WASHINGTON — Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant spoke proudly Thursday about the opening of an after-school facility that bears his name and the opportunity to be a force for change in his old neighborhood.
Durant spent Wednesday night presiding over the opening of College Track at the new Durant Center in his hometown of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
According to Durant’s charity foundation, the new facility “will offer students the academic, financial, and social-emotional resources to embolden their college and career goals.” It’s part of a 10-year, $10 million commitment Durant made to bring the College Track program to his hometown.
“It feels good,” Durant said following Thursday night’s 126-118 win over the Washington Wizards. “Just doing something that impacts where you come from. I’m sure everybody probably feels the same way about their community.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he was proud of Durant for making the investment.
“It’s not surprising,” Kerr said. “Kevin does so much work in the various communities that he’s been a part of. Whether it’s Austin, Texas, or Maryland or the Bay Area, he’s always very much invested in the young people in those communities. And it’s awesome. What better way to make an impact from your fame and fortune than to help an entire generation of young people in those areas. So Kevin is selfless and unbelievably generous and charitable, and we’re lucky to have him on our team.”
Kerr excused Durant and teammate Quinn Cook from Wednesday night’s practice so they could attend the event, which came the night before Durant and the rest of the Warriors met with former President Barack Obama.
“We had a lot going on,” Warriors star Stephen Curry said. “But obviously, at the end of the day it’s a business trip. We enjoy winning. We enjoy playing in nice, electric atmospheres like tonight. Just trying to keep it rolling. Not to mention what KD was doing in his community, starting the Durant Center, which is a guy taking advantage of his platform, an opportunity like we all have in our own separate ways in making a difference. So we try to be productive, but focus on the game obviously when we’re in the city. I think mission accomplished all the way around.”