As the Texas Longhorns aim to move to the Sweet 16, one familiar face may be seen in the Moody Center crowd.
Kevin Durant, an NBA great, is in attendance for Texas’ Round of 32 game against Alabama. Durant’s Phoenix Suns played a road game against the Spurs yesterday, and the two teams will meet again tomorrow in San Antonio.
Durant played for the Texas men’s basketball team in 2006-07.
Notably, the men’s basketball program has retired Durant’s No. 35 jersey. Texas freshman Madison Booker wears that jersey for the Texas women’s team, and she says she chose the number since Durant is one of her favorite players.
Durant told the American-Statesman earlier this month that Booker is “gonna have that (jersey) retired on the other side.” He also commended Booker for his All-American performance and co-Big 12 Player of the Year title.
“She had an amazing season. “Our point guard went out early this year, so she had to step up and take on a different role, playing point forward,” Durant said. “The future is bright.” As a freshman, she still has a lot of work to do, but she’s already making a name for herself in this league, and she’ll only get better as time goes on.”