The basketball world knows Kevin Durant as a superstar athlete. Few understand the incredible woman who shaped his journey. Wanda Durant represents motherhood’s purest form of sacrifice and determination. Her story touches millions of single mothers worldwide.
Kevin Durant rose to professional basketball’s forefront in his early twenties. The NBA welcomed a 2013-2014 Most Valuable Player who hasn’t slowed down since. This 11-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion owns three Olympic Gold medals. Fans eagerly await his mesmerizing skills on the 2024 Olympic court. The USA Basketball Men’s National Team heads to Paris this summer.
What drives an athlete to such soaring heights of success? Durant credits his mom, Wanda, lovingly known as Mama Durant. She remains his number one source of inspiration today. The Oklahoma City Thunder star called his mother the real MVP. His moving acceptance speech in 2014 touched hearts everywhere. Lifetime executives immediately pitched making a movie based on her life. Queen Latifah produced this incredible story that aired Mother’s Day weekend. The Saturday debut at 8 p.m. ET showcased true maternal love.
Why Kevin Durant Calls His Mother Wanda the “Real MVP”
By age 21, Wanda Durant faced single motherhood alone. Two boys, Kevin and Tony, became her entire world. Tony now works as a businessman and basketball coach successfully. Kevin’s touching MVP acceptance speech described his mom’s incredible perseverance. She always pushed him to practice during his youth. Growing up in Maryland, on Washington D.C.’s outskirts, shaped their bond.
Wanda sat in the awards ceremony’s front row that night. Tears welled up in her eyes as Durant addressed her. The podium became a stage for pure emotional honesty. “I don’t think you know what you did,” he began. “The odds were stacked against us completely back then.” Everyone told them they weren’t supposed to be there. They moved from apartment to apartment by themselves courageously.
Durant shared one of his best memories with everyone. Moving into their first apartment felt like a victory. No bed, no furniture existed in their new home. They all sat in the living room together. Hugging each other, they thought they had finally made it. Something good happens when you look back at memories. You tend to remember what brought you here.
“You woke me up in the middle of summer nights,” Durant continued. Making him run up hills built his character. Making him do push-ups developed his strength and discipline. Screaming from the sidelines at games showed her dedication. At eight or nine years old, he felt her support. “We weren’t supposed to be here, but you made us believe.”
The most powerful moment came with these words: “When you didn’t eat, you made sure we ate instead.” She went to sleep hungry so her boys survived. She sacrificed everything for their future and dreams. “You’re the real MVP,” he said through tears. The 2014 MVP acceptance speech became legendary sports history.
Wanda on Being a Single Mom
Thanks to her career as a motivational speaker today. Wanda’s journey as a single mom has inspired many. She always remains willing to share thoughtful advice openly. Her words of encouragement help others facing similar struggles. Bravely recounting her own struggles helps others benefit greatly.
A 2023 interview with TODAY’s 3rd Hour Today revealed everything. Wanda opened up about raising the future NBA star. Sometimes she went to bed hungry so boys could eat. “I had Tony at 18, then Kevin at 21,” she explained. Being a single mom meant doing what children needed. Making sure the boys ate became the light ahead. This hope kept her going through difficult times daily.
Wanda admitted being a disciplinarian who could be tough. Her focus wanted sons to have unshakeable qualities. Hard work and determination cannot be easily erased. She conceded it’s essential not to sweat small stuff. Loosening up on some stringent rules helps children grow. The important thing remains the character you’re building.
Pouring everything she had into her sons paid off. She advises moms everywhere to take some time. Focus on yourselves because children do grow up eventually. An interview with iHeartRadio’s Breakfast Club revealed more. She had to put her passion on the burner. So many years focused solely on her sons. The opportunity came for inspirational speaking when ready.
“I felt it was important to tell my story,” she shared. Hard times and down times teach valuable lessons. “I want women to know: don’t quit on yourself.” The movie still feels unreal to her today. She never thought this gift would be possible. She never considered it or knew it was available. Grateful and humbled, she calls it a common story. Blessed and prayerful, she hopes to honor single moms. Having the chance to tell motherhood’s story matters.
