For American athletes, the college basketball circuit acts as a stepping stone. Many basketball players establish themselves in the game by turning up standout performances while playing college hoops. But what Kevin Durant accomplished in 2006 is undeniably historic.
At just 19, Kevin Durant exploded into the NBA scene. With the second overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, the Seattle SuperSonics selected the Slim Reaper. But The Slim Reaper had already made the world aware of his genius before this. As a high school athlete, Durant had the entire world in awe of his abilities.
Exactly how Kevin Durant went from high school to college
As one of the NBA’s most potent scorers, Kevin Durant has solidified his status. The Slim Reaper has had a career for the ages in his current 15-year run in the league, improving his game every. The Phoenix Suns forward is a winner with awards and titles to prove it.
On the other hand, he attended the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, where this voyage actually started. Before joining the Texas Longhorns in 2006, Kevin Durant had a stellar high school career. Durant rose to prominence as a player who was heavily sought after by colleges while still a high school athlete.
Before choosing to sign with the underappreciated Longhorns, he gave other universities with illustrious basketball program’s serious consideration. When questioned about his decision to attend the University of Texas, he responded, “Wanted to make my own path.”
Kevin Durant shocked everyone by deciding to continue his basketball career at the University of Texas. He may not have anticipated what transpired, though. The former MVP made an unmatched impact on the collegiate basketball scene, catapulting him to stardom as a top prospect.
The Slim Reaper exploded into the college basketball scene
When the Toronto Raptors had the first overall draught pick in 2006, Kevin Durant wanted to play for them because he admired Vince Carter. Durant had to enroll in college and play for at least one season of collegiate basketball according to the one-and-done rule, though.
For the two-time NBA champion who in one season lit up the college basketball scene, this ended up being a blessing in disguise. Durant reached amazing heights while playing for the underappreciated Longhorns with to his inherent scoring skills.
He made 35 appearances and averaged a staggering 25.8 PPG and 11.1 RPG in just his first year. In the NCAA tournament, where his team had the fourth seed, Durant once more excelled. In the opening round of the NCAA tournament, the former NBA MVP exploded for 37 points against the New Mexico State Aggies.
Durant put up tremendous statistics once more despite the Longhorns’ second-round loss to the USC Trojans. Durant won the Naismith College Player of the Year award and was named the undisputed National Player of the Year for his incredible performance in college basketball.
He made history by being the first freshman to ever win any national Player of the Year awards. Later, the Longhorns retired Durant’s number in recognition of his enormous commitment to the team. The Slim Reaper became a top-2 draught prospect thanks to his amazing collegiate basketball career.
Since being selected by the Sonics, the 6′ 11″ forward has not looked back and has focused entirely on becoming an NBA legend. Although he had a storied NBA career, his time playing collegiate basketball was the foundation for his success.
