words // Brandon Richard
images // Nick DePaula
Kevin Durant only spent one year at Texas before bolting for the NBA, but his freshmen campaign ranks amongst the best of all-time. In 2007, Durant was named the NABC Division I Player of the Year, and was the recipient of the Oscar Robertson and Adolph F. Rupp Trophies, making him the first freshman to win each award. He was also the first freshman and Texas athlete selected as the AP's College Player of the Year. Later in the year, he became the first freshman to win the Naismith and John Wooden Awards. His #35 jersey is now one of nine numbers retired by the University of Texas.
Despite a valiant second half comeback effort, the 2010-2011 Texas Longhorns were knocked out of the NCAA Basketball Tournament by the Arizona Wildcats this past Sunday. Though disappointed by the 1-point loss, Texas alum Kevin Durant says he still bleeds burnt orange and will continue to represent his school proudly through his KD Nike signature sneaker line, the most recent release being the Zoom KD III.
The well-blocked ode to KD's alma mater features a white full-grain leather upper with Texas' signature burnt orange used for detailing throughout. A metallic variation of the color is used for the Flywire panel near the forefoot, while glossy patent fills in the side panels. The orange hue is also seen on the "KD" tongue logo, textile inner liner, rear portion of the midsole and elements of the outsole. Making this a true Texas shoe, the Longhorns' logo appears on the medial side panel.
This limited Texas colorway of the Zoom KD III is currently available exclusively at Foot Locker's House of Hoops locations.
Bonus: Zoom KD III - "Texas" Wallpaper