UT freshman looks like No. 1

AUSTIN, Texas – Of all the crazy numbers surrounding Kevin Durant, here’s the one that might be the most impressive: 18.

The 6-foot-9 Texas forward who plays like a man among boys is, well, still just a kid. Durant just turned 18 years old in September.

Durant is averaging 33 points and 14 rebounds in Big 12 play and has turned this season into a playful tour de force of 3-pointers, rebounds, dunks and baby-faced smiles as he rips through defenses.

He’s been so good the argument isn’t whether he’s the best freshman in the country but the best player, period.

“Transcendent,” ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla says. “He’s a once-every-decade type of talent. I would not have thought six weeks ago we’d be looking at a freshman as the national player of the year, but if he keeps up this pace, he’ll be a near lock.”