What’s going on everyone? Well, we’re back on the road again with two more games to go before the All-Star break, although it won’t be much of a break for me and you know I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So the last time I blogged I had just gotten back from watching my Longhorns beat OSU in Stillwater, and you know it really had me thinking about my year at Texas and how I’ve been going back to school every summer since I left for the NBA. There’s just something about college that keeps me going back.

First off, I love the environment of a school setting, especially in college. I went to a small high school and graduated with 30 people at Montrose Christian. There were just 100 people in the whole school. It was small and I liked it. We never had a football team, never had a baseball team, so at Texas I got to see other sports, I went to every football game and got to see people that I normally wouldn’t see every day.

So these last two summers have been cool just to be back in a school setting first of all, and getting my degree is something I’ve always wanted to do. Nobody in my family has ever done it. My brother is the closest and that’s one thing I want to do. My mom wants me to do it so I’ve got to fulfill my mom’s dreams. It’s also just cool to get back down there and see the guys and workout with them as well.

I’m going for a degree in education and I usually take about two classes each summer. I’ve moved up every year and have thought about maybe staying the whole summer to take four classes, two in the first session and two in the second session but we’ll see how that goes. I have a long way to go but hopefully all I have is time.

I actually have to start thinking about what classes I’ll be taking soon. Last year I picked them out during the season. I just talk to my academic advisor that helped me out when I was there. She does a great job of getting classes ready for me. Sometimes I do it right before I go down there. I just have to go online and register. It’s been cool because she’s been helping me pick out some good classes.

And whenever I go back to school I always stay at Justin Mason’s apartment. He’s on the basketball team and has an apartment off campus. Staying at a hotel would have been a waste of money and not the smartest thing to do. And plus we’ve had some fun times, like we were roommates again because we were roommates my freshman year. We were basically suitemates, so we just shared a bathroom. You never get too big time to sleep on a couch or a floor or even an air mattress, so that’s how I looked at it. I actually had two air mattresses and put them together. You might not believe me but it was pretty comfortable. It was something different but it was all worth it.

I just treat it like I was a college student. I go to class with everyone. I go to study hall with everyone. No one treats me like, ‘oh, that’s KD he plays in the NBA.’ I just go about my business and try to finish school.

And no, I don’t cook when I’m back at college. I go out to eat every night!

Well, that brought back some college memories. How about you guys? You all still in college, going back or already graduated? And did everyone have a good living experience? Hit me up in my comments section.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

Check out this video of Zoom KD II designer Leo Chang showing us the inspiration behind the KD II design, as well as future colorways of the shoe.

To find out more about the KD, visit the KD II page on Nike Basketball.com.

What’s good everybody? Earlier in the year I blogged about my experiences playing in the Goodman League at Barry Farms. Nike Basketball’s “The Leap” followed me home to D.C. this summer to get a glimpse of me playing at Barry Farms. Check out the video and let me know what you think. I also debut the Velvet Hoop edition of my Zoom KD II in the video. So make sure to look out for that.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s going on everybody? Just checking in to tell you about my trip to Stillwater on Monday night to see my Texas Longhorns take on – and beat – Oklahoma State. It ended up being a great game and ESPN was even there.

I went to the game with my friends from home plus Russell Westbrook, Kyle Weaver, Jeff Green, James Harden and D.J. White. I just wanted to support my guys. It was a good game, so I’m happy I went. It was cool just to see them. They’re people I really love and really care for, and it was especially good to see them do so well.

I’m glad I got to talk to them and see them in person, too. I got there right before tip-off so I saw them at halftime and after the game. I talked to Coach Barnes, asked him how he was doing and he said he was proud of me and just told me to continue to work. I really miss seeing those guys since I was there the whole summer and I’m looking forward to going back down there this summer.

As far as the atmosphere went, the fans were great and the student section was funny. I miss college a lot. I really, really miss it. Even though I was in OSU territory, no one really gave me a hard time. They really were just like, ‘hey how are you doing? Remember the game you played here a couple years back when it went to triple-overtime?’ It was just reminiscing. It was cool to have just friendly competition between myself and some Oklahoma State fans. Like I said, I was happy I went and hopefully I’ll go to more games in the future.

Texas was No. 1 but they lost three out of the last five I think. But they’ve been playing well. Every team goes through a spurt where they lose a couple of games here and there. That happens and they go through that every year. I think they’ll be alright. They’ve got a lot of talent on that team. They’re deep. I was hoping to see them this weekend at OU but we’ll be in San Francisco. So I’m happy I saw them. Seeing them once was better than not seeing them at all.

