40 Acres Sports

Former Horn [tag]Kevin Durant[/tag] was nails for the Sonics last night in what was likely the team’s last game in Seattle. In a two overtime win over the Denver Nuggets, Durant had 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists but played an even bigger role than his career best stat line shows. With 22 seconds left in regulation he hit a huge 3-pointer to tie the game and send it to overtime. Then, with just five seconds left in the first overtime period he drained a 30-foot bomb to again tie up the game. It was a superstar shot.

Watch the second of his big shots below:

Great game and great clutch job by Kevin. His ability and willingness to take and hit shots like that are what separates him from other players. The Sonics are terrible and he started off trying to carry the team by taking tons of threes (yet was still Rookie of the Year frontrunner even then), but once he found his groove midseason he’s been playing at a much higher level. After several months hovering around 40% shooting, Durant made 53% of his shots in February.

With five games left in the season the Sonics are likely going to end up with one of the league’s three worst records and at worst a top five pick in the 2008 draft. If the Sonics can land another big time player (hopefully Memphis point guard Derrick Rose) with that pick they’ll have an incredibly young and gifted core to build on just up the road in Oklahoma City next year.

Freshman quarterback [tag]GJ Kinne[/tag] has announced his intention to transfer from the University of Texas. The young man from Gilmer redshirted in his only season and would have like been the fourth string quarterback for the Longhorns in 2008. From the official release:

“I chose the best school at what was the end of a very successful, but difficult high school career,” Kinne said. “I have definitely become a better quarterback with the help of one of the most knowledgeable offensive coaches in college football, Greg Davis. However, the quarterback position is unique in terms of playing time, and I have to find a program that best fits my skills.”

“Quarterbacks transfer in college football. That’s life for this position. I’ve made great memories, great friends and have been blessed with experiences most can only watch. So the answer is, ‘No,’ I have no regrets. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me. I wish nothing but great things for The University of Texas. I appreciate all that Coach Brown and The University have done for me.”

There has been no official news of where he’ll be transferring but rumors are that Louisiana Tech is a possible option. GJ has a cannon for an arm (as displayed on a long bomb during the spring game) and likely could be an excellent quarterback if given the chance. Stuck behind three other young players I don’t blame him for seeking out a better opportunity for himself. I wish him the best wherever he ends up.

Barnes’ rotations in Texas/Memphis game. Nice analysis of the box score from the BON diaries.

Basketball assistant Ken McDonald takes Western Kentucky head job. Chris Ogden will reportedly replace him on Barnes’ staff.

Longhorns participate in Leadership Luncheon. Vince Young, Mike Griffin, Kyle Russell, & others discuss the importance of effective organizations & leadership skills.

DJ Augustin wins Bob Cousy Award given to nation’s top college point guard. He’ll be presented with the award Monday in San Antonio.

Sanya Richards is healthy and on track for 2008 Olympics. Aaron Ross’ fiancée picked up two relay wins at Texas Relays.

High school sophomore Chris Martin is one of the top prospects for 2010 out of California. He’s already got offers from top programs such as Cal, Colorado, and Stanford and is being recruited by all the national powers. He doesn’t have a favorite in the recruiting process yet, but he sure knows where he doesn’t want to go to school…

Education is another factor weighing heavily on Martin’s opinion of colleges.

“Academic prestige is the first thing I’m looking for in a school,” said Martin. “I’m not sure on a major, but I think I’d like to go into marketing.

“I do know I wouldn’t pick a school like Texas A&M because I want to go somewhere that has had a line of successful people who have majored in the field I’m interested in.”

Apparently Martin just isn’t interested in Ag Leadership as a career.

I’m not sure where that quote came from or why a kid from California even brings up the Aggies, but it sure is funny. I guess it’s a step in the right direction for A&M though that a national recruit has actually heard of the school. I guess that 35 point loss to Cal in the Holiday Bowl paid off after all.

Maybe the Longhorns should start recruiting Martin, he’s mine kind of kid.

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Kevin Durant plans to be back in Austin to work toward his degree this summer. Nice trend to have of former athletes coming back to finish up.

This was too entertaining not to post:

At first I was sympathetic to Aggie fans, it would be tough to lose a game that way. Then they started acting like Aggies and threatening a lawsuit over the non-call. Seriously. It didn’t take long to remember there is never a good reason to take pity on them. Now I laugh and laugh and laugh at their despair. (via)