DJ Kennedy

  • Nationality: USA
  • Date of Birth: 5/11/89
  • Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA)
  • Position: G/F
  • Height (CM): 198
  • Weight (KG): 98
  • Junior Assoc: None
  • College: St. John's (2007–2011)
  • NBL DEBUT: 12/10/18
  • AGE AT DEBUT: 28
  • LAST NBL GAME: 16/03/19
  • AGE AT LAST GAME: 29
  • NBL History: Melbourne 2019
  • Championships: 0
  • None

BIO: Dj Kennedy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), he attended Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a senior in 2006/07, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. In helping the Spartans to a 29-3 record, and the 2007 PIAA AAAA State championship, he earned a first team all-state selection, a first team all-city selection and a two-time Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Fabulous Five” selection.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Dj Kennedy made his NBL debut with the Melbourne United at 28 years of age. He scored 21 points in his first game.

Melbourne entered the 2018/19 season looking to defend their championship. They retained their core group by first re-signing team captain Chris Goulding (two-year deal) and David Barlow (one-year deal) before securing Josh Boone (one-year deal) and Casper Ware (one-year deal), who were challenging to bring back due to strong interest from multiple overseas teams. The team also added DJ Kennedy (via Turkey), Mitch McCarron (via Cairns), and Alex Pledger (via New Zealand) to further strengthen their lineup. Melbourne’s strategy centered on continuity, aiming to keep their championship-winning core intact while adding depth and versatility.

DJ Kennedy (12.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals) was a versatile swingman for Melbourne United, known for his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His best performances included 24 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in a win against Sydney, 23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal against New Zealand, and 21 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block against Perth.

Kennedy’s all-around game made him a crucial piece in Melbourne’s rotation, particularly with his ability to rebound, facilitate, and defend multiple positions.

Mid-season, Melbourne added Venky Jois (2.2 points and 0.7 rebounds), who had been playing in Japan, to provide additional cover for injuries and strengthen the roster for the playoffs.

Dean Vickerman’s leadership earned him the NBL Coach of the Year award as Melbourne finished second in the regular season (18-10), setting up a semifinal clash against Sydney.

In Game 1 of the semifinals (95-73), DJ Kennedy contributed 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Melbourne controlled the game. Casper Ware (22 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Chris Goulding (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) all produced big games. Sydney’s Andrew Bogut (7 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks) struggled offensively, while Kevin Lisch (13 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Jerome Randle (13 points) couldn’t overcome Melbourne’s defensive pressure.

In Game 2 of the semifinals (90-76), Kennedy added 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists as Melbourne closed out the series. Casper Ware (30 points and 5 rebounds) and Chris Goulding (23 points and 3 assists) starred again for United. Melbourne shut down star point guard Jerome Randle (2 points and 5 assists), and even though Andrew Bogut (10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) bounced back from a poor Game 1, it wasn’t enough to prevent Melbourne from meeting Perth in the Grand Final. Kevin Lisch (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) top-scored for Sydney.

In Game 1 of the Grand Final series (81-71), Kennedy contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists as Casper Ware (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Chris Goulding (15 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne offensively. United were able to limit Perth’s star import Bryce Cotton (10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) offensively, but big games from Terrico White (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Angus Brandt (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) powered the Wildcats to victory.

Game 2 of the Grand Final series (92-74) saw Melbourne bounce back behind a balanced scoring attack from Casper Ware (14 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Chris Goulding (14 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists), Mitch McCarron (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), and DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals). Kennedy’s rebounding and energy were crucial in Melbourne’s win. Bryce Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Terrico White (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) stood out for Perth.

The loss to Melbourne saw Perth coach Trevor Gleeson make a number of adjustments, and the Wildcats came back to dominate in Game 3 (95-67). Kennedy added 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, while David Barlow (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided support in an incredibly low-scoring effort. Bryce Cotton (27 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and Terrico White (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) combined for 58 points and came close to outscoring Melbourne themselves.

