Kevin: Thanks For The Memories

On Wednesday night, the University of Texas played Texas Tech at the Erwin Center. It really wasn't much of a game. Texas played well enough to win, though they almost stumbled along the way. But Tech couldn't extend their first half 60% shooting into the second half, and balance was restored yet again at the Drum.

But Wednesday was important for another reason: it was the night that the University of Texas retired jersey #35 - that of Kevin Durant.

There are those that argue that it was undeserved. He was at UT for one season - how could we suddenly retire his jersey? But I can tell you that there is no doubt in my mind that it was much-deserved. The accolades were astounding - 7 national player of the year awards. His statistics? Incomprehensible for a freshman. He averaged 25.8 points per game (28.9 points in Big 12 games) - and had twenty 30 point games in the same season (one of which was in the Big 12 final vs Kansas). And though all the numbers and awards would say enough on their own, there is an intangible element that you really had to see to believe.

I've been very fortunate to be witness to many great athletic performances over the years. From Michael Johnson (at the Atlanta Olympics) to Ricky Williams (career rushing record at Texas) to Michael Schumacher (seven time F1 world championship), I've seen athletes perform at a level that many would consider super-human. And I can attest, without a shadow of a doubt, that Kevin Durant's season at Texas falls into this category.

I remember being a little doubtful of all the hoopla that surrounded him when he arrived at Texas. It's pretty easy to be cynical about "the next big thing". But then I saw him on the court. The things this skinny little kid with the huge wing span did on the court were phenomenal. And - each and every time I watched him play, it was a special experience. Not so much for the statistics, or the dunks, or the moves. It was special to watch someone play the game with the zest and joy and humility of a kid. It was simply fun to watch him play. It was fun to watch him with his team-mates, and his coach Rick Barnes.

And at the end of the day, those are my most cherished memories of Kevin Durant - a highly-skilled athlete that played the game with the sheer enjoyment of playing, well, a game. And his exhuberance certainly put a smile on my face. And he possesses what I call the "wow factor" - with a level of humility that sets him apart from most players of his calibre.

So on Wednesday night, Kevin came back to the Erwin Center, tears in his eyes, the same little kid that we watched grow up at center court. He smiled, he waved, he stood silent as a thunderous standing ovation spread over the arena. He spoke of his memories of Texas - and he reminded all of us that even though he plays in Oklahoma City now, he is a Longhorn to the core.

It's hard to imagine that Durant is but 20 years old, playing in his second NBA season. It's also hard to imagine how that same team could have evolved - with the starting line-up for Texas consisting of Durant, D.J. Augustin, A.J. Abrams, Dexter Pittman, and Damian James. Now there's a thought!

Kevin, thanks so much for the memories. Every time I go to the Erwin Center, I will look high up into the rafters and remember the fun, the smiles, and the opportunity to witness something special.