Franklin fans buy Luke Kennard jerseys, then his number changes

What’s in a number?

A lot when that number belongs to Luke Kennard, Franklin’s favorite son.

When Kennard was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 12th pick in the 2017 NBA draft, the team announced he’d wear No. 23. A few minutes later, Franklin fans started ordering Kennard No. 23 Pistons jerseys.

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One of those orders came from Dan Sponaugle, who intently followed Kennard for several seasons at Franklin, then for two seasons at Duke. He and his daughter, Jami, a 2016 Franklin graduate, watched Kennard play in Louisville last season.

Sponaugle, a 1987 FHS graduate, said he was “fascinated” by Kennard, who scored 1,147 points in two seasons with Duke and ranks second in Ohio high school history with 2,977 points.

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So right after the draft, Sponaugle got on the Internet and ordered a No. 23 Pistons jersey for his daughter and a T-shirt for himself. The total bill, including shipping, was about $120, he said.

He couldn’t wait for the order to arrive from China, but before the package was delivered, Sponaugle learned Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, previously with the Pistons, became a free agent. He wore No. 5 for the Pistons.

After Caldwell-Pope left and later signed for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kennard switched from No. 23 to No. 5, according to the Pistons.

Sponaugle called the China company and tried to cancel the order. He said the woman spoke in broken English and she thought he was upset about how long it took his items to be shipped.

“She didn’t get it,” he said.

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Then last week, the package arrived. Sponaugle isn’t sure what to do: Try to return the items or just wear them around town.

“If I send it back, I could be out the money and the jersey,” he said.

MORE: Franklin ‘couldn’t ask for better ambassador’ than Luke Kennard

He estimated “a ton of people” in Franklin ordered No. 23 jerseys.

When asked his reaction, Sponaugle managed a laugh, then added: “Just highly disappointed. Frustrated.”

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