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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

College basketball enjoys a fervent following in the United States, just like the passion and dedication behind the NBA. The professional league offers elevated levels of competitiveness, glory, fame, and accolades. However, reaching the NBA often involves a path through college, that too a successful one. Notable figures like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant chose to forgo this step. Regardless, the sanctity of the college experience remains valued to date.

Nevertheless, the differences between NBA and college basketball are abundant. Moreover, these distinctions are evident even in on-court dynamics. So far, the fans have learned to cherish the contrasting elements. However, Kevin Durant recently voiced a varying perspective on them.

Kevin Durant wants 2 major changes in college basketball

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Demanding urgent attention, Kevin Durant presented a few changes he wishes to witness on the college basketball level. Venturing onto X, he emphatically stated, “I need to see defensive 3 seconds and 4 quarters in men’s college basketball…asap.”

In the NBA, games are structured with four 12-minute quarters, constituting a complete match. Conversely, at the college level, the game unfolds in two halves of 20 minutes each. Notably, with extended time intervals, the shot clock is set at 30 seconds at the college level, as opposed to the NBA’s 24-second limit. Additionally, NBA rules dictate that a defender cannot linger in the paint lane for more than three seconds without actively guarding an opponent; otherwise, a foul is called. However, as Kevin Durant hints, the same does not apply at the college level.

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Implementing these rules at the college level can potentially streamline the learning curve for players in their early days within the league. This alignment between college and professional basketball rules could facilitate a smoother transition for emerging talents as they make their way into the NBA.

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KD was a scoring machine in college

Kevin Durant, already towering at 6 feet during his college entry, harbored dreams of making it to the NBA. His high school accolades named him the MVP of McDonald’s All-American game. Durant was eager to enter the NBA immediately, however, league rules restricted him from doing so. This led to his entry with the Texas Longhorns.

During his sole stint, he earned the title of Big 12 Player of the Year. In 35 games, Durant showcased all-around skills. He averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds. Moreover, he also garnered 1.9 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.

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He also went on a scoring rampage, an eight-game stretch of consistently scoring over 25 points. In the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant was selected as the 2nd overall pick by the Seattle Supersonics. Recognizing his contributions, the Texas Longhorns retired his #35 jersey in 2009.