“The NBA. I love this game,” Durant probably wouldn’t mind saying that. Fifty million times.
Just who is Kevin Durant?
Unless you were in a coma, this kid was taken by Seattle as the No.2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. He is the new face of the Sonics, the rising star, who is groomed to take over the mantle of departed All-Stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.
Besides his gigantic shoe deal, Durant will also be paid handsomely as a Sonics power forward. He will earn $3,476,000 as a rookie and $3,736,000 the following year. Seattle holds the option for a third year, which is estimated at over $4 million.
Is he worth all these investment?
Well, only a psychic knows.
Nevertheless, Durant’s financial windfall is no surprise. These days, the NBA market pays for a mere potential. And boy, Durant has more promise than a politician’s speech.
He stands 6-foot-9 and weighs 225 pounds. He runs like a cheetah, leaps like a rocket, and competes like a lion. He can score inside, outside, and beyond the 3-point line. And with his dashing good looks and charming demeanor, he can score with the girls, too.
In 35 games at Texas last season, he averaged 25.8 points and 11.4 rebounds. He blocks shots, steals, and passes the ball well. He is the complete package. And most importantly, Kevin Durant is only 18 years old.
His is the kind of upside that makes NBA scouts crazy. His is a talent that makes general managers drool. He is every coach’s dream.
When you look at the ease with which Kevin Durant plays, the effortless grace and the deft shooting touch, one thing immediately darts your mind: the Larry O’Brien trophy.
This is why Nike gladly gave him $60 million. And this is why the Sonics are excited over the future of their franchise.
PULLING FOR BOOMBOOM. Like many boxing fans, my friend Rico Laga-ac of Zuellig is going gaga over BoomBoom Bautista’s upcoming title fight against WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Ponce De Leon.
“Are you covering it live over dyAB and what do you think of BoomBoom’s chances?”
Barring any hitches, yes, I’ll do a live blow-by-blow account of the Bautista-De Leon tussle. I might also do the same for the bouts involving Gerry Penalosa, AJ Banal and Z Gorres.
God, help my vocal chords.
Anthony “Duljoman” Andales, a philboxing.com contributor, will join me in this mega event dubbed as the World Cup of Boxing. Tony will assist me with notes and behind-the-scenes pictures and I will also ask him to aide me with my radio gig.
In a scale of 10, I rate BoomBoom’s chances at 7. Look, the kid can punch, and De Leon, himself a devastating puncher, isn’t that hard to find.
MY BRETHREN. On the heels of Eva Longoria’s recent marriage, Luis Sebastian Rusiana and his political science colleagues at USJ-R asked: “We hope you haven’t melted after losing the woman of your dreams, otherwise we won’t enjoy Second Overtime anymore.”
Unless Eva decides play for another team, if you know what I mean, I guess I’ve lost her forever. But hey, I’ve met her, talked to her in person, and had posed for a photograph together. I have no complaints.
My first heartbreak was inflicted by a neighbor and friend named Marites. She was the world to me. I was just 19. And I loved her ferociously. Truly. Madly. Deeply.
Losing Marites felt like a heart attack. Losing Eva feels like a playful pinch.
I’m okay, Luis and Second Overtime has never been better. Send my best to all your peers, you guys remind me of my wonderful college years as a USJ-R political science student.
