Kevin Durant praises fellow DMV native Bub Carrington after Suns-Wizards

Washington Wizards rookie Bub Carrington had two full moments in the past few days. Not only did the 19-year-old have his high school jersey retired by Baltimore’s Academy of St. Frances, but also his colleague from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia area) Kevin Durant they shouted at him after the Wizards’ 130-123 loss Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, via Bijan Todd of the Monumental Sports Network.

“Yes, for sure.” I’ve watched him at Pitt, I’ve watched him all season so far. I just love his enthusiasm for the game. I always want to see hometown kids…Baltimore, Maryland, DC, I want to see them do well in the league. He’s playing at home, I know it’s a lot of pressure on him, it’s hard to do, so I just want to see him do well.”

Durant too signed his game-worn jersey by text and sent it to Carrington after the game, via Todd. It’s one thing to get a compliment from a fellow Marylander, but it’s another thing when it’s one of the biggest on every play.

Durant hails from Seat Pleasant, Maryland which is not far from Washington, DC. Carrington grew up in Baltimore, which is about 45 minutes away. Durant publicly admiring Carrington’s hometown hero’s journey is a story that usually only happens when young hoopers are staring at the ceiling and visualizing their wildest dreams.

Durant, of course, never played for the Wizards. A basketball icon giving rookies props for something they’ve never done would be a boost to any young man’s ego.

Speaking of be a hometown heroCarrington thanked St. Francis for helping shape him into the player and person he is today via Wizards social media.

“St. Francis is a place I would call home,” the Pitt alum said during the jersey retirement ceremony. “Like, it’s a place I brag about a lot. Like I said, I had a great support staff, my family and teammates that were here, the teachers, the faculty and the staff, how everyone made it super welcoming and super home for me. I would like to thank St. Francis for that.”

Carrington, who is averaging 8.8 points on 40% shooting this season, has room to grow as he learns the NBA game. However, these moments will undoubtedly boost his confidence and keep his gratitude moving forward.