(stats acquired from Statsheet.com. Photos courtesy of Red Storm Sports. All stats are as of February 10th.)
David J. "DJ" Kennedy is a significantly improved player from last year. In conference play his freshman season, he simply stopped shooting. And when he did shoot from outside, the shots didn't fall. He got to the free throw line and was only okay at 64.6%; he concentrated on rebounding on both ends where he excelled.
This year, D.J. Kennedy has his aggression out on display, looking for his shot and getting fouled on drives. His free-throw shooting in conference has been very good; his 77% is the best on the team (followed by Quincy Roberts). He is a willing defender, gets in the passing lanes for steals and playing iron man minutes.
Additionally, he has been an excellent passer on the drive, dishing out 3.6 assists per game while not playing the point guard. He brings the ball up at times, but is not tasked with making plays from the perimeter.
Perhaps DJ is overshooting, though; his jump shot is inconsistent, his overall field goal percentage is poor, even with his 38.5% 3-point shooting (which is an improvement from his season numbers). His forays to the line and not-bad turnover rate keep his offensive efficiency numbers solid, even if he could make his jumper crisper.
Drawbacks aside, dude is just a baller. But "baller" is the wrong word, connoting something playground and above-the-rim; his game is hustle, grit, and smart play, I daresay more mythically "Indiana" than "Harlem". However you define DJ Kennedy, he is the do-it-all player and a joy to watch.
Below are tables with Kennedy's conference numbers from this year and his freshman year. To better understand the individual tempo-free statistics mean, read here and a glossary of terms here.
See the full half-season spreadsheet here for all players.
Tempo-free Statistics, Conference Games only
DJ Kennedy
|
||
2007-08
|
2008-09
|
|
STAT |
Value
|
Value
|
Minute Pct |
61.1
|
90.6
|
Floor Pct |
49.0
|
52.7
|
Offensive Rating |
94.9
|
106.2
|
Shot Pct |
14.3
|
19.0
|
Effective FG Pct |
45.2
|
43.6
|
True Shooting Pct |
50.0
|
53.2
|
Free Throw Rate |
57.1
|
71.8
|
2pt FG Point Pct |
59.8
|
40.8
|
3pt FG Point Pct |
11.2
|
20.4
|
FT Point Pct |
28.9
|
38.7
|
Off Reb Pct |
8.3
|
3.1
|
Def Reb Pct |
16.4
|
17.5
|
Assist Pct |
9.3
|
21.6
|
Steal Pct |
2.7
|
2.5
|
Turnover Pct |
21.3
|
19.0
|
Block Pct |
0.7
|
1.2
|
Per-Game Statistics, Conference Games only
DJ Kennedy
|
||
2007-08
|
2008-09
|
|
STAT |
Value
|
Value
|
Games Played |
18
|
11
|
Games Started |
17
|
11
|
Min Per Game |
24.6
|
36.3
|
FG Pct |
42.9
|
38.8
|
3pt FG Pct |
20.0
|
38.5
|
FT Pct |
64.6
|
77.0
|
Pts Per Game |
5.9
|
13.4
|
Reb Per Game |
4.9
|
6.5
|
Off Rebs Per Game |
1.8
|
1.0
|
Def Rebs Per Game |
3.1
|
5.5
|
Assists Per Game |
1.0
|
3.6
|
Steals Per Game |
1.1
|
1.5
|
TO Per Game |
1.4
|
2.5
|
A/T Ratio |
0.7
|
1.5
|
Blocks Per Game |
0.2
|
0.5
|
Fouls Per Game |
1.6
|
2.0
|
Foul Outs |
0
|
0
|