Sports are a major part of our culture in America–football (American), golf, baseball, and basketball. Many various versions of basketball have been played and depicted throughout history, but the basketball we have today originate by a gym teacher trying to keep his gym class of energy filled students entertained on a rainy day. Since then the United States created the National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in New York City on June 6, 1946. The NBA has since seen many talented players play on its courts such as Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant.
Bio
Kevin Durant was born on September 29, 1988 in Washington, D.C to Wayne and Wanda Pratt. He grew up with his siblings Rayyonne, Tony and Brianna in D.C. and began playing basketball at an early age. Kevin grew up into a 6 foot 10 inches basketball playing machine. Kevin plays power and small forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder with a number 35 jersey on. He has become the youngest scoring champion in NBA history.
Faith
What you may see of Kevin Durant is pretty wonderful, but what you see off the courts is just as appealing if not more so. Kevin Durant is a believer in Jesus Christ and does his best to make Jesus known to others by pointing them to Christ. In several interviews after games Kevin has given credit to the accomplishment only being made possible through Jesus. Some interviews have even chuckled at Kevin’s comments as he’s walked out of frame, but Kevin has remained a faithful follower of Jesus.
In an interview Kevin mentioned that His favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”A pastor in the L.A. area got connected with Kevin and has been shepherding him under his wings for a bit now. Pastor Carl Lentz has also been working on pop star Justin Bieber as well. Kevin says that Carl has been a huge motivator in his faith walk and is someone who keeps Him accountable.
Quotes
- When it comes to having a relationship with God Kevin says, “I have to want to do it.”
- “Hard work beats talent, if talent doesn't work hard.”
- “Bad relationships can get distracting and get your eye off of God.”
- Although this isn’t directly a Kevin Durant quote I’m sure you’ll appreciate these words from His mentor Pastor Carl Lentz, ““Don’t show your best and hide the rest.”
- When asked how do you influence your team, fans, etc. without being offensive Kevin said he lives by example. “Come in and set a different example…from there it’s all God’s work.”
Miscellaneous
Kevin also stars in the movie Thunderstruck (PG). Thunderstruck was released on August 24, 2012. It was directed by John Whitesell and written by Eric Champnella and Jeff Farley. In the movie Kevin Durant’s talent is transferred to a 16-year-old fan. Follow this interesting tale as Kevin struggles to gain back his talent and a young teen grows in popularity among teens.
If you’d like to follow Kevin in social media the best way is to connect with him on Twitter (@KDTrey5). Kevin posts are very real and you are really following THE Kevin Durant.
I hope this article encourages you in your walk with the Lord. It is always an encouragement to me to see people who have so many eyes on them follow Jesus with all of their life. Kevin Durant has chosen to make his life available to be used by God, will you do the same?
Resources- Youtube
