By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
LONDON, Great Britain – Fans in London got worried about potentially missing the opportunity of seeing Kevin Durant in person both against South Sudan and Germany, heading to Paris 2024.
However, talking to the media before USA Basketball’s practice in London on Friday morning, on the eve of their first friendly game against the African side, he gave positive updates regarding his status.
“Good practices, keep grinding, keep doing what we are. Games are just around the corner. We’re gonna take advantage of these days where we’re having practice”, he first said about what to expect heading to the Olympic Games.
His presence at the o2 Arena will be a game-time decision. “Let’s see how I feel. I’ll have practice today and take one day at a time”, he commented after suffering a calf injury.
“You always have those concerns, but I see progress every day. I’m just gonna monitor it every day and see how I feel after I do certain movements and exercises. My thing is just keep grinding and see what happens”, Kevin Durant added.
“I feel like I’m a versatile player, you can put me in any position. I can shoot the ball too, it’s always good to have shooters on the team. We’re trying to simplify the game as much as possible, whatever my teammates and coach need me to do, I’ll try to be there”, he also said about fitting into this stacked team.
Reuniting with Steph Curry and recalling London
Wearing the same jersey just like in good old Golden State Warriors days, the 35-year-old superstar praised playing again alongside Steph Curry.
“It’s great. Exciting times. He’s at a point in his career where this is probably the last thing he wants to check off on his resume. His energy is very very high, being around him is pretty cool”, he first said. “He’s incredible. Great guy to be in a locker room with, a team-first player”, he continued on him.
Despite his status still being unclear for the two friendly games against South Sudan and Germany, being back in London 12 years after winning the gold medal at his first Olympic Games is special.
“2012 is a turning point of my career”, Kevin Durant opened when asked about London. “Just being around greats every single day. Seeing how they operate, I took a lot of that stuff with me”, he also said about playing in national-team action with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and more.
“You see younger guys here, like Ant [Anthony Edwards] and Tyrese [Haliburton[. You see their minds turning a bit and understanding that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Guys are taking advantage of it”, he commented on the upcoming generation. “These guys have been excited about it”, he added.
Nigel Hayes-Davis and South Sudan’s inspiration
Alongside the whole 12-man roster that will play in Paris 2024, a select team full of talent has been following Kevin Durant and teammates throughout their whole training camp experience.
Among them, Nigel Hayes-Davis earned the opportunity to share this experience after breaking the all-time record for most points scored in a EuroLeague game, dropping 50 points against ALBA Berlin.
“I think he has the talent to be in the NBA. He’s been showing that so far, he’s showed that in college, and playing in the EuroLeague. Hopefully, he gets this opportunity, but he just loves to play regardless and he will play and work on his game until he can no more. Hopefully, he’s in the league soon”, Kevin Durant concluded about Fenerbahce‘s forward.
Finally, the Phoenix Suns superstar emphasized the importance of playing against South Sudan, both in London and at the Olympic Games. “It’s very important. They’ve built up who they are right now and having an opportunity to represent their country in the Olympics is amazing”, he said.
“They’ve got a couple of NBA guys and coaches. It’s a brotherhood. I’m glad we’re able to give them this spotlight but also showcase that they are good players over there too”, Kevin Durant also shared, praising a national team that couldn’t even represent a country a little more than a decade ago.
I asked Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) about facing South Sudan tomorrow and in Paris 2024:
“They’ve built up who they are right now and having an opportunity to represent their country in the Olympics is amazing. It’s a brotherhood. I’m glad we’re able to give them this spotlight”. pic.twitter.com/gjQ07LVUdf
— Cesare Milanti (@cesaremilanti) July 19, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Olympic Games 2020