Duke to the Core: How Luke Kennard Built Coach K Court in His Own Home to Honor His Blue Devil Roots
In the world of college basketball, players often come and go, swept away by the tides of fame, fortune, and the NBA Draft. But some never forget where it all began. For Luke Kennard, Duke University was more than just a stepping stone to professional basketball—it was the heartbeat of his journey. And now, in a remarkable and heartfelt tribute, the sharpshooting lefty has given Duke basketball a permanent place in his home and heart.
Kennard, a native of Franklin, Ohio, recently unveiled a stunning homage to his alma mater: a custom-built indoor basketball court designed to mirror the iconic Coach K Court at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Complete with Duke’s signature blue floor paint, pristine white borders, and the unmistakable Gothic typeface that spells out “DUKE” across the baseline, the court is more than a luxury—it’s a symbol of loyalty, legacy, and love for a program that helped shape who he is today.
For fans of college basketball, Duke is not just a school—it’s a cathedral of hoops. Under the legendary leadership of Mike Krzyzewski, affectionately known as Coach K, Duke basketball became synonymous with excellence, discipline, and an unrelenting drive to win. For Kennard, playing under Coach K was both an honor and a defining experience. During his two seasons in Durham from 2015 to 2017, Kennard quickly emerged as one of the most reliable and efficient scorers in the country. As a sophomore, he averaged 19.5 points per game, shot 43.8% from three-point range, and earned First-Team All-ACC honors. More importantly, he embodied the very ethos of what it meant to be a Blue Devil—poised under pressure, team-first in mentality, and tireless in pursuit of improvement.
When Kennard declared for the NBA Draft in 2017, many knew he was ready for the next level, but few could have anticipated just how deeply his Duke experience would continue to resonate with him. After being selected 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons, Kennard’s pro career began with the typical whirlwind of travel, training, and transitions. Yet even amid the demands of the NBA lifestyle, Duke remained close to his heart.
Over the years, Kennard has spoken openly about how much Duke meant to him—not just the basketball, but the camaraderie, the coaching, the fans, and the culture. So when he began designing his dream home, there was never a question of whether basketball would play a role in its layout. The only question was how he could make it special. The answer came in the form of a full-scale replica of the very court where his dreams began to take flight: Coach K Court.
The construction process was no small feat. Working with a team of designers, architects, and sports facility specialists, Kennard oversaw the transformation of a standard indoor gym into a Blue Devil paradise. The court features precision detailing that mirrors the aesthetics of Cameron Indoor Stadium—from the font of the lettering to the exact shade of blue used on the hardwood. Overhead, custom lighting mimics the warm glow of game nights in Durham. The sidelines even include mock-ups of Cameron’s famed student section, the Cameron Crazies, immortalized in murals that line the walls with images of cheering fans in Duke gear.
But beyond the aesthetics, what makes the court so special is its purpose. For Kennard, it’s more than just a practice space. It’s a sanctuary. A place where he can escape, reflect, and reconnect with the core values that brought him success. In interviews, he’s described stepping onto the court as a kind of mental reset—a way to ground himself in the fundamentals, both as a player and as a person.
It’s also become a hub for inspiration and mentorship. Kennard regularly invites young athletes from the area to train with him, sharing not just drills and shooting tips, but also the intangible wisdom he gained at Duke. He talks to them about discipline, about handling pressure, about the importance of being coachable—lessons imparted to him by Coach K, whose impact he continues to honor in more than just aesthetics. On one wall, a large portrait of Coach K hangs above a glass display case filled with Duke memorabilia: jerseys, shoes, and even a few handwritten notes from Krzyzewski himself.
The court has garnered attention from both fans and fellow pros. Videos of Kennard shooting on the Duke-inspired floor have gone viral, with comments pouring in from former teammates and Duke alumni marveling at the authenticity of the tribute. Even Coach K himself, now retired from coaching but still a revered figure in the sport, has reportedly expressed admiration for the court, calling it “a beautiful and touching reminder of what Duke basketball stands for.”
While the court is deeply personal, it also serves as a broader symbol of how collegiate sports can leave an enduring mark on the lives of their players. In an era where college athletics is increasingly shaped by rapid transfers, NIL deals, and early departures for the pros, Kennard’s tribute is a poignant reminder that for many, college is more than just a chapter—it’s the foundation. His decision to recreate Coach K Court in his home speaks volumes about the impact that Duke had on him and the gratitude he still feels years after leaving the program.
It also highlights Kennard’s unique character. Known in the league for his quiet confidence and work ethic, he has never been one to seek headlines for the sake of attention. This court isn’t about vanity. It’s about authenticity. It’s about staying connected to the place that molded him—not just as a player, but as a man.
Today, as Kennard continues to carve out a successful career in the NBA, his Duke roots remain front and center. Every shot he takes on that custom court echoes the same mantra he learned as a young Blue Devil: trust the process, play for the team, and leave everything on the floor. Whether he’s getting up shots before an NBA road trip or hosting a clinic for local kids, the essence of Duke basketball lives on in every bounce of the ball on those familiar blue floorboards.
As fans look back on Kennard’s time in Durham, they’ll remember the clutch shots, the calm demeanor, and the consistency. But thanks to his incredible tribute, they’ll also see something more enduring: a symbol of loyalty and legacy. In building a replica of Coach K Court, Luke Kennard didn’t just honor his past—he ensured that Duke basketball will always be part of his future.
In the world of sports, where so much changes so fast, it’s rare to find an athlete who holds onto his roots with such sincerity. Luke Kennard has done more than just remember where he came from. He’s built it—floorboard by floorboard, blue paint by blue paint—into the very foundation of his home. Duke to the core, indeed.