In the deciding Game 4 (97-84), Kennedy contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Melbourne fought hard but fell short. Bryce Cotton (28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and Terrico White (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Perth to the title, with Nick Kay (12 points and 10 rebounds) dominating inside. Chris Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) also made a strong contribution for Melbourne. Terrico White, who had faced criticism earlier in the season, claimed the Grand Final MVP award after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the four-game series.

Dj Kennedy played one season in the NBL. He averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 30 NBL games.

NBL TOTAL STATISTICS

SEASONAGETEAMTEAM RECORDGPMINSPTSREBASTORDRSTLBLKTOPFFGMFGAFG%3PM3PA3P%FTMFTAFT%TS%EFG%HS
2018-1929Melbourne18-10 (2)30874.337721695621543519397412929644%204743%9912182%53%47%24
Totals3087437721695621543519397412929643.6%204742.6%9912181.8%54%47%24

NBL PER GAME STATISTICS

SEASONAGETEAMTEAM RECORDGPMINSPTSREBASTORDRSTLBLKTOPFFGMFGAFG%3PM3PA3P%FTMFTAFT%TS%EFG%HS
2018-1929Melbourne18-10 (2)3029.112.67.23.22.15.11.20.61.32.54.39.944%0.71.643%3.34.082%53%47%24
Total3029.112.67.23.22.15.11.20.61.32.54.39.943.6%0.00.042.6%0.71.681.8%54%47%24

CAREER HIGHS

POINTS REBOUNDS ASSISTS STEALS BLOCKS TURNOVERS TRIPLE DOUBLES
241574230

NBA EXPERIENCE

Kennedy played 2 games in the NBA. He averaged 6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over his NBA career.

NBA TRANSACTIONS:

- April 21, 2012: Signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- July 25, 2012: Traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jeremy Pargo, cash and a 2014 2nd round draft pick (Vasilije Micić was later selected).
- September 18, 2012: Waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- September 29, 2012: Signed as a free agent with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- October 7, 2012: Waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- September 10, 2013: Signed as a free agent with the Dallas Mavericks.
- October 22, 2013: Waived by the Dallas Mavericks.
- August 16, 2016: Signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets
- October 15, 2016: Waived by the Denver Nuggets.

Season Team PTS AST STL BLK FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P%
1 0 75% 90% 87% 86%
2 0 24 7 4 2
Total 129 296 43.6% 20 47 42.6%

NBA TOTAL STATISTICS

YEARAGETEAMPOSGPGSMINSPTSTRBASTORBDRBSTLBLKTOVPFFGFGAFG%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%TS%EFG%
2011-1222ClevelandSF2059127316203751242%2450%020%47%50%
Total2059127316203751242%2450%020%

NBA PER GAME STATISTICS

YEARAGETEAMPOSGPGSMINSPTSTRBASTORBDRBSTLBLKTOVPFFGFGAFG%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%TS%EFG%
2011-1222ClevelandSF2029.56.03.51.50.53.01.00.01.53.52.56.042%1.02.050%0.01.00%47%50%
Total2029.56.03.51.50.53.01.01.53.52.56.042%1.02.050%1.00%

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • China - Guangzhou Long-Lions (2016–2017) | France - BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque (2013) | Germany - Riesen Ludwigsburg (2014–2015, 2017) | Israel - Hapoel Holon (2014), Hapoel Galil Elyon (2022, 2024, 2025) | Italy - Reyer Venezia (2019) | Lebanon - Homenetmen Beirut (2025) | Philippines - Meralco Bolts (2024–2025) | Russia - Krasny Oktyabr (2014), Enisey (2015–2016) | Turkey - Pınar Karşıyaka (2017–2018, 2019–2021) | Ukraine - Prometey (2021–2024)

Kennedy joined BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque for the 2013–14 LNB Pro A season, playing his first season in France.

