This NBA star forward from the Oklahoma City Thunder was named Rookie of the Year in the 2007-08 season, more accolades and endorsement contracts quickly followed. Most recently, Kevin Durant was named the 2010 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. The 28 points he scored in the final game against Turkey last summer gave the United States their first world basketball championship title in 16 years.

Kevin Durant is making history … by becoming a new kind of sports star. Apart from being one of the top basketball players in the world — Durant led the league in scoring last season — he is a true sportsman and team player, avoiding much of the glitz of the more visible stars. After leading the young Thunder to make the playoffs in their second season as a franchise, Durant opted to stay with his team rather than seek more money playing in a larger market.

What’s next for Kevin?

Durant signed a five year extension on his contract in Oklahoma City and is looking to get his team to a championship sooner rather than later.

In his own words …

“It’s all about winning,” Durant told sports blog The Starting Five. “I feel confident if the other stuff comes in afterward it will take care of itself but it means nothing… nothing without a win.”

On black history …

“Just the fact that I’m able to play the game of basketball is a blessing. Those before me made that possible,” Durant told theGrio. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given in my life.

A little-known fact …

Durant is the second youngest player to reach 4,000 career points scored, trailing only behind LeBron James.

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