Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Justin Jackson’s case for ACC Player of the Year

By Alec Lasley

Feb 22, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) during introductions at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) during introductions at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring against the Clemson Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring against the Clemson Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Luke Kennard (Duke)

Everyone thought Duke would have someone on this list, but Kennard was not the name most people thought.

Kennard has been the leader for a very inconsistent Duke team, and has shown consistent play throughout the whole year.

Averaging 19.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds a game, and 2.6 assists, Kennard has raised his three point shooting 14 percent (up to 45.6 percent this year).

Often times the only player to score in double figures, attack the rim, create his own shot, or play with heart for the Blue Devils, Kennard has had an ACC Player of the Year type season.

When Duke was on the ropes at Wake Forest earlier in ACC play, and in danger of losing their fourth game out of five, Kennard dropped 30 out of his 34 points in the second half, including a game winner. That is the type of player he is. He has the ability to take over the game and that’s what ACC Player’s of the Year do. Too bad this year is just not for him.

Kennard has become the face of Duke basketball though and that is one of the biggest icons in college sports.

His stellar play has been overshadowed in the media by his teammate, Grayson Allen’s immature actions though.

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