--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was the second-best player in high…" description: "\"I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I've been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ce/kevin-durant-2143_best-players_i-was-the-second-best-player-in-high-sch_1448997.png" --- # I was the second-best player in high school. I was the… ![“I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I've been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I'm tired of being second. I'm not going to settle for that. I'm done with it.” quote by Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ce/kevin-durant-2143_best-players_i-was-the-second-best-player-in-high-sch_1448997.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ce/kevin-durant-2143_best-players_i-was-the-second-best-player-in-high-sch_1448997.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ce/kevin-durant-2143_best-players_i-was-the-second-best-player-in-high-sch_1448997.png) > “I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I've been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I'm tired of being second. I'm not going to settle for that. I'm done with it.” [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A chronic pattern of near‑wins fuels frustration and a resolve to break the runner‑up cycle. **In simple terms:** Being second is exhausting; wants to win. Key Takeaway Refuse to accept second place. Themes competition determination identity perseverance Mood determined defiant motivational Type inspirational personal growth When to use this quote - professional sports - career milestones - personal goal setting - team leadership Key Concepts self‑worth achievement mindset psychology of success Questions to Reflect On - What would you change to become first? - How does identity tie to ranking? A Different Perspective Success may require changing teams or roles, not just mindset. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Best players](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/best-players/) [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [High school](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/high-school/) [School](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/school/) [Second best](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/second-best/) [Voting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/voting/) ## Related quotes > [The problem with my guys, all my guys, they come in and improve themselves so fast in college: they go from 'He's this and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-calipari/the-problem-with-my-guys-all-my-guys-they-come-in-and-improve/) [John Calipari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-calipari/) > [Coaching staff: I know there's days you look at that film and you want to kill me. I'm not playing defense, taking bad shots,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/coaching-staff-i-know-there-s-days-you-look-at-that-film-and-you-want/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Reggie when I first met you, You didn't say two words to me, I didn't know who you were, But we instantly clicked, And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/reggie-when-i-first-met-you-you-didn-t-say-two-words-to-me-i-didn-t/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Perry, Jeremy, Man, Just knowing that you guys look up to me, And I can help you out so much, I could pull you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/perry-jeremy-man-just-knowing-that-you-guys-look-up-to-me-and-i-can/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [In the game of basketball, I play first off because I love it. I love to have fun. I love to run up and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/in-the-game-of-basketball-i-play-first-off-because-i-love-it-i-love/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Last, I just want to thank God again. He's the first and the last. Alpha and Omega. I thank you for saving my life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/last-i-just-want-to-thank-god-again-he-s-the-first-and-the-last-alpha/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Scott Brooks you mean the world to me. I love you. You as a man, I never met anybody like you. So selfless. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/scott-brooks-you-mean-the-world-to-me-i-love-you-you-as-a-man-i-never/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I fell so many times and got back up. I been through the toughest times with my family, but I’m still standing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-fell-so-many-times-and-got-back-up-i-been-through-the-toughest/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [So many people doubted me. They motivated me every single day, to be, who I am.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/so-many-people-doubted-me-they-motivated-me-every-single-day-to-be/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [When you got people behind you, you can do whatever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/when-you-got-people-behind-you-you-can-do-whatever/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Russell... I love you. I thank you so much man. You made me better. You know, Your work ethic. I always wanted to compete…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/russell-i-love-you-i-thank-you-so-much-man-you-made-me-better-you/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [And last, my mom. I don’t think you know what you did. You had my brother when you were 18 years old. Three years…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/and-last-my-mom-i-don-t-think-you-know-what-you-did-you-had-my/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I play because I have fun. The vets of this team, I just wanted to say thanks to them. You guys mean so much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-play-because-i-have-fun-the-vets-of-this-team-i-just-wanted-to-say/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Last but not least my family. My brother Tony, I love you. Thank you for beating me up when I was a kid. