It was during this time that Durant also began wearing No. 35. And for a player suddenly accused of disloyalty, it's worth noting the story behind the number. Durant wears it because of Charles Craig, the first basketball coach he ever had. Durant met Craig when the player was a fledgling 8-year-old hoopster at Maryland recreation center. It was Craig who taught him the basics of the game and spent hours with the kid on the court and off. Craig died April, 30, 2005, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. He was 35.