Kevin Hervey had been dreaming of hearing his name called in the NBA draft ever since he hit his first half-court shot at age 7. After breaking onto the varsity squad as a junior in high school, Hervey was named to the All-District Team, having averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game. A tough knee injury hindered his senior season, but he soon enough found himself at the University of Texas at Arlington.
His dream followed him all the way through his college experience, where he became arguably the most decorated player to ever go through the Mavericks’ program. As a freshman, Hervey averaged 7.1 points while playing in 31 games, starting 16 of those. Sophomore season, a similar knee injury returned. When he was shut down for the remainder of the year, he had been averaging 18.1 points and 9.8 rebounds – good enough for a spot on the Lou Henson Award midseason watch list.
The expectations for Hervey were through the roof by the time the 2016-2017 season rolled around. After being named Preseason Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, he delivered (and more). Hervey started 28 games, averaging similar numbers as his prior year (17.1 pts, 8.5 reb). He was named an AP Honorable Mention All-American, and took home the Sun Belt Conference Student-Athlete Player of the Year. Hervey also was honored with the league’s Player of the Year award, and additionally was named to the all-conference first team. The Mavericks won a program-high 27 games that year, and it had become clear that he was the difference maker.
The dreams of professional basketball were still around when Hervey took the floor at UT-Arlington for the final time, except the difference this time was that they would inevitably come true. He finished his senior season averaging 20.5 points per game, the conference’s second highest figure. The 6’9” forward was named to All-Sun Belt First Team for the second year in a row, which wrapped up an extremely impressive collegiate career.
Sam Presti, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s General Manager, ultimately made the choice to take Kevin Hervey with the 57th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The pair had a good conversation earlier in the week, and it was just the right fit. Hervey took some time to speak with SneakerReporter.com following his selection, and here’s what he had to say.
SR: What did your time at UT-Arlington teach you?
Hervey: The program guided me from boyhood to manhood. Taught me a lot about how to conduct myself not only as a basketball player, but as a person.
SR: How does it feel to be a part of the Oklahoma City Thunder organization?
Hervey: Got to give credit to everyone who’s helped me along this journey to reach this point. I’ve been an OKC fan since they moved to the city, and I feel this organization best fits me as a player and who I am as a person. I’m looking forward to being able to work with the staff and continuing the hard work that I’ve put in to get me to this point, and continue to reach new heights in my career.
SR: What was your reaction when you found out the Thunder were drafting you?
Hervey: When I found out I was getting picked I was excited, and it is a blessing to have been able to say for the rest of my life that I’ve been drafted.
SR: Describe your game and what you see your role as. What are the things you do well, and what do you need to work on?
Hervey: Hard worker, knock down shooter, good defender. I can shoot the ball very well, underrated passer, high basketball IQ, and a great teammate. But, I need to work on my lateral quickness and overall athleticism.
SR: How do you think your game translates to professional basketball?
Hervey: I think my style of play transitions to the NBA well. I’m a guy who can space the floor, be a threat with my shot making abilities, and be able to guard multiple positions on D.
SR: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hervey: In 5 years, I see myself somewhere working on my game trying to be the best player I can be. Hopefully on OKC, contributing to the team in whatever way I can – OKC is where I want to be.
SR: What’s your favorite basketball memory?
Hervey: Beating Ohio State and Memphis back-to-back.
SR: Do you have a message to those looking to you as an inspiration?
Hervey: Anything is possible. No matter what people think of you, what they say about you, what they think you are capable of… as long as you have faith in yourself and confidence in your abilities, you can accomplish whatever it is you set your sights on. Nothing in life is easy and if you are willing to work, you can achieve.
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