Kevin Durant’s mother Wanda turned her sacrifices into a mission to help young students(Getty Images)
23, 2022, when NBA.com reported on the Durant Family Foundation’s $500,000 commitment to renovate the basketball arena at Bowie State University in Maryland. Kevin Durant’s NBA journey has a story that goes well beyond basketball. His mother, Wanda Durant, raised him and his older brother, Tony, as a single mom while working overnight shifts at a post office. Money was tight, but she kept pushing her sons to chase their dreams. After , Kevin’s success gave the family a chance to help other young people facing their own struggles. That mission took a major step on Dec. For Wanda and Kevin, the project also brought their family’s story back to the community where it began.
During his 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player acceptance speech, he became emotional while thanking his mother. Speaking to NBA.com for its December 23, 2022, feature, Wanda explained why supporting the local community was so important to the family.
You are the real MVP,” Kevin said during the speech. “When you didn’t eat, you made sure we ate. You went to sleep hungry. You sacrificed for us. In Wanda’s case, giving back means helping young people access opportunities that can change their lives. And for Kevin, the mission offers a way to honour the woman who helped him reach the NBA while giving other families a reason to believe in their own dreams.