Nine lucky University of Texas students picked up pairs of Longhorns alum Kevin Durant's signature line of sneakers on Tuesday as part of promotional activities by the NBA star to promote the release of his KD9 kicks.
Thanks @UTAustin students!! All @KDTrey5 gifts claimed! #KD9 @nikebasketball pic.twitter.com/rqURvWL8j7
— Texas Basketball (@TexasMBB) June 21, 2016
The students were the first to respond to a tweet from Durant enticing the first nine arriving at Gregory Gym with a special giveaway.
Durant also showed off his legendary shooting skills with Texas head coach Shaka Smart, as well as a sick Dirk Nowitzki-esque one-footed fadeaway.
Kevin Durant 3-point shooting drills w/ coach Shaka Smart #KD9 pic.twitter.com/SiFTOA2a4o
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 21, 2016
How do you stop this move? Kevin Durant playing w/ media members on UT's campus #KD9 pic.twitter.com/KPHrtYLSyc
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 21, 2016
Former Texas player Justin Mason was also around for the event to show media members around the campus.
#Longhorn4Life @justinmasonsr (06-09) and suitemate of @KDTrey5 gives #KD9 media tour of Jester dorm at @UTAustin pic.twitter.com/2yJFbvrPqD
— Texas Basketball (@TexasMBB) June 21, 2016
Close friends with Durant, Mason once famously hosted his former teammate in Austin one summer. Ever down to earth, Durant slept on an air mattress in Mason's apartment despite his rookie contract and endorsement deals.
Designed by Leo Chang, the KD9 is currently available in the Zero colorway, with two more available in coming weeks. The suggested retail price is $150. Durant touts it as the "perfect shoe" for the player that he is now.
"The upper allows me to shift to the right and come back to my left really quick and pull up on a dime," Durant notes. "The shoes are perfectly catered to my foot, like I molded these and got a special pair made. That's what I want everybody to feel who puts these on. It will feel personal."