So what do you guys think of the college basketball season so far? Surprise teams or players, favorites to watch? Anyone a Longhorns fan? Let me know in the comments section.

We play the Hornets tonight in New Orleans. Make sure to send a prayer out for my bro Chris Paul. He injured his knee and I just want to see him healthy and back on the court as soon as possible.

Talk to you soon.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

Was there anything Kevin Durant didn’t do last week?

From shooting commercials for Gatorade and TNT and being named an All-Star reserve, to leading the league in scoring – how about that season-high 45 points on Sunday? – Durant stayed busy.

Oh, and just for good measure, the Thunder forward and former Longhorn was scheduled to make the trek to Sillwater on Monday night to see his boys from Texas take on Oklahoma State in a nationally televised game.

Of course, that had to be the icing on the cake for Kevin, who earned his second Western Conference Player of the Week award of the season on Monday afternoon.

Can it get any better? Of course it can. But let’s look back on the week that was for Kevin Durant.

Continue reading Keeping up with KD: Busy Week For Mr. Durant

What’s good everyone? Man, today’s been an unbelievable day for me, my family and the Thunder organization. I’ve been selected to play in my first-ever All-Star Game!

This was something I’ve dreamed about since I was growing up and I’m just so fortunate to be named a Western Conference All-Star. Hopefully I’ll be able to maintain this level of play. I just really appreciate my teammates and my family for giving me support and thank the good man above for giving me these talents and this work ethic.

A lot of people were already telling me congrats early on today but I didn’t want to know until it became official. But so many people have been supportive of me, so at the end of the day it’s still a blessing. A lot of people, fans and critics know we have a ton of talent in Oklahoma City and this just shines another light on the organization.

I’m sure you’ve already heard that I won’t be at All-Star Weekend alone. My teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden will be playing in the Rookie-Sophomore game, so we’ll be well represented in Dallas.

Oh yeah, not sure if you guys were watching, but TNT did a live interview with me after they announced the All-Star reserves. That was pretty cool. I’ve seen a lot of guys do those interviews and now I guess it was my turn, but like I said I’m just blessed to be in this position. I’ve just got to continue to work hard.

And speaking of work, we’ve got another tough opponent tomorrow night when the Denver Nuggets come to town. Make sure you watch our game tomorrow, and thanks to everyone for all your support!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

What’s good everybody? Hope you all are doing well. We came up short last night against a tough Bulls team. We’ve had a tough stretch in our last 3 games, but I promise we will bounce back. That’s my word!

I’m so glad we’re home this week, but man, it’s been a busy one. I had a TV camera crew come to my crib the other day to film a promo commercial for this year’s H-O-R-S-E competition at NBA All-Star Weekend. Yup, I’ll be there to defend my H-O-R-S-E crown. And I’ll tell you what, that commercial shoot was a lot of fun.

They set it up like I had to try to find the H-O-R-S-E trophy that I won last year somewhere in my house. I don’t know if you’ve seen it or not but it’s literally a horse trophy, just a little plastic thing that TNT and GEICO gave me when I won last year in Phoenix. The commercial shoot was pretty neat because I’ve never done that before. Oh yeah, the horse was actually in a drawer in my room.

As far as why I entered the contest again, well that’s pretty simple. I’m the reigning champ, and you know the reigning champ always has to come back and try to get another one. Plus, it was a lot of fun. It was exciting. Fans were really into it. It was televised nationally and I got to shoot against some great players. I’m excited to do it again.

I used to play H-O-R-S-E all the time as a kid with my brother Tony and our friends from the neighborhood. We used to call it OUT, PIG, GEICO (just kidding). But I played it a lot growing up and I like to think that it kind of prepared me for that day last year. Hopefully I’ll go in there and get another horse, or maybe a real trophy this time.

I might try some trick shots, but if I’m not making them that’s when I’ll go to my regular tactics. I’m just going to do it on the fly, but I might start practicing this week or so if I find the time. I actually didn’t practice heading into last year’s competition, so I just shot regular shots.

So what do you all think of me defending my H-O-R-S-E title? You guys have any suggestions for trick shots? Or should I keep it simple? Let me know in the comments section.

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.

OKLAHOMA CITY, January 28, 2010 – Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant was named a reserve on the Western Conference All-Star Team the NBA announced today.

