A year ago, Brother Rice point guard Marquise Kennedy would have been hard-pressed to turn down a scholarship offer from Florida State.
In fact, the 6-foot-1 senior confirmed he likely would have jumped at the chance to compete with the Seminoles in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
But much has changed in the past 12 months.
Kennedy’s recruitment heated up considerably over the summer. He had 16 offers, including one on Aug. 6 from Florida State.
A visit to Loyola’s campus and the opportunity to build on last season’s March Madness experience proved too tempting for Kennedy, who verbally committed Monday to coach Porter Moser’s program.
“I love what Loyola is doing in Chicago,” Kennedy said. “They’re trying to build a powerhouse school. It’s exciting to have a chance to be a part of that.”
An official visit Saturday sealed the deal for Kennedy. He fell in love with the campus, the coaches and the surrounding Rogers Park community.
“The campus is so nice,” Kennedy said. “It’s beautiful being right by (Lake Michigan). They’re building a new training facility. Getting to know the coaches and their plan for the future really excited me.”
Kennedy averaged 17.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season. He’s the No. 6 senior prospect in the state and No. 175 nationally in the 247Sports.com composite rankings.
Kennedy confirmed he wasn’t too familiar with Loyola before last season’s magical run to the Final Four.
“All of Chicago was rooting for Loyola,” Kennedy said. “I knew the school just being from Chicago. I knew nothing about the coaches or the program.”
Kennedy eventually whittled his list to three schools: Loyola, Florida State and Wichita State.
He said he was close to committing to Florida State in August when he received the initial offer.
“I almost jumped at it,” Kennedy said. “They got my attention. It was an amazing feeling knowing that someone believed you could play at that high level. I would have definitely took the offer last year.
“But being able to play at Loyola and in front of my family was a determining factor. Like I said, I just love everything about Loyola.”
Brother Rice coach Bobby Frasor believes Kennedy made the perfect choice.
“I’m excited for him and them,” Frasor said. “Last year was his first year playing point guard. He’ll be able to grow from some mistakes. Loyola has been on him all summer so they know the flashes he brings.
“He’s a high-major athlete. All his family and friends can come see him. When the ball stops dribbling for him, he’ll have a great degree to fall back on.”
