Senior Spotlight: Kenny Kadji

The Canes wrap uptheir regular season this week with a pair of home games against Georgia Tech(3/6) and Clemson (3/9). With five seniors on the roster, HurricaneSports.comis honoring a different one each day this week leading up to Senior Day onSaturday against Clemson. Today we chat with senior forward Kenny Kadji. 

Kenny Kadji
Douala, Cameroon,Africa
13.1 ppg, .376 3-pt%,6.5 rpg

What is your favoritememory or moment as a Hurricane?

“Our first win against Duke last year up there was prettyfun. We hadn’t done something like that in a long time. I think we had neverwon in that building. It was a first and it was a good thing.”

What do you think ofhow your career has turned out?

“I think pretty good. It started kind of rocky at UF andthings like that. When I came here, I didn’t even know what to expect. I startedwith Coach Haith and then Coach L came so I think I had a pretty good two yearshere.”

Are you happy withyour legacy at Miami?

“I think so but it’s not over yet. I think we did a couplegood things last year. This year, we really have the program turned around.”

What do you think ofthe future for Miami Basketball?

“It’s very bright with a coach like Coach L and the coachingstaff. I think it’s going to be a very good team for a very long time.”

What do you hope todo in your future?

“I want to play pro basketball and then after that, just tryto find my way for work. My parents have businesses so I’d like to help themwith that.”

What do you think ofthe emergence of the basketball program? Does this feel more like a basketballschool now that it did when you got here?

“With the team we had here it’s great that it’s actuallyhappening this year. You always like to take a team that wasn’t reallyrecognized up to the No. 1 spot. I’m really proud that I’m part of this and Ican help this team and this program have such a successful season.”

What is somethingthat few people know about this team?

“Few people know that we’ve been here all summer. Since lastyear, since we lost, no one went home and nobody had time off. We’ve beentogether as a team all summer working out and playing hard. I think everyonesees the success but no one knows what had to be done every day in the summerto get here.”

What is yourrelationship like with the coaches and the rest of the team?

“It’s great. Everybody is getting along. The coaches aregreat with us. We had last year to start bonding greater and I think thecoaches did a great job of bringing us together.”

What is the highlightof your career?

“It’s going to be graduating from school. Obviously, Ialways felt like I was a pretty good basketball player, but school wise,graduating is going to be a very proud moment for me and my family.”

What has it been liketo help take this program all the way to No. 2 in the rankings?

“It has been great. When you get the recognition for allyour hard work and people can see the talent and the effort this team has givenand every time you get on campus people are congratulating you and telling youhow good of a season you’re having, it’s a really cool experience. So justsharing that with your teammates and your coaching staff is great.”

 What is your favorite Coach L story?

“One time, he was giving us a pre-game speech and he kind oftook a charge and fell on the floor. Durand got him up and he was all excited.I thought it was funny.”

 What do you think of the opportunitiesyou’ve had at Miami?

“It’s been great here.  Coach L is terrific with stuff like that.  We’ve traveled a lot and he gives youthe opportunity to bond with your teammates. Hawaii was great for us. We had agreat experience and we did a lot as a team. Last year we stayed on the road acouple times for two-game road trips and it gave us more time to stay togetheras a team. He’s been great about giving the chance to spend quality time withyour team.”

How did you decide toattend Miami?

“It was difficult at first, but then I think it was the bestthing for me. I started my career at Florida, but then I decided to transfer. Idecided to come to the University of Miami because they were recruiting me outof high school already and my brother actually came to school here and is stillin school, so I was going to stay close to the family. So I came here withCoach Haith and had a good relationship with Coach Haith, but he left and thenCoach L came. I think we just did a good job of understanding each other and buildinga relationship and now its great. I’m thankful and blessed to have Coach L andthis coaching staff here.”

How have youdeveloped under this coaching staff?

“I think I have developed a lot. Coach L is a great coachthat utilizes kids to help the team. I’ve been able to do a lot more and playmy game and it’s been good for me.”

Beyond basketball,what do you think of your time at Miami?

“It’s been good. The bonding with the team, with thestudents in class and with teachers has been awesome. It’s a great school, agood place to be. The campus is amazing at the University of Miami. There isjust so much to do, like go to the beach. I’ve had the most unbelievable threeyears here.”

Do you think you willremain involved at UM after you graduate?

“I’ll definitely come to a basketball game or even afootball or baseball game whenever I can. It’s always good because there’salways a great atmosphere.  We havesome of the best fans here in Miami. Yeah, I will definitely be here after mycareer is over.”

How did it feel tosee your fellow students rush the court to celebrate the big win over Duke?

“It was great. It really showed that we were doing somethingspecial and I think that’s where it started. That’s when we just got ranked No.25 and then we played the No. 1 team. People were getting excited about ourteam and seeing students lining up for the game shows that people around campuscare about the team. They want to come see us play.”

What is something youknow now that you wish you would have known as a freshman?

“Just the work ethic and the things you have to do every dayto succeed at this level like at practice, giving 110 percent every day and howyou have to play in the game.”

What does being aMiami Hurricane mean to you?

“It means everything. It’s something that I can’t explain. Youfeel it in your blood. It’s something that’s yours forever and you could sayfor the rest of your life that you are a Miami Hurricane and you graduated fromthe University of Miami. It’s definitely not something that you feel everywhereyou go. The way I’ve been welcomed here, people are really appreciating me and understandwho I am and what my character is. People have really welcomed me with openarms. I’ve been blessed to be here.”