What does identity mean to you?
For Ryein Kennedy, the answer is simple; to be known not only for his passion and drive in basketball but also for who he is.
“I want to be known for different things. I don’t want basketball to be the biggest thing in my life,” Kennedy said.
While he enjoys playing for USAO men’s basketball, the sophomore communication major would also like to be known for who he is. He chose a degree in communication specifically for his interest in videography.
Kennedy also spoke about how he wanted to be known more for himself rather than for what he did, such as his personality. Kennedy is known for his positive attitude and drive for everything he does on and off the court. He enjoys playing the game and this past season saw his enthusiasm shine.
Throughout the season, Kennedy scored 357 points, grabbed 127 rebounds, and had 29 assists thus far. At the moment, Kennedy is fifteenth in the Sooner Athletic Conference in individual scoring and seventh in blocked shots.
Kennedy does not play one specific position on the team but instead plays interchangeably through a few: small forward, center, power forward, and shooting guard.
He is humble about what he does. His modest demeanor shows his quiet and kind personality. Kennedy believes in a more all-for-one approach. He believes that when the team plays together, sharing the ball, they are most successful.
Throughout his time with the game, his skill and drive proved to make him successful. When he got to his senior year of high school, the Lindsay native got the news that he received an offer from USAO. He excitedly took the opportunity to play in college.
During his first year at USAO, he felt that he was more in the background as compared to his senior year in high school. Kennedy played a big role in his high school basketball team during his senior year, which he felt great about. The transition to almost starting over again when entering college was challenging for him. However, he feels that this season was his best so far.
Asking his coach for the opportunity to have more playing time is what started it all this season. In his first game against John Brown University, Kennedy scored a whopping 30 points within just the first 30 minutes of the game.
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Landon Hughey stated that Kennedy has an aggressive mindset on the court that allows him to make plays in high-pressure moments. “He’s a solid shooter and he has a high motor, which are traits that I value in basketball players,” Hughey said, “Off the court he’s got a great work ethic coupled with a positive attitude, which are traits that I value in people.”
In terms of next season, Hughey expects to see continued growth in Kennedy’s skills and confidence, as he has made significant strides this year on the court.
Whitley Brown is a second-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
