Kevin Durant made a return to the Bay Area over the weekend but is now gearing up for another special trip — back to school.
This Thursday, Durant and his team, the Phoenix Suns, are set to face the San Antonio Spurs in Austin, Texas. This game holds particular significance for Durant, as it brings him back to the city where he spent his college year playing for the Longhorns. “This means a great deal to me,” Durant expressed. “I’m thrilled that we’re able to play a regular-season game there. Austin is where my journey began, and having so many friends and family still there after all these years is truly wonderful. I’m grateful to the NBA for organizing this unique opportunity.”
Durant’s time in Austin was during the 2006-07 season, where he emerged as the best player in college basketball. He posted impressive averages of 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds, finishing among the top players nationally in both categories. His remarkable performance earned him player of the year honors from various outlets, including notable recognition from the Associated Press. Following that standout season, Durant entered the NBA draft and was selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007. Since then, his collection of accolades has continued to grow. He stands out as the only men’s player in USA Basketball history to win four Olympic gold medals and secured two championships with the Golden State Warriors. Recently, he also became the eighth player in NBA history to surpass the 30,000-point milestone.
Rodney Terry, head coach at Texas, praised Durant’s return, stating, “This is a tremendous opportunity for him and the city of Austin to show support for one of our elite players who remains in his prime. Scoring over 30,000 points places him among the top scorers in both professional and collegiate basketball. The chance for him to play a game in a city where he once played college basketball, especially against a storied franchise like the Spurs, is an excellent scenario.”
This marks the third consecutive season that the Spurs will host two home games in Austin, located about 75 miles northeast of San Antonio. The Spurs view Austin as an integral part of their expanding region, which they have been developing for years, with an outreach even reaching into Mexico. These games serve to provide a break from the annual rodeo road trip, which usually sends the Spurs on the road for a good portion of February, making the Austin games a welcome change this season.
Alongside their matchup against the Spurs, the team will also face off against the Detroit Pistons in Austin on Friday. The Suns arrived in the city on Tuesday, and one of Durant’s first stops included visiting the Longhorns’ practice facilities. “I plan to explore the city a little,” Durant commented over the weekend when asked about his time in Austin. “I don’t have a strict itinerary, but there are things I’m eager to see.”
Although Austin is predominantly a Spurs-following city, especially with the team’s G League affiliate located there, Durant’s return is expected to draw significant attention. Fans at the Moody Center for Thursday’s game are likely to wear both Spurs and Texas jerseys, celebrating Durant’s past achievements.
Reflecting on Durant’s influence, Terry noted, “Having him back here this week to engage with our team is fantastic. Many of our players idolize Kevin Durant, and his choice to come to Texas heavily influenced their decisions. His impact on our basketball and athletic programs has been monumental, making him a remarkable ambassador for Texas athletics.”
San Antonio hosts a game, marking a homecoming for Kevin Durant as the Suns face the Spurs in Austin.
