University of Delaware Athletics
Kevin Anderson’s Biggest Little Fan
6/20/2020 11:22:00 AM | Men's Basketball
While many Blue Hen student-athletes will celebrate Father's Day with their dads this Sunday, the day holds special meaning for Kevin Anderson, a rising senior on the Delaware men's basketball team.
Anderson is the father of 17-month-old Kehlani, and due to the pandemic he was able to spend much more time with his infant daughter this spring in his hometown of Williamsport, Pa.
"It's been really nice. Just being around her every day, watching her grow, has been amazing," said Anderson, who has spent nearly every day with Kehlani since returning home from UD in March when the university transitioned to online classes. "The more I'm around her, the more she gets attached. It feels so good to have her following me around, to have a daughter that recognizes you and loves you."
"She can't speak too well yet, it's mostly gibberish, but she can say 'dada.' So I just try to talk back with her and have a conversation."
Prior to the pandemic Anderson would FaceTime every day with Kehlani, who splits time living with her mother and Anderson's parents. He would also return to Williamsport on the rare free weekend off.
Anderson's father, Rodney, brought Kehlani to every home game, when Anderson's pregame ritual included going into the stands to give his daughter a kiss. Rodney also records all of the Blue Hens' road games for Kehlani to watch.
"She gets so hyped and says 'dada' all the time when I make a play," Anderson stated.
Anderson said becoming a father has made him grow and mature during his college years.
"It means a lot (to be a father). When I first found out I was immature, but this has helped me grow as a man. I'm not just looking out for myself anymore, I have another person I have to take care of," he explained.
"Everything I do, she's watching. So I want to be a good role model and show her the right thing to do. I'm more responsible now. I used to be a procrastinator, but now I get things done earlier so I have more time to spend with her. Plus, I have to get through college to give her a better life."
Anderson's maturity has also increased on the basketball court, where the three-year starter at point guard has helped Delaware increase its win total in all three of his seasons.
"Having a daughter has put more of a hunger inside of me. Instead of wanting it, now I'm needing it," said Anderson, a third team All-CAA selection this season when he led the Blue Hens with 122 assists and 45 steals. Anderson, who scored a career-high 32 points vs. UTSA and made a buzzer-beating game-winning layup at Hofstra, will enter his senior year needing just 161 points to become the 37th 1,000-point scorer in program history.
Anderson will spend this Father's Day in the Philadelphia area, as his family is planning a cookout celebrating both Father's Day and his sister's recent college graduation.
There Anderson, who has returned to campus for summer workouts, will be able to continue to grow his relationship with Kehlani.
"It's just like having a mini-me," Anderson says when asked about his favorite part of being a father. "She acts just like me, and the little things she does are so funny."
Anderson is the father of 17-month-old Kehlani, and due to the pandemic he was able to spend much more time with his infant daughter this spring in his hometown of Williamsport, Pa.
"It's been really nice. Just being around her every day, watching her grow, has been amazing," said Anderson, who has spent nearly every day with Kehlani since returning home from UD in March when the university transitioned to online classes. "The more I'm around her, the more she gets attached. It feels so good to have her following me around, to have a daughter that recognizes you and loves you."
"She can't speak too well yet, it's mostly gibberish, but she can say 'dada.' So I just try to talk back with her and have a conversation."
Prior to the pandemic Anderson would FaceTime every day with Kehlani, who splits time living with her mother and Anderson's parents. He would also return to Williamsport on the rare free weekend off.
Anderson's father, Rodney, brought Kehlani to every home game, when Anderson's pregame ritual included going into the stands to give his daughter a kiss. Rodney also records all of the Blue Hens' road games for Kehlani to watch.
"She gets so hyped and says 'dada' all the time when I make a play," Anderson stated.
Anderson said becoming a father has made him grow and mature during his college years.
"It means a lot (to be a father). When I first found out I was immature, but this has helped me grow as a man. I'm not just looking out for myself anymore, I have another person I have to take care of," he explained.
"Everything I do, she's watching. So I want to be a good role model and show her the right thing to do. I'm more responsible now. I used to be a procrastinator, but now I get things done earlier so I have more time to spend with her. Plus, I have to get through college to give her a better life."
Anderson's maturity has also increased on the basketball court, where the three-year starter at point guard has helped Delaware increase its win total in all three of his seasons.
"Having a daughter has put more of a hunger inside of me. Instead of wanting it, now I'm needing it," said Anderson, a third team All-CAA selection this season when he led the Blue Hens with 122 assists and 45 steals. Anderson, who scored a career-high 32 points vs. UTSA and made a buzzer-beating game-winning layup at Hofstra, will enter his senior year needing just 161 points to become the 37th 1,000-point scorer in program history.
Anderson will spend this Father's Day in the Philadelphia area, as his family is planning a cookout celebrating both Father's Day and his sister's recent college graduation.
There Anderson, who has returned to campus for summer workouts, will be able to continue to grow his relationship with Kehlani.
"It's just like having a mini-me," Anderson says when asked about his favorite part of being a father. "She acts just like me, and the little things she does are so funny."
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