Hornets.com caught up with 2007-08 NBA Rookie of the Year favorite Kevin Durant, the No. 2 overall pick of last year’s draft:

Hornets.com: Are you looking forward to coming back to New Orleans next month for the Rookie Challenge game and All-Star Weekend? Which second-year players are you most excited to play against in that game?
Durant: I’m actually not even sure if I am going to be in that game to tell you the truth. I’m just waiting for the teams to come out right now. It would be great if I’m in it. If I am in, to answer your question, I would look forward to playing against every sophomore. It is a fun game from what I’ve heard, so I would just look forward to going out there and having a good time.

Hornets.com: Texas is currently ranked 19th in the country and the college season is getting into conference play. Do you miss the excitement of the Big 12, March Madness, and college basketball in general?
Durant: You know, I more miss my teammates than anything else man. That was a great experience for me and the atmosphere was just a great atmosphere to play in. But I just miss my teammates, just joking around with them and having fun with them every day.

Hornets.com: I know that you have a good relationship with Hornets rookie Julian Wright and you faced him two times last year, including in the Big 12 championship. What do you see in him as a player?
Durant: He is a great player. He is a very aggressive player. I’ve been playing against him ever since I was in high school and his game has progressed every year. I know he works hard, so the sky is the limit.

Hornets.com: Now that the season is about halfway through, what adjustments have you had to make, physically or mentally, to the NBA game?
Durant: Just to prepare for every game the same. You’ve just got to come out with a lot of fire and a lot of energy and play hard. Physically I’m feeling great, I’m feeling good. Keep working out a lot and eating right. Trying to get enough rest, so I’ll be alright.

Hornets.com: Has there been a specific team, player, or lockdown defender that has really impressed you so far this season?
Durant: Just about everybody in the league has impressed me. I figured it was going to be just like this. A lot of teams are playing well. Any team can beat you on any given night. Every team can rebound, score and all that stuff.

Hornets.com: Lastly, this is the third and final game between the Hornets and the Sonics. Do you have any thoughts on Chris Paul and his progress as a third-year player in the NBA?
Durant: He is a big-time player, he is an All-Star. He is a player that you always have to look out for. He doesn’t have to score to lead the team, but he will if he needs to. With a point guard like that, the team is only going to get better. He’s playing well and he’s having a great season.