Returning to the Lone Star State: Kevin Durant
Tommy Beebe
6/27/2025
The 2024-25 NBA season concluded this past Sunday, June 22 with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking down the Indiana Pacers to win the NBA Finals. Prior to the confetti falling in OKC, the storyline that stole Game 7’s thunder was news that Kevin Durant had been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, a move sending shockwaves across the league and sparking excitement amongst basketball fans in the Lone Star State. For the first time in Durant’s professional career, the former Longhorn standout will once again be able to call Texas home.
From '06 ?? '25
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 22, 2025
Kevin Durant makes his return to the Lone Star State ?? pic.twitter.com/LFnKG7k8sH
The 18-year NBA veteran has accumulated quite the resume throughout his illustrious professional career. From NBA Championships to Olympic gold, MVPs to scoring titles, and All-NBA selections to All-Star appearances, Durant’s accolades speak for themselves. His college career repping the Burnt Orange was nothing short of amazing, foreshadowing the success he would soon experience in the Association. In his lone college season, KD became the first freshman in history to be named the Consensus National Player of the Year and the first freshman to be named Big 12 Player of the Year—all while earning consensus First-Team All-American honors. His number 35 jersey was retired by The University of Texas in 2009, and in 2022 Durant was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor.
Durant’s professional and collegiate paths intersected in February of 2025 when the then-member of the Suns took on the San Antonio Spurs at Moody Center. When the Texas Ex was given the opportunity to play an NBA game on the Forty Acres as part of the Spurs’ I-35 Series, it wasn’t just another one of the 82 regular season games—it was a homecoming. “It feels amazing to be back,” Durant said in a pregame media session. “This place means a lot to me. The people, the fans—everything about The University of Texas shaped who I am today.”
The former NBA MVP’s pregame remarks continued when asked about his time as an 18-year-old at Texas. “This was the foundation to the start of my career. Once I left home and jumped into the real world, this was my entry point.” KD went on to say, “I learned from a lot of people and grew as a human being, which helped me grow on the basketball court. I’ll never forget the times that I had here. I reference those times when I’m going through stuff in the league. I still lean on my former teammates and Texas family, so this was an important time in my life and I hold on to it dearly.”
When asked about some of his memories while playing at Texas, and more specifically the Frank Erwin Center, Durant had several stories to tell. “My last game at Erwin Center is the one that stands out the most,” said the NBA star with a smile. He was referring to a double overtime thriller that saw the No. 15 Longhorns take down a top-10 Texas A&M squad, 98-96, in front of 16,755 Texas faithful. “They were a thorn in our side and a real veteran team with experience. We were a young and tight-knit group that fed off the crowd’s energy, and it was crazy in there that night.” KD finished the game with 30 points and 16 rebounds, sealing the win from the charity stripe to fend off the Aggies and Acie Law, who had forced both overtimes with clutch three-pointers.
This place means a lot to me. The people, the fans—everything about The University of Texas shaped who I am today.”Kevin Durant
“Austin is a basketball city,” said Durant. “Those games at the Drum felt like I was playing in an NBA arena. Every game and every night you could feel the energy because it was a packed house. I remember seeing the students camping out for the Texas Tech and Texas A&M games and thinking, ‘The fans here really ride with us.’ That was a cool time for sure.” Shortly following this response, a media member asked KD about his expectations from the fans ahead of the upcoming game. “I know it’s going to be electric. I think people here are excited for NBA basketball in Austin. Of course, they’re going to show out for the Spurs, but I know there will be Longhorns in the building. I’m looking forward to it.”
As expected, the Longhorn legend received a warm welcome from the Austin crowd during player introductions and throughout the entirety of the game. Durant finished with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting and added 5 rebounds, but San Antonio’s 52 bench points proved too much, helping the Spurs secure the win. “It’s frustrating that we couldn’t come out with the win, but I still had a great time,” said KD in the postgame press conference. “I’m not going to let that sour the mood on me coming back here and playing in front of this incredible crowd. They were loud and energetic the whole night, and I’m very grateful for all the love that I’ve received from this region of the world over the past 15-20 years.”
While Durant was the focal point of the night, several other NBA players shared their thoughts on playing in Austin. Spurs forward and former Kentucky Wildcat Keldon Johnson spoke about the city’s significance in his life, saying, “This is where everything started for me, having spent a lot of time here in the [NBA] G League with the Austin Spurs. Austin is my home away from home, and being able to come here and play in front of these fans is special for me.”
De’Aaron Fox, another Kentucky one-and-done now playing for the Spurs, described the experience of playing at The University of Texas as, “Super dope.” He went on to say, “I did team camps here going into my freshman and sophomore years of high school. I’ve been here and seen campus many times, and I loved it. This is my first time actually being able to play at UT, and the facilities have gotten a lot better even since when I was getting recruited [by UT]. The facilities here are some of the best in the country, by far.”
NBA veteran and surefire Hall of Famer Chris Paul chimed in on the festivities surrounding Durant’s homecoming by saying, “The NBA gave the people what they wanted with KD playing back here at UT. It was really cool, and I hope the league continues to do things like this.”
The facilities here are some of the best in the country, by far.De'Aaron Fox
Basketball fans around the world were treated to one of Texas’ most accomplished athletes playing a game back where it all began. Durant has done his part to leave the program better than he found it, both as an ambassador for The University and as a generous contributor to Texas Athletics through charitable giving. After making a capital gift of $3 million in 2018 in support of Texas Basketball and the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation, KD commented, “My time as a Longhorn helped build the foundation for who I am today as a player and a person, and the UT team will always be my family.” Durant went on to say, “It’s important to me to continue to give back to The University and ensure that future student-athletes have all the opportunities they need to succeed. It’s an honor to have such a close and unique relationship with Texas Basketball, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute.” In addition to his gift in 2018, the former Longhorn has graciously donated to other initiatives across Texas Athletics.
“What Starts Here” helped shape one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Seeing Durant back on the Forty Acres wasn’t just a treat for fans—it was a reminder of the strength of Longhorn ties. For Longhorn Foundation members, moments like these highlight the impact of your investment. Your contributions, whether through Longhorn Excellence, capital giving, or scholarships, provide Texas student-athletes with experiences that prepare them for success both at Texas and beyond. Additionally, your support inspires Texas student-athletes to give back long after their time on campus. Kevin Durant’s journey is a shining example of that mission fulfilled, and as he prepares for liftoff on a new venture in Houston, his legacy continues to make a meaningful impact at The University of Texas.
