D. J. Kennedy
A versatile and resilient basketball journeyman who carved out a global professional career after a standout tenure at St. John's.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American basketball player·Birthday: November 5·Millennials
Biography
D.J. Kennedy's basketball story is one of adaptability and relentless hustle. At St. John's University, he was the engine of the team—a physical, do-everything wing who led in rebounds, assists, and steals, embodying the tough, defensive identity of the program. Undrafted in 2011, his professional path became a global atlas. Kennedy didn't just play overseas; he conquered leagues, becoming a Finals MVP in Ukraine and a champion in places like France and Venezuela. His game, built on strength, intelligence, and a knack for filling the stat sheet, translated seamlessly across continents. While an NBA call-up was brief, his longevity and success abroad proved that a player's impact isn't defined by a single league. Kennedy became the archetype of the successful basketball mercenary, valued everywhere for his winning experience and professional demeanor.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
D. was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When D. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
D.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Ukrainian SuperLeague Finals MVP in 2016 while playing for Budivelnyk Kyiv.
- Won the French Pro A championship with Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez in 2022.
- Led St. John's University in rebounds, assists, and steals during his senior season in 2010-11.
- Had a brief stint in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2014 preseason and regular season.
Did You Know?
He played high school basketball at Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, which produced several professional athletes.
Kennedy suffered a torn ACL during the 2011 Big East Tournament, impacting his draft prospects.
He has played professionally in over ten countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
In the 2014 NBA Summer League, he played for the Golden State Warriors before signing with Cleveland.
“My game was never about flash; it was about doing whatever the team needed.”