Kennedy moved to Israel in January 2014 after signing with Hapoel Holon in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

Kennedy joined Krasny Oktyabr for the 2014–15 VTB United League season in Russia, signing on September 1, 2014, and he left the club on November 18, 2014 after appearing in six games before signing with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany on December 6, 2014 for the remainder of the season.

In the 2014–15 German BBL season with Ludwigsburg, Kennedy averaged 17.8 points per game to lead the league in scoring and he was recognised as the BBL Best Offensive Player and an All-BBL First Team selection in 2015.

Kennedy returned to Russia for the 2015–16 season with Enisey, then moved to China for the 2016–17 season with the Guangzhou Long-Lions, before a 2017 return to MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany.

Kennedy joined Pınar Karşıyaka for the 2017–18 Turkish season after signing on August 11, 2017, and in the 2017–18 Basketball Champions League he averaged 19.0 points and 8.4 rebounds across 18 games while finishing as the competition’s rebounding leader and earning BCL Star Lineup Best Team recognition in 2018.

Kennedy signed with Reyer Venezia in Italy on March 22, 2019, and he was part of the Venezia squad that won the 2018–19 Italian League championship later that season.

Kennedy returned to Pınar Karşıyaka for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons in Turkey, then signed with Prometey Kamianske on September 24, 2021 for the Ukrainian SuperLeague before joining Hapoel Galil Elyon in Israel on March 9, 2022, where he won the Balkan International Basketball League title in 2022.

Kennedy re-joined Prometey for the 2022–23 season in the Latvian-Estonian League and helped the club win the 2022–23 league title, and his later overseas stops included Meralco Bolts in the Philippines in 2024 and Homenetmen Beirut in Lebanon in 2025 before returning to Hapoel Galil Elyon in 2025.

COLLEGE

DJ Kennedy played four collegiate seasons at St. John’s from 2007–08 through 2010–11, appearing in 128 games and developing into one of the program’s most complete and versatile perimeter players of the modern era. Over his career, he totaled 1,176 points, 806 rebounds, 265 assists, and 196 steals, finishing among the school’s career leaders in rebounds and steals while providing consistent production on both ends of the floor.

As a freshman in 2007–08, Kennedy immediately stepped into the rotation and finished second on the team with 37 steals, including 20 in BIG EAST play. He appeared in 30 games with 29 starts and averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, establishing himself early as a defensive presence and reliable rebounder on the wing.

Kennedy’s role expanded significantly as a sophomore in 2008–09, when he started all 31 games and increased his averages to 9.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while continuing to defend multiple positions. He finished among the team leaders in minutes played and rebounds, helping St. John’s reach the BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinals.

During his junior season in 2009–10, Kennedy emerged as one of the Red Storm’s primary offensive options, averaging 12.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while leading the team in rebounds. His all-around production placed him among the top rebounding guards and wings in the BIG EAST, and he recorded multiple double-doubles against conference opponents while routinely drawing defensive assignments against opposing top scorers.

Kennedy capped his collegiate career with his most accomplished season as a senior in 2010–11, averaging 14.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while starting all 36 contests. He ranked among the BIG EAST leaders in steals and minutes played, earned All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention recognition, and was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll multiple times throughout the season.

That senior campaign was highlighted by St. John’s run to the 2011 NCAA Tournament, where the Red Storm reached the Round of 32. Kennedy delivered a standout performance in the first round against Gonzaga, posting 17 points and 14 rebounds, one of the most productive NCAA Tournament games by a St. John’s wing player in program history. He followed that performance with another strong showing in the second round against BYU as St. John’s pushed a nationally ranked opponent deep into the game.

Across his four-year career, Kennedy finished as one of the few players in school history to surpass 1,100 points, 800 rebounds, and 190 steals, reflecting his sustained two-way impact. He closed his time at St. John’s as the program’s all-time leader in steals per game among four-year players during the BIG EAST era and ranked inside the school’s top ten in career rebounds by a guard/wing.

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