Roger Wallace, KXAN – AUSTIN (KXAN) – Kevin Durant loves to play basketball, period. The former Longhorn great is never without a ball in the gym, and it never takes him long to put up shot in the gym, regardless of what else is going on. That may be one reason why Durant will lead Team USA into the Rio Olympics while so many other NBA stars such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and James Harden, just to name a few.
"I've been wanting to play on the Olympic team since 2012," said Durant. "I was hoping and praying I could be a part of it and I get the opportunity to play, I want to take full advantage of it. I've got the desire to play so I want to go out there and bring back another gold medal."
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Durant led the 2012 Gold medal team in scoring, averaging just under 20 points per game and that was on team with Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James.
While his ultimate goal is to win an NBA Championship and his Warriors will be the heavy favorite to do that next season, he says playing for your country is something special.
"It gives you another feeling, you're playing against the whole world. To come together for one common goal, and to see everyone sacrifice, that makes you into a better man, better person, better brother, father, son, everything. It's an honor to be a part of something so special."
Durant and Team USA will wrap up their exhibition tour this weekend in Houston with a game against Nigeria on Monday before heading to Rio de Janeiro where they open against China on August 6.