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Named NBA Rookie of the Year (for the 2007–2008 season)

Durant came out of the University of Texas as one of the most celebrated freshman in men’s college basketball history. He was honored as Player of the Year, Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, and various other honors, helping himmake the decision to leave early and make the jump from college to the NBA. Taken with the second pick, he turned in a phenomenal rookie season for the Seattle Supersonics. He averaged 20.3 points per game (scoring 1,624 points), 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. These totals were good enough for him to be named Rookie of the Year for the 2007–2008 season.

Durant did not miss a step transitioning from college to the pros. His rookie season in the NBA ended with his being named the league’s top rookie in 2008. He became the first (and last) Sonics player to win Rookie of the Year honors.

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HARDWOOD GREATS: PRO BASKETBALL’S BEST PLAYERS

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