#backpackballerbook

After years of work, months of planning and weeks of hard campaigning, my KickStarter project -- a 250-page book about Kevin Durant's first 25 years -- is now in its final 48 hours.

If you haven't already, pledge your support to The Backpack Baller (via KickStarter)!

There are rewards for every budget and $35 will secure you a first edition, hardcover copy of the book (that'll be delivered to your door). Plus, your name and hometown will be printed inside.

I needed something visual (and captivating) to close out the book. Only problem? It also had to capture Kevin's rise, include his snow caps and feature his cultural impact. Not helping matters, I only allowed myself a double-page spread (to work with) and given the three pre-mentioned items don't naturally overlap, I was left searching for a common thread.

After putting the piece on ice, I stumbled across the idea of framing a couple of Kevin's magazine covers. The first idea featured a trio of front pages: one pre-NBA, one dedicated to his scoring titles and one about his international showing. The idea was simple enough. It was also classic and fitting.

After collecting all the covers, the idea evolved into a single entry from each media outlet but after that proved too difficult, the task turned into a dedicated wall of front pages... which later developed into a gallery setting / wing that would be home to Durant's many print spotlights. What was surprising (during the research phase) was just how many covers K.D has graced (over the years).

For the record, mid 2013 was the cover consideration cut-off, hence why SLAM Presents KICKS, Sole Collector and other recent K.D looks don't appear in the image above. Dually, I left images off just to give the impression that there's more to the Hall of Kevin than what's seen above... And lets face it, who doesn't want to take a casual stroll down K.D lane?

For more Kevin Durant covers, scroll through this blog. A new one was, after all, posted daily in isolation (and often lifted from the gallery image above). Thanks again to all the outlets who've provided images for the artwork

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World famous footwear site, SneakerNews.com recently ran an exclusive look at The Backpack Baller's 26 page shoe chapter. S.N is the first website to post an extended preview of the book's sneaker interlude, so be sure to check it out here (then tweet about it or tell your friends to stop by and enjoy the spreads). Huge thanks to John and the S.N team... since being uploaded, the web post has received over 150 S.N Facebook "Likes". Thanks for the love.

The book spreads, as they appeared on SneakerNews.com, can be seen below... enjoy.

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The Sports Fan Journal.

Run by the talented Ed Maisonet, III (aka Ed The Sports Guy; who has contributed to a number of top-of-the-sports-pyramid websites) and his team, The Sports Fan Journal has a little something for everyone without over reaching or forgetting what educated sports fans want. Recently, TSFJ kindly posted this cool spotlight on The Backpack Baller (see below). You can visit The Sports Fan Journal here and cop the entire book spotlight here. Be sure to bookmark TSFJ and follow them on Twitter (here).

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And sometimes work / spotlights can randomly appear. Check this look someone emailed me from, of all places, a Sixers fan site called Phila Phans. Thanks for sharing. 

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Baller Mind Frame, a smart, worthwhile hoops and culture hub (bookmark and follow them on Twitter) gives NBA fans a strong daily does of quality NBA-centric content. Sandy Dover, a senior contributor to the space, recently agreed to post an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 16: Leading Man. You can enjoy the complete look and editorial exclusive here. Thanks to Dennis Velasco (Editor-in-Chief), Frankie Lloyd (Managing Editor) and Sandy Dover for the love.

Help bring the 250-page Kevin Durant book, The Backpack Baller to life. For just $35 you'll secure yourself a hardcover, first edition copy (which'll be delivered to your door).

Best of all, those who pledge via KickStarter will get their name + hometown printed in the book! This unique offer is only available by supporting the book via KickStarter.