Kenny Battle facts for kids

Kenny Battle (born October 10, 1964) is a former American professional basketball player. He was known for his exciting play and amazing dunks.

High School Hoops: A Star is Born

In 1984, Kenny Battle led his high school team, Aurora West High School, to a fantastic third-place finish in the Illinois state basketball tournament. He was the top scorer in that tournament, scoring 86 points in just four games! Years later, in 2007, the Illinois High School Association honored him as one of the '100 Legends' of their boys' basketball tournament.

College Career: The "Flyin' Illini" Star

Kenny Battle played college basketball at Northern Illinois University from 1984 to 1986. While there, he earned the nickname "King of the 360s" because of his incredible spinning dunks.

He then transferred to the University of Illinois. He became a team captain for the famous 1989 Illinois team, known as the "Flyin' Illini." This team was super exciting to watch and made it all the way to the Final Four in the national championship before losing to Michigan. Fans loved Kenny because he always played with a lot of energy and made spectacular slam dunks. The University of Illinois even has an award named after him, the "Kenny Battle Inspirational Award," given to the player who shows the most hustle each season.

Professional Journey: From NBA to CBA

In 1989, the Detroit Pistons picked Kenny Battle in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft. On the same day, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. Kenny played in the NBA for four seasons with teams like the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors.

His best year in the NBA was during the 1991-92 NBA season. He played 56 games for the Suns and Nuggets, averaging 6.1 points per game. One of his most memorable games was on November 10, 1990, when he scored 23 points in a big win for the Suns against the Nuggets. He also took part in the 1990 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, showing off his amazing dunking skills.

After his time in the NBA, Kenny Battle played in the CBA. He won a championship with the La Crosse Catbirds in 1992. He also briefly played for the Fargo-Moorhead Beez in 2000. Today, Kenny is the director of basketball at Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, North Carolina, helping young players learn the game.

Kenny Battle's Basketball Honors

Kenny Battle received many awards and honors throughout his basketball career:

• 1985–86 – Named the National Dunker of the Year by the NABC.
• 1985 – Was named 2nd Team All-MAC and MAC Freshman of the Year.
• 1986 – Became the youngest player in MAC history to score 1,000 career points.
• 1986 – Named 1st Team All-Mid-American Conference.
• 1987 – Was a Co-MVP (Most Valuable Player) for the Illini team.
• 1988 – Named 3rd Team All-Big Ten.
• 1989 – Was a Team Co-Captain and named 2nd Team All-Big Ten.
• 1989 – Made the NCAA All-Regional Team.
• 1989 – The "Kenny Battle Leadership Award" was created in his honor.
• 1996 – Was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's Hall of Fame.
• 2000 – Named to the Northern Illinois University All-Century Team.
• 2004 – Elected to the "Illini Men's Basketball All-Century Team."
• 2008 – One of thirty-three players to have their jersey honored and hung in the State Farm Center, recognizing him as one of the most celebrated players in University of Illinois history.

See also

In Spanish: Kenny Battle para niños