WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest men's basketball has announced the addition of Kevair Kennedy, the first player in MAAC history to be named Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season in the conference's 45-year history. Kennedy earned both awards unanimously, as he was selected for MAAC Player of the Week twice and MAAC Rookie of the Week nine times.
Additionally, he was named an NABC All-North Atlantic District first-team selection and earned a nod on the All-MAAC first-team.
"Kevair had one of the best freshman seasons in all of college basketball a year ago," said head coach Steve Forbes. "He is a two-way player who can score the ball and guard the ball. Since he's been on campus, I've been very impressed with his ability to get people involved on offense while picking and choosing the right time to attack and score with the ball in his hands. Kevair is tough minded, physical, and loves to compete. We are excited to have him in our program."
Kennedy was one of only three players this year to earn their conference's Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors
2025-26 Player of the Year & Rookie of the Year Winners
| Player | School | Conference |
| Kevair Kennedy | Merrimack | MAAC |
| Cameron Boozer | Duke | ACC |
| Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas | SEC |
The Philadelphia native appeared in 34 games for the Warriors during the 2025-26 season, leading the team in total points (627), points per game (18.4), total assists (143) and assists per game (4.2). Kennedy was the only player in the conference averaging more than 20 points per game (20.7) while leading all MAAC players in points from the free throw line with 152.
His 20.7 points per game in conference play were sixth-highest nationally amongst freshmen.
Freshman Scoring Leaders In Conference Play (2025-26 Season)
| Rank | Player | School | Points Per Game |
| 1. | AJ Dybantsa | BYU | 25.9 |
| 2. | Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas | 24.8 |
| 3. | Ebuka Okorie | Stanford | 23.3 |
| 4. | Cameron Boozer | Duke | 22.7 |
| 5. | Gavin Sykes | Long Beach State | 20.9 |
| 6. | Kevair Kennedy | Merrimack | 20.7 |
Over the course of the season, Kennedy reached a double-digit scoring total in 33 of 34 games including 16 games with more than 20 points. Against Siena in a 79-72 overtime victory on Feb. 20, the 6-foot-2 guard scored a season-high 32 points while going 16-of-16 from the line. He was one of only nine players during the 2025-26 season to record a perfect 100 free throw percentage in a single game while attempting 16 or more free throw attempts.
Kennedy also showcased his playmaking abilities throughout the season, as he recorded five or more assists 15 times including a 16-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist performance against Boston on Nov. 15.
Kevair Kennedy Career Honors
- 2025-26 MAAC Player of the Year
- 2025-26 MAAC Rookie of the Year
- First player in MAAC History to win Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season
- 2025-26 All-MAAC First-Team
- 2025-26 NABC All-North Atlantic District First-Team
- 2026 MAAC All-Tournament Team
- Seven-time MAAC Rookie of the Week
- Two-time MAAC Player of the Week
