Matt Doeden - Kevin Durant: Basketball Superstar

Durant is close to his mom, Wanda. When he looked into the stands, he saw her dancing.She was relaxed, which helped him relax and have a great game.

Kevin Wayne Durant was born September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C. His mother, Wanda,raised him and his older brother, Tony. Even at a young age, Durant loved playingbasketball. He tried to play like his favorite NBA player, Vince Carter.

Playing outside is key for younger kids growing up. It builds that love for thegame. Kevin Durant

Durant joined an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) youth team called the Prince GeorgeJaguars. At age 11, Durant led his AAU team to the national championship.

Durant became one of the nations best high school players. As a senior, he averaged23.6 points per game. He played in the 2006 McDonalds All-Star game and was namedco-Most Valuable Player (MVP).

amateur someone who participates in a sport without being paid

Almost every major college basketball program wanted Durant. He chose the Universityof Texas.

Durant was an instant star. He averaged 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game duringthe 20062007 season. Texas went 2510 and made the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament.But the team lost to the University of Southern California in the second round.

rebound the act of getting the ball after a missed shot

After one year at Texas, Durant decided to go to the NBA. The Seattle SuperSonicschose him with the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft . In his first NBA game,he scored 18 points.

As a rookie , Durant averaged 20.3 points per game. He was named the leagues Rookieof the Year.

draft the process of choosing a person to join a sports team

rookie a first-year player

In 2008 the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. The team didntwin many games. But Durant was getting better and better.

In the 20092010 season Durant led the NBA with a 30.1-point average. The Thunderreached the conference playoffs. They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the firstround.

People go through losses every year. But its tough for us because were so close.We definitely dont want to go home. Kevin Durant

Durant and the Thunder were even better in 20102011. They went 5527 and won theNorthwest Division. After beating the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, theylost to the Dallas Mavericks.

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, came out firing for the Thunderin the 20112012 season. They ended the season with the third-best record in theNBA. The young team made it to the NBA Finals but lost to the Miami Heat.