Kevin Durant Named 2010 Oklahoman of the Year

The Thunder forward won the award from the Oklahoma Today magazine, sponsored by the state's tourism department.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:06 pm

By: News On 6

Kevin Durant Named 2010 Oklahoman of the Year

Originally Published: Dec 17, 2010 11:3 AM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thunder forward Kevin Durant was named the 2010 Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Today, the magazine announced on its Twitter account Thursday.

Durant, who is only 22, has already began to rack up a large list of accomplishments in his young career.

He became the NBA's youngest scoring champion in 2009-10, averaging more than 30 points per game. He and teammate Russell Westbrook also led Team USA to a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, and Durant was named 2010 Male Athlete of the Year by USA Basketball.

Perhaps most importantly, Durant signed a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, assuring the team will have all the pieces it needs to continue to improve in the Western Conference standings.

Lots of critics of the franchise's move to OKC claimed Durant would bolt at the first opportunity, but he told Oklahoma Today that he is in the right place.

"I can’t put into words how cool it is to be here,” Durant said. “I’m happy I’m here. God has put me in a great place because it’s the perfect place for me.”

Durant is the 19th honoree of the award, which has honored Oklahomans such as Garth Brooks, David Boren and the man responsible for bringing the NBA team to OKC in the first place, Clay Bennett.

"Playing this game of basketball, you’re going to receive a lot of trophies and awards," Durant said. "To have Oklahoman of the Year kind of stands out to me. It’s a lot more than just a basketball award."