How Did Kevin Durant Take the NCAA by Storm? Breaking Down His Sensational College Basketball Stint

The college basketball circuit serves as a stepping stone for athletes in the United States. Several players make their mark in the basketball world by putting up memorable performances during their college basketball stints. However, what Kevin Durant did in 2006 can easily be considered historic.

Kevin Durant stormed into the NBA at the young age of 19. The Seattle SuperSonics drafted the Slim Reaper with the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. However, The Slim Reaper put the world on notice of his brilliance much before this. Durant had the world in awe of his talents as a mere high school athlete. He then transitioned to college basketball, which shaped his journey to the NBA and further.

But where did the highly recruited high school athlete, Kevin Durant, go to college?

How Kevin Durant transitioned from high school to college

Kevin Durant has cemented his position as one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA. In his 15-year stint in the league so far, The Slim Reaper has had a career for the ages, elevating his game every year. From accolades to championships, the Phoenix Suns forward has it all. However, this journey began in Austin, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas.

Kevin Durant had a spectacular high school stint before joining the Texas Longhorns in 2006. During his time as a high school athlete, Durant became a highly recruited player going into college. He considered several universities with renowned basketball programs before opting to join the underrated Longhorns. He stated, “Wanted to make my own path” when asked about why he chose the University of Texas.

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Kevin Durant made a shocking decision to go to the University of Texas to pursue his basketball journey. However, he himself may not have expected what followed. The former MVP made an unparalleled noise in the college basketball circuit which propelled him to become a highly touted draft prospect.

The Slim Reaper set the college basketball circuit ablaze

Kevin Durant idolized Vince Carter and wished to join the Toronto Raptors in 2006 when they had the first overall draft pick. However, due to the one-and-done rule, Durant had to join a college and play at least one college basketball season. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the 2-time NBA champion who set the college basketball circuit ablaze in just one year.

Durant’s natural scoring ability took him to incredible heights during his stint with the underrated Longhorns. In just his freshman year, he averaged a whopping 25.8 PPG and grabbed 11.1 RPG in 35 appearances. His team held the 4th seed going into the NCAA tournament where Durant showed out yet again. The 1x NBA MVP lit up the NCAA tournament with a sensational 37-point performance against the New Mexico State Aggies in the first round.

Despite the Longhorns’ loss in the second round to the USC Trojans, Durant put up incredible numbers yet again.

For his phenomenal run in the college basketball circuit, Durant was recognized as the unanimous National Player of the Year, also receiving the Naismith College Player of the Year award. He became the first-ever freshman to receive any of the national Player of the Year honors. The Longhorns later honored Durant’s immeasurable contribution to the program by retiring his jersey.

This outstanding college basketball stint made The Slim Reaper a top-2 draft prospect. Since the Sonics drafted the 6’11 forward, Durant has not looked back, only making history as an NBA athlete. He may have had a legendary NBA career, but his college basketball stint paved the way for his greatness.

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