“I am both excited and honored to be able to represent the Thunder and our organization as an NBA All-Star,” said Durant. “There are a lot of people who have contributed to this achievement, it is important to me that I recognize the support I have received from my teammates, our organization and my family as well as our fans. I’m looking forward to this experience and am excited to take the floor for the Western Conference.”

Durant becomes the first ever Thunder All-Star and the first franchise All-Star since Ray Allen was named a Western Conference reserve in 2007. This season, Durant is averaging 29.3 points (3rd in the NBA), 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 39.9 minutes in 45 games.

“Kevin, through his commitment, consistency and discipline, has earned this recognition,” said Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “He has worked diligently to improve himself as an all-around player and possesses a deep respect for team and community. We are proud to have Kevin represent the Thunder at NBA All-Star Weekend.”

Since Christmas the third year forward has paced the NBA in scoring with 31.9 points per contest while shooting 51.2% from the field (174-340 FG) including 49.1% from beyond the arc (28-57 3FG). He has scored 30 or more points an NBA-best 25 times this season including 25 or more points in each of the last 19 contests, which in the most in NBA history for a player under the age of 22. Durant is on pace to become just the second player in NBA history, 21 years or younger, to finish the season with a scoring average above 29 points per contest (LeBron James, 31.4 ppg, 2005-06).

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before an expected crowd of more than 80,000 – the largest group ever to witness a live basketball game.

Last week we told you about the release of the Creamsicle and Black colorways of the Nike Zoom KD II. Over the weekend the White, Black and Orange colorway of the Zoom KD II hit finishline.com. Once you pick up a pair, send in a pic of yourself holding the shoes and we’ll feature them on the site. You can send the pics to kd35sightings [at] gmail.com.

What’s good everyone? Man, it’s good to be home! We just got back from a four-game road trip, which we split. We won the first two in Atlanta and Minnesota before losing two close back-to-backs against Memphis and Cleveland. They came down to the wire!

And really, I think we got better from staying in those games. Those were against two good teams, two playoff teams basically. Memphis is playing like a playoff team and Cleveland is a championship-caliber team. We were down 14, 15 early to Cleveland but we never let that get to us. We weren’t frustrated, and we came out of halftime and fought. That showed a lot of character and we were in a position to win the games.

Last year, I think it would have been different. If we were down 10 we would have come out a little sluggish in the third, but this year we’ve always picked it up. Coach Brooks has been great at motivating us at halftime, giving us that extra push. We’ve just learned how to persevere.

Of course, my teammates put me in a position to win or tie both games against the Grizzlies and Cavs, but as I’m sure you saw those shots just didn’t fall. After the games I thought about how I could have done it this way or could have done it that way, but I’ve got to live with it. That shot in Memphis, that shot looked good. It looked like it was going in but it came out, bounced off the rim. It’s a learning experience. Ask LeBron, Kobe – they didn’t make every shot in the fourth quarter. A lot of people say you’ve got to be clutch in the fourth but they only look at shots I’ve missed. They don’t look at games in overtime like San Antonio, when I helped put my team in a position to win when it came down to the last shot. Against Indiana – close game and I made shots. And then there was Phoenix – where I made shots in the fourth quarter.

A lot of people could talk about that but they only talk about the shots that help the team go up four points, six points to win the game or seal the game. It is what it is. I’ve got to learn from it. It’s something I can’t get mad over. I’ll just learn from it and watching film is going to help me. That’s all I’m about – getting better.

So after that long road trip it was nice to get back home and enjoy the NFL Playoffs on Sunday. It was fun, man. I wanted to come in for some workouts but they didn’t want anyone to come in. That was like a bad dream, not being able to come in here. I always like going to our practice facility just to chill out or get a massage or something. It just gets me away from a lot of things. But since we have another four games at home this week, they just wanted us to get away for a day. But I got some great work in on Monday and we’ve just got to get ready for our next game and know that practice is very important to us. So the day off was good for us.

Oh yeah, as far as the Super Bowl goes, I’ve got the Colts winning it. The Saints are playing very, very well but I’ve got to go with the Colts. It’s going to be a battle and I’m going to be excited to watch!

Who are you guys picking for the Super Bowl? Anyone planning a cool Super Bowl party? Let me know in my comments section. Talk to you soon!

Fans: Be sure to check out Kevin on Twitter and Facebook.