Can Franklin's Luke Kennard keep Duke afloat?

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski reportedly banned his players from wearing Blue Devils apparel and even entering their locker room as they are in the midst of a 1-3 stretch.

Franklin native Luke Kennard is the team’s leading scorer at 19.8 points per game as several youngsters who were supposed to make the team into a national title contender have been in and out of the lineup with injuries.

The Blue Devils have lost three of their last four games, including an 84-82 setback at home against NC. State earlier this week and a 16-point loss at Florida State on Jan. 10.

They have also had to deal with controversy surrounding Grayson Allen, a junior who was considered a national player of the year candidate but was suspended for a game following multiple tripping incidents.

Krzyzewski is on leave as he recovers from back surgery, and Jeff Capel is serving as acting head coach.

ESPN reported the legendary coach's actions to try to get the team's attention and posted a lengthy look at Kennard's impact so far this season.

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About the Author

Marcus Hartman

Marcus Hartman has been a digital sports columnist and reporter at Cox's Ohio newspapers the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News since 2016.