As he turns his head to left side to answer a reporter’s question, the text becomes just visible above his buttoned shirt collar. In darkly-colored, flowing script about an inch and a half above his collarbone are two words: “Big Play”. To anyone who could not live up to the nickname, it would have been a mistake to tattoo such a moniker on one’s skin. But, for DJ Kennedy, it more so serves as a warning, a way of letting the defense know what he is capable of any time he touches the basketball.
“Big Play” DJ Kennedy is sitting alongside his fellow senior teammates Malik Boothe and Paris Horne, answering questions at Big East Media Day at Madison Square Garden. It is interesting to note how cool, calm, and collected Kennedy appears, leaning slightly forward with his fingers laced on his lap. He carries himself with the composure of a seasoned businessman, explaining his answers with a subtle but sure confidence, his speech peppered with evidence of the accent of his hometown, Pittsburgh.
Most of today’s questions revolve around new head coach Steve Lavin and the rumored “rebirth” of St. John’s Basketball. Kennedy’s answers are explanatory and well thought-out, responding to each in a few sentences, the product of three solid years of media exposure. But, with one question, it seems his guard is let down, as if he is speaking from the heart of a true ballplayer who wants to make sure the point is driven home. When asked about the new culture developing amongst the fans after the big turnout at Red Storm Tip-off, Kennedy makes a shift. No more long explanations, he is short and to the point. He answers in just one sentence, four words.
“The buzz is here.”
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