Wanda’s Coaching Style and Discipline
Kevin said in his MVP speech, “You made us tough.” This wasn’t just a line from his heart. She was actually out there coaching him personally. He would have workouts with his official coach. She would come in after work and observe. The coach would require him to do 25 sprints. She would come in with ease and authority. “No, I think you need to do 75 instead.”
Now, thinking about it, she admits feeling surprised. She came in like he hadn’t done anything. Like he just started the workout that day. She said it like it was no problem. Sometimes she thinks she may have been cruel. But it was part of his work ethic’s foundation.
Kevin’s Thoughts About Quitting Basketball
Kevin said he thought about quitting basketball sometimes. Few times growing up, he considered walking away. She thinks it was because he was pushing hard. A lot was asked of him constantly. They talked about it and she offered options. “OK, you can quit, but finish the season.” After that, he could quit completely if desired. He would have to do something else instead.
She suggested he take piano lessons as replacement. This was a requirement in their household always. Her sons had to do something outside home. School wasn’t enough for complete development activities. It had to be an activity of some kind. If it wasn’t going to be basketball training. It had to be something creative or productive. Once he found out piano was the alternative. He decided he was going to stick with basketball.
| Age | Challenge | Wanda’s Response | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-9 | Wanting to quit basketball | Offered piano lessons alternative | Kevin chose basketball |
| 10-11 | Mom working overnight shifts | Made it work with family support | Built independence |
| Early teens | Need for discipline | Strict training regimen | Developed work ethic |
| Late teens | Career decisions | Supportive guidance | NBA success |
Working Multiple Jobs
Wanda worked two jobs when Kevin and Tony grew. One job included overnight shifts at the post office. She remembers one night when she first started. He said, “Mom, when are you gonna quit job?” She replied, “Baby, I can’t quit right now.” It was what she had to do. Making sure they were OK came first always.
Shortly thereafter, she was able to move shifts. The day shift worked better for family life. At that point, he may have been 10. It was tough on him too emotionally. They really had to accept sacrifices as children. Being difficult not being home at night hurt. Staying with mom and staying with aunt helped. They just had to make it work somehow.
Kevin’s Growth and Independence
She’s seen him become more confident in himself. She’s really proud of them both as men. Looking at that first, she took it personally. It was difficult because her focus stayed on them. She didn’t have focus on herself back then. She’s glad they were both mature enough. They were able to come to her directly. She had such a strong personality back then.
She’s proud of them for their honest approach. She decided to step away and stop looking. Focusing on them became less important gradually. She always told them to have courage. “Say ‘No’ to me if you need to.” If you can say “No, Mom,” to me. Then you can say it to anybody. She’s really proud seeing how much they’ve grown.
Kevin’s Relationship with Russell Westbrook
They have different personalities that complement each other. They bounce off one another during games. If one player is strong, the other adapts. If the other is weak, they compensate. They kind of play off one another naturally. They encourage one another on and off court. She’s seen their relationship grow over time significantly. She likes the relationship they have together.
The Durants’ Dedication to Charity
Now, Wanda has moved her dreams off the burner. She’s modeling resilience, hard work, and kindness. A whole new generation benefits through her efforts. Her non-profit Hope, Dream, Believe, and Achieve exists. HDBA embodies the mantra perfectly: “Where hope exists.” There are always possibilities for positive change ahead.
She works to help underserved children find paths. Single mothers and families overcome difficult circumstances daily. Finding strength through adversity becomes possible with support. In addition to fundraising for Boys Girls Club. The Single Parents Support Network receives her attention. She’s been a keynote speaker at Ford Foundation. The White House United States Women’s Summit invited her. Among others, she travels the county speaking regularly. Fortune 500 companies and universities host her presentations.
Giving has become a strong family tradition now. Wanda also helps run Durant Family Foundation successfully. The foundation creates college pathways for underrepresented youth. They’ve cast an international net through programs. The Build Ball program funds basketball courts strategically. Underserved areas across the U.S. benefit from this. Europe and Asia also receive court funding. The first project in Africa will be completed. Later this year, expansion continues growing internationally.
