he wanted to do,” Mark said in an interview with WLWT News 5. “He wanted to play college ball, then he wanted to go play in the NBA. So that’s what he’s doing.”
The decision paid off. The Detroit Pistons drafted Luke 12th overall. He’s since played for the Clippers and now the Grizzlies, known for his smooth jumper and calm demeanor on the court.
The Values Behind the Jumper
Even as the lights have gotten brighter, Luke Kennard hasn’t lost his grounding, and that’s a credit to Mark and Jennifer. What exactly did they instill in him?
Faith. The Kennards are a deeply religious family. Mark once said they raised Luke to keep his “faith and humility in check, no matter how big the stage.” Discipline. Even at Duke, people praised Luke’s work ethic. “Luke is one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever coached,” said Coach K during his college career. And then, gratitude. Whether it’s signing autographs or donating to his high school, Luke constantly shows up for others, and that generosity is something he saw at home.
What’s refreshing about the Kennards is that they’ve never tried to be in the spotlight. There are no viral interviews or dramatic headlines. They’re the kind of parents who show up early, sit quietly in the stands, and celebrate privately. They’ve said no to business deals that didn’t align with their values.
They’ve kept Luke’s circle tight. And most importantly, they’ve always reminded him who he is outside of basketball. That’s probably why he plays the way he does. Calm, calculated, and always within himself. In an era where NBA families sometimes become brands themselves, the Kennards have taken a different path. They’ve stayed behind the scenes, let their son shine, and led with humility.
The result? A player who’s respected not just for his jump shot but for his character. And honestly, isn’t that the real win?
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