AUSTIN, Texas — Former Texas Longhorn and NBA star Kevin Durant is donating $3 million to the University of Texas basketball program. His donation is the largest ever made by a former Texas Basketball student-athlete. 

"My time as a Longhorn helped build the foundation for who I am today as a player and a person, and the UT team will always be my family," said Durant. "It's important to me to continue to give back to The University and ensure that future student-athletes have all the opportunities they need to succeed. It's an honor to have such a close and unique relationship with Texas Basketball, and I'm grateful to be able to contribute."

The majority of the donation will go to improvements at the Denton A. Cooley Pavilion. In honor of the donation, the entrance to the pavillion will be named The Kevin Durant Texas Basketball Center and the men's basketball facilities will be named The Kevin Durant Basketball Facility for Men.

"Kevin Durant is one of the greatest basketball players in the world, and he is also a Longhorn," said UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves. "As an NBA All-Star, as a gold medalist, as an NBA MVP and now, as an NBA Champion, KD has always had a powerful connection to The University of Texas. I am grateful for his generosity and investment in the future of UT's student-athletes."

Part of his donation will go to UT's Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation, a program to help cultivate the character development, leadership skills and long-term welfare of athletes and coaches.

"Kevin Durant has an incredibly strong and personal connection with not only our basketball program, but The University of Texas as a whole. Each time I've had the opportunity to visit with Kevin, I've been impressed with his genuine appreciation for his time, growth and development at Texas," Texas Men's Basketball head coach Shaka Smart said. "This gift means a great deal to our entire University, but it's more of a reflection of how meaningful the relationships that Kevin built while at Texas remain true to this day."

Durant played for the Longhorns during the 2006-07 basketball season. He currently plays for the Golden state Warriors.