If you even remotely pay attention to UAB basketball, there’s a good chance it’s because of a clip you’ve seen from Andy Kennedy in a postgame press conference.
Kennedy has built a reputation for being one of the most candid coaches in college basketball. His blunt, unfiltered style often produces viral moments, and yesterday afternoon was another example. In many ways, his approach mirrors the straightforward style of Will Wade — saying exactly what he thinks, whether it’s praise, criticism, or both at the same time.
After another massive game from UAB guard Chance Westry, Kennedy delivered a quote that perfectly captured both his humor and honesty.
“You know what? I’ve said this numerous times. I’m gonna say it again in case somebody hasn’t heard it. But I, I, I would dare to say that I know as much about the history of UAB basketball as, I’m not saying I’m one, but I’m in the top five. And, and I think he’s probably, not probably, I think he’s definitely the best facilitator at six-six in the history of this program. He is, he is really, really gifted in that regard. I tell him all the time, and I’m not busting balls, so I’ll tell you, I think he’s terrible in every other aspect. He’s asleep off the ball. He doesn’t rebound to his size. He’s a bad shooter. He looks like he’s about to have a stroke every time he runs up and down the floor two or three times.
But he is the most gifted that I’ve ever coached. He’s got a little Yax quality to him, where he kind of gets in there and you’re thinking, ‘Where’s he going? What’s he doing?’ And it ends up being a good play.”
Andy Kennedy is truly one of a kind, and UAB is lucky to have him. No one has accomplished so much with so little. He is the first coach in UAB history to record six consecutive 20-win seasons.
The Blazers will be back on the court in Birmingham on Friday at noon. The American Conference Men’s Tournament is from March 11–15 at BJCC Legacy Arena.
Leave a Reply