Kevin Durant is Dominating College Ball

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Kevin Durant had a game like no other in the history of Texas basketball.

The Texas freshman scored 37 points and grabbed 23 rebounds to become the first Longhorn and second player in the history of the Big 12 to have a 30-20 game in No. 22 Texas' 76-64 win over Texas Tech on Wednesday night.

He even impressed Texas Tech coach Bob Knight.

"He's really good," he said. "The guy is 6-9, he is mobile, he's quick, he's fast. I mean what more does he have to do. There's no secret thing that he drinks before the game." </div>

Source

It's not a misprint 37 points and 23 rebounds.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Bobcats Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Does anybody think Durant could be selected before Oden if he keeps putting dominating numbers like this?</div>

Whoever lands the top pick can't go wrong with either player. Both are franchise caliber talents and it comes down to which player will fit your team better. It's always easier to build your team around a dominant center, but a team who wants to build their system around speed, I think Durant might be the better selection.

 

Before I counter your points, who would you draft ahead of him besides Oden?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Bobcats Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Does anybody think Durant could be selected before Oden if he keeps putting dominating numbers like this?</div>

Me and J_Ray and a few others have argued that he could/should be selected before Oden. Oden is tons of hype so far, hes been very good in the games hes played at Ohio State, but for the most part he hasn't been great and absolutely dominating like Durant has IMO. Of course, most teams in the NBA need a big defensive C more than a PF and I'd say Oden is a "sure thing" to be at least all-star caliber while Durant has the potential to be amazing but could just be average or turn out to be a jump shooting big man or something. I don't think Oden will be that great, he'll probably be a top 3 C during his time but I don't think he'll be better than Yao, Dwight Howard, Amare if he gets back to form; he'll be very good but I don't think he'll be the all-time great NBA C that many are so sure he'll become.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm still not crazy about Durant. I've seen him play against OK State and last night, among other times, so I've seen him at his best. He doesn't even try to play defense. I guess this is why I'm a college fan and not all that much an NBA fan, but I wouldn't pick him in the top 3 right now. I hear people raving about his passing ability, but he can be doubled, and if you don't think he isn't looking for his own shot every time down the floor, you're kidding yourself. I feel that the Kevin Garnett comparasins might one day be validated, but right now he's only got the physical attributes of KG, not the mental part. I also think that he lacks a dominant move to score in the paint, something that NBA defenders will expose.</div>

First off, I'll say that I agree his passing doesn't stand out, hes not bad, but I've seen nothing to make me think hes as good as a KG or Boris Diaw in that area. Also agree that hes usually looking for his own shot but considering how amazingly good he is compared to the competition as well as his inexperienced teammates, many of whom can't create good shots for themselves, its understandable. Morrison wasn't looking to pass much when he was in college either, no one knocked him for that, thats just what it took to win and its a smart move by him and the coaching staff.

Pretty much disagree with everything else though. His defense isn't anything special but he does put forth effort and does a good job on defense. I don't think hes all that much like KG, he compares much more closely to Bosh IMO; adept scorer inside and on the perimeter, good face up game, great quickness, average on ball defender, very good rebounder, solid help defender/shotblocker, good handles for his size. Hes got a better jumpshot and handle than Bosh I think but they're even similar in height and body type.

I don't know if he has a "dominant" move in the paint but his baby hook and turnaround jumpshot are very good, not automatic yet but you don't often see guys 18 years old who are as good at those moves as he is.

Is pretty ridiculous to say you wouldn't take him top 3 IMO. His play has been on a whole different level to all the other top NBA prospects, including Oden, and hes got all the skills, physical tools, and mental toughness to be a great NBA player.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Schaddy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">

I'm still not crazy about Durant. I've seen him play against OK State and last night, among other times, so I've seen him at his best. He doesn't even try to play defense. I guess this is why I'm a college fan and not all that much an NBA fan, but I wouldn't pick him in the top 3 right now. I hear people raving about his passing ability, but he can be doubled, and if you don't think he isn't looking for his own shot every time down the floor, you're kidding yourself. I feel that the Kevin Garnett comparasins might one day be validated, but right now he's only got the physical attributes of KG, not the mental part. I also think that he lacks a dominant move to score in the paint, something that NBA defenders will expose.

And yes, I'm evaluating him mostly as an NBA prospect, because he's as good as gone from college hoops after this year.</div>

He does have the physical attributes, and I also think he has the mental part down. Durant has no qualms about taking and hitting clutch baskets, and goes out on the court to dominate his opponent. He plays with a lot of energy and passion on the court, and his teammates vibe off him. Same goes for KG, and if you surround Durant with better talent, you'll see his game expand.

Durant can pass the ball, but with DJ Augustine running the offense, Durant doesn't have the responsibility of creating for others. Hard to say whether he sees the floor aswell as KG and he definitely looks to score first before passing, but I think he'll learn how to involve others as his game evolves.

I also don't think it's fair to knock his post game. Durant does play from the outside-in, but most big men don't have a go-to move when they enter the NBA. KG didn't develop one until his 3rd season, and relied strictly on hustle and athleticism to score. However, unlike Durant, KG didn't have the jumpshot Durant has.

Chris Bosh might be a better comparison like RunBJM suggested, but Durant plays with a lot more aggression than I've seen coming from Bosh. He has that fire in his game I like.