Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year from Merrimack, Kevair Kennedy has entered the transfer portal. The star freshman had an amazing season and also won Rookie of the Year in the conference. He averaged 18.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on this season. With UCLA in need of a point guard to replace Donovan Dent this could be an amazing fit for the team.
NEW: Merrimack guard Kevair Kennedy plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per @JoeTipton.
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 1, 2026
He was named the MAAC Player of the Year, becoming the first freshman to earn the honor in the award’s 44-year history.https://t.co/MorD1lSVIl pic.twitter.com/fNhRlcX7I5
Kennedy has shown his abilities to be able to pass the ball. But the strength of his game is being able to score the basketball. He has a wide variety of scoring skills and has growth in his 3-point shooting. He shot 45.1% from the field and 32.5% from 3-point range. With him only being a freshman last season, there is plenty of time for him to grow that part of his game. As he has three years of eligibility remaining.
UCLA can be able to keep Trent Perry at the two-guard position where he succeeds the most. The hope is that he announces his returned to the Bruins soon. That would be the biggest checkmark of the offseason for UCLA. Then if Skyy Clark gets one more year of eligibility, it has the makings of a good team being put together. You slide in Kennedy and you have a point guard with two guys who can space the floor.
6'2 FR G Kevair Kennedy (@KevairKennedy ) had a stellar freshman year leading @MerrimackMBB to the regular season MAAC title.
— Workin It Hoops (@workinithoops) March 18, 2026
• 18.4 PPG
• 4.6 RPG
• 4.2 APG
• 1.9 STL
Kennedy was the first ever MAAC player and rookie of the year! His change of pace and craftiness is fun to… pic.twitter.com/4Alx5TX5fp
In 2024 UCLA really struggled with a three-guard lineup. But in 2025 that actually saved their NCAA tournament hopes. It just goes to show how much shooting will help an offense and can change the dynamic. Now you have two guards who can shoot and if you add in a guy who can drive the lane that is big-time. Especially as guys like Joe Philon and Javonte Floyd come in as new recruits.