The University of Texas announced that it would be renaming two of it’s basketball facilities after one of their most famous alumni, Kevin Durant. In their press release, the school continued by saying that the NBA champion pledged $3 million to “support Texas basketball and the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation”. The main entrance to the men’s and women’s basketball practice facilities will be renamed, The Kevin Durant Basketball Facility; formerly known as the Denton A. Cooley Pavilion.
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Of the $3 million donation, $2.5 million will be used to update the basketball program specifically, including renovations to the school’s locker rooms and practice facilities. The money has already started upgrading the facilities, including the “installation of graphics in the men’s practice areas, audio improvements and the creation of formal office space in Cooley Pavilion.” The rest of the money will go to UT’s Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation which helps teach athletes and coaches leadership skills and works on character development.
Despite only playing one year for the school, Durant was one of the greatest players to ever lace up at UT. He was named the National Player of the Year, the first freshman in NCAA history to win the award. Durant explained that he is “honored” to be so close to Texas basketball, the school that he said built “the foundation” for who he is as a man and a player.
