Mitch Johnson announced a decision.
Kevin Durant Returns to Austin for Suns vs. Spurs Matchup, Reflects on College Roots
After a recent trip to the Bay Area, Kevin Durant is now heading back to another familiar place—Austin, Texas. The Phoenix Suns’ All-Star forward will play in San Antonio’s home game against the Suns in Austin on Thursday, marking a special homecoming to where he spent his lone college season with the Texas Longhorns.
“This is very important to me,” Durant remarked. “I can’t wait to play there in the regular season. My adventure truly started in Austin, where I still keep in touch with a lot of my 16 and 17-year-old friends and family. It’s a special event, and I thank the NBA for making it possible.
Durant’s time at Texas in 2006-07 saw him dominate college basketball, averaging 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds while earning Player of the Year honors. He then entered the 2007 NBA Draft, going No. 2 overall to the Seattle SuperSonics, and has since built a legendary career. Now a four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time NBA champion, he recently surpassed 30,000 career points, becoming just the eighth player in league history to do so.
Rodney Terry, the head coach of Texas, views Durant’s comeback as a significant event for the city. Terry remarked, “Austin has a fantastic opportunity to support one of the best players in the game.” He excelled at scoring in college and still does so at the highest level. It doesn’t get any better than having him play professionally here against a top team like the Spurs.
For the third straight season, the Spurs are hosting two home games in Austin, about 75 miles from San Antonio. The team has long sought to expand its reach in the region, even extending into Mexico. These games also provide a break from the Spurs’ annual rodeo road trip, which typically keeps them away for most of February.
Durant wasted no time in returning to old locations, including the Longhorns’ practice, after the Suns arrived in Austin on Tuesday. Durant declared, “I’m going to explore a little.” “There are things I want to see, but there are no set plans.”
While Austin remains Spurs territory—especially with the presence of their G League affiliate—Durant’s impact in the city is undeniable. The crowd at the Moody Center will be filled with Spurs fans sporting Victor Wembanyama jerseys, but many will also be repping Texas and Durant gear.
“He’s had an incredible impact not just on our basketball program, but Texas athletics as a whole,” Terry added. “Many of our players came here because of him. Having him back is a special moment for all of us.”
