I was fortunate to see Kevin Durant twice in person during his freshman season on his way to the National Player of the Year at Texas. Once in Stillwater, once in Norman. He’s the only visiting player ever I’ve done that with as in making sure I got to see him twice in person during a Big 12 season. He was simply amazing. The size coupled with the skill and natural grace on the floor. Even though I hate Texas with a passion, it was odd, I never even bothered to cheer in either game, rather just sat there watching Durant, taking it in.
The thought Kevin Durant would someday be anchoring an NBA team in Oklahoma City never even crossed my mind. What Kevin Durant has meant to Oklahoma in these years since is incalcuable both on and off the court. In my lifetime—there has been no other ambassador to the state the magnitude of Kevin Durant. Not Barry Sanders. Not Blake Griffin. Not Bob Stoops. Not Barry Switzer. Not even Sam Bradford. It’s truly been a remarkable journey for both Durant and the state.