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The No. 35 symbolizes excellence for Texas basketball. Specifically the bucket-getting type.
Kevin Durant rocked that number during his lone college season in Austin, which resulted in him becoming the first freshman to win Naismith Player of the Year. The Longhorns would later retire No. 35 for the men's program.
Then came Madison Booker. The 6-foot-1 forward took No. 35 in 2023 and lived up to its lofty reputation, leading Texas to the Elite Eight while having to play point guard following Rori Harmon's torn ACL. She's proceeded to put together two superb seasons at her natural position, and with Harmon healthy again, the Longhorns are once again in the Final Four.
Booker's choice of number was no coincidence. She chose No. 35 out of a lifelong appreciation of Durant's game, which she modeled hers after. Now, Booker is a Nike athlete just like KD.
Durant signed Booker to an NIL deal in March, allowing her access to KD player edition shoes, apparel and more. It was a natural next step for Durant, whose love for Austin has not faded over time.
“That year in Texas had a huge impact on my life and I always feel like I’m attached to that region of the country, specifically that campus,” Durant told the Houston Chronicle. “So, I try to stay integrated in the program, men’s and women’s, and sports in general at Texas. Nike presented this opportunity, Maddie was down with it and I felt like she was the perfect first player to join the team … I love her like a sister. I love her game. It was a perfect player to start us off.”
In Durant's opinion, "It’s going to be two 35s retired in those rafters" when Booker finishes her college career. What a connection these two have.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Madison Booker is 'like a sister' to Kevin Durant
Continue reading...
Kevin Durant rocked that number during his lone college season in Austin, which resulted in him becoming the first freshman to win Naismith Player of the Year. The Longhorns would later retire No. 35 for the men's program.
Then came Madison Booker. The 6-foot-1 forward took No. 35 in 2023 and lived up to its lofty reputation, leading Texas to the Elite Eight while having to play point guard following Rori Harmon's torn ACL. She's proceeded to put together two superb seasons at her natural position, and with Harmon healthy again, the Longhorns are once again in the Final Four.
Booker's choice of number was no coincidence. She chose No. 35 out of a lifelong appreciation of Durant's game, which she modeled hers after. Now, Booker is a Nike athlete just like KD.
Durant signed Booker to an NIL deal in March, allowing her access to KD player edition shoes, apparel and more. It was a natural next step for Durant, whose love for Austin has not faded over time.
“That year in Texas had a huge impact on my life and I always feel like I’m attached to that region of the country, specifically that campus,” Durant told the Houston Chronicle. “So, I try to stay integrated in the program, men’s and women’s, and sports in general at Texas. Nike presented this opportunity, Maddie was down with it and I felt like she was the perfect first player to join the team … I love her like a sister. I love her game. It was a perfect player to start us off.”
In Durant's opinion, "It’s going to be two 35s retired in those rafters" when Booker finishes her college career. What a connection these two have.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Madison Booker is 'like a sister' to Kevin Durant
Continue reading...
