Ready or Not: Durant to Announce by Tuesday

Well, Longhorn fans, the wait seems to be over. We've all been doing the same thing since the end of the basketball season. So lets treat Kevin Durant's decision like we're ripping off a band-aid and just rip it off and get it over with.

While the team celebrated a successful, however short, season at the annual basketball banquet, many thoughts were on the impending decision of the best athlete to ever to grace the hardcourt at UT. Reports began to surface this weekend indicating the Durant will, as expected by many, declare for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years as a Longhorn. Not shocking news. Texas Basketball has not had a good track record with basketball players sticking around the 40 acres for an extended period of time (see, T.J. Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, P.J. Tucker, Daniel Gibson, Maurice Evans, Chris Mihm).

But there is a small slice of hope Texas fans cling on to, thinking that KD might just decide to return for one more run at a sweep of national awards. But as reports continue to surface, all indication lead to the conclusion that Durant is not long for dormitory life. In fact, Burnt Orange Nation is quoting sources that Durant's decision is made, leaving only the official announcement.

While it would have been nice to have Kevin Durant around, Texas basketball is far from left bare. With the probable departure of Durant, Texas only loses Craig Winder from last years team. The Horns are also adding recruits Alexis Wangmene, James Kirkendoll, Gary Johnson and Clint Chapman. So Texas looks to be a solid team in '07-'08. And with the departure of Texas A&M's Billy Gillespie and Kansas' Julian Wright, Texas will be able to contend for a Big 12 championship and hopefully a run in the NCAA Tournament.

Kevin Durant, above, dribbling towards a new shoe contract.