Astonishingly, Wanda navigated single motherhood while suffering illness. Graves Disease, an autoimmune condition, challenged her. It once sent her to the emergency room. She revealed this struggle to Essence Magazine readers. Of course, the busy mom added awareness work. Her list of charitable endeavors keeps growing constantly. Now she raises awareness for Graves Disease. Associated thyroid eye disease receives attention through partnerships. Horizon Therapeutics works with her on education campaigns.
Conclusion
Wanda Durant shows how a mother’s love can beat any problem. She started as a poor single mom. Now she is a famous speaker around the world. Her hard work and never giving up helped her succeed. She didn’t just raise a basketball star. She raised a good person who helps others.
Kevin Durant and his mom have a special bond. Most parents and kids don’t have this kind of relationship. They worked together through tough times. They shared the same dreams and goals. Wanda helped Kevin become who he is today. She didn’t just help his basketball skills. She taught him to be a good person. Her story helps single moms everywhere. It shows that hope, hard work, and love can solve problems.
The Durant family helps people all over the world. They build basketball courts for kids who need them. They help young people go to college. Every day, they help more people. Wanda went from being poor to helping others. Her hard times taught her how to help people. Now she uses her experience to make life better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What challenges did Wanda Durant face as a single mother?
Wanda Durant had many hard times raising Kevin and Tony alone. She worked two jobs to pay for things her family needed. One job was at night at the post office. Money was tight and food was hard to buy. She often didn’t eat so her boys could have food. They moved from one apartment to another many times. Their first apartment had no bed or furniture at all. Even with all these problems, she was strict with her sons. She made sure they worked hard at everything they did.
2. How did Wanda Durant influence Kevin’s basketball career?
Wanda helped Kevin become a great basketball player. She was tough and made him work harder than his coach wanted. If the coach said do 25 sprints, she made him do 75. She woke him up at night in summer. Then she made him run up hills and do push-ups. Her strict rules helped him build strong work habits. When Kevin wanted to quit basketball, she had a smart plan. She told him he could quit but would have to take piano lessons instead. Kevin didn’t want piano lessons, so he kept playing basketball.
3. What is the Durant Family Foundation and what does it do?
The Durant Family Foundation helps young people who don’t have much money. They help kids go to college who couldn’t go before. The foundation works in many countries around the world. They have a program called “Build & Ball” that builds basketball courts. These courts are in poor areas in America, Europe, and Asia. They will build their first court in Africa this year. They also give money to The Boys & Girls Club of America. They help the Single Parents Support Network too.
4. What health challenges has Wanda Durant overcome?
Wanda Durant has a sickness called Graves Disease. This sickness makes your body attack itself. One time it was so bad she had to go to the hospital. She had this sickness while raising her sons alone. But she never let it stop her from helping Kevin and Tony. Today, she teaches people about Graves Disease. She also teaches about thyroid eye disease. She works with a company called Horizon Therapeutics to help others.
5. How has Wanda Durant’s story inspired others?
Wanda Durant’s life story has helped millions of people feel hopeful. She gives speeches about her life to help others. There was even a movie made about her called “The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story.” She talks to big companies and colleges about never giving up. She even spoke at the White House for a women’s meeting. She started a group called HDBA, which means Hope, Dream, Believe, and Achieve. This group helps poor children, single moms, and families who are having hard times. She shows them how to be strong when life is difficult.
I’m Henry Philip, the Lead Publisher at VCEMagazine.com. I cover the world of sports in depth—from player stats and game analytics to the financial lives of elite athletes. With a background in sports journalism and data analysis, I follow performance trends and off-field ventures across major leagues like the MLB, NFL, NBA, and international football.
Over the years, I’ve profiled top athletes, broken down match-day metrics, and explored how players build wealth through contracts, endorsements, and business ventures. My goal is to connect on-field performance with off-field financial strategies, giving fans a fuller picture of what sports success really looks like.
Whether I’m writing about a quarterback’s clutch stats or a baseball legend’s business empire, I always focus on accuracy, insight, and trusted storytelling.