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/last-but-not-least-my-family-my-brother-tony-i-love-you-thank-you-for/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Or I could see Fish, Just a button up, Like a Mayor, Like a President, Just demands so much from his teammates, Has played…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/or-i-could-see-fish-just-a-button-up-like-a-mayor-like-a-president/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) ## More by Kevin Durant > [I just want to grow spiritually with the Lord,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-just-want-to-grow-spiritually-with-the-lord/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [You know, I think more people should watch women's basketball. It'd do so much for the game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/you-know-i-think-more-people-should-watch-women-s-basketball-it-d-do/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Or I could see Fish, Just a button up, Like a Mayor, Like a President, Just demands so much from his teammates, Has played…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/or-i-could-see-fish-just-a-button-up-like-a-mayor-like-a-president/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I don’t watch a lot of other basketball away from the gym. But I do look at LeBron’s box score. I want to see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-don-t-watch-a-lot-of-other-basketball-away-from-the-gym-but-i-do/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [If I come to work every day and do my job, work as hard as I can, be a great teammate, the rest of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/if-i-come-to-work-every-day-and-do-my-job-work-as-hard-as-i-can-be-a/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [It's fun that I get to live out my dream every single day. It's a blessing. I can't lose sight of that and I've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/it-s-fun-that-i-get-to-live-out-my-dream-every-single-day-it-s-a/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Last but not least my family. My brother Tony, I love you. Thank you for beating me up when I was a kid. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/last-but-not-least-my-family-my-brother-tony-i-love-you-thank-you-for/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I play because I have fun. The vets of this team, I just wanted to say thanks to them. You guys mean so much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-play-because-i-have-fun-the-vets-of-this-team-i-just-wanted-to-say/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I'm just more content with myself. Like, if I've got something to say, I want to get it off of my chest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-m-just-more-content-with-myself-like-if-i-ve-got-something-to-say-i/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I want the younger kids, the basketball players in high school and college to hear from me and let them know that when you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-want-the-younger-kids-the-basketball-players-in-high-school-and/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [And last, my mom. I don’t think you know what you did. You had my brother when you were 18 years old. Three years…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/and-last-my-mom-i-don-t-think-you-know-what-you-did-you-had-my/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [Russell... I love you. I thank you so much man. You made me better. You know, Your work ethic. I always wanted to compete…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/russell-i-love-you-i-thank-you-so-much-man-you-made-me-better-you/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I'm just trying to grow. That's one thing I told myself is, 'Don't worry about who people say is the best player'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-m-just-trying-to-grow-that-s-one-thing-i-told-myself-is-don-t-worry/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [People always think women meet us in the hotel lobby, but it's the opposite. The majority of the time, you go out to eat…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/people-always-think-women-meet-us-in-the-hotel-lobby-but-it-s-the/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) > [I'm here to shine a bright light. I'm not here to be a guy of death. I just like 'KD' better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-durant/i-m-here-to-shine-a-bright-light-i-m-not-here-to-be-a-guy-of-death-i/) [Kevin Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) [Explore all 183 Kevin Durant quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-durant/) ## More Best players quotes > [The very best players, when they are practicing, put everything they've got into it. But then they leave it for a while. And it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tenzin-palmo/the-very-best-players-when-they-are-practicing-put-everything-they-ve/) [Tenzin Palmo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tenzin-palmo/) > [I have nothing but praise for the boy. He is easily the best player in the world. His contribution as a goal threat is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-ferguson/i-have-nothing-but-praise-for-the-boy-he-is-easily-the-best-player-in/) [Alex Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-ferguson/) > [Ruben Neves is by far one of the best players I've ever played with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/conor-coady/ruben-neves-is-by-far-one-of-the-best-players-i-ve-ever-played-with/) [Conor Coady](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/conor-coady/) > [I liked starting. I liked matching up with the best of the best players who got the start. Taking on that challenge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-ingles/i-liked-starting-i-liked-matching-up-with-the-best-of-the-best/) [Joe Ingles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-ingles/) > [Obviously, at PSG, they have the best players in the world. Being with that group has really made me strong. I have watched the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothy-weah/obviously-at-psg-they-have-the-best-players-in-the-world-being-with/) [Timothy Weah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothy-weah/) > [To me, Messi, Neymar and Suarez are among the three best players in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thiago-silva/to-me-messi-neymar-and-suarez-are-among-the-three-best-players-in-the/) [Thiago Silva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thiago-silva/) > [One thing I think you have to do here at Wisconsin is maximize your personnel. From the standpoint of getting our best players out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bret-bielema/one-thing-i-think-you-have-to-do-here-at-wisconsin-is-maximize-your/) [Bret Bielema](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bret-bielema/) > [I just want to play against the best players in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/viktor-hovland/i-just-want-to-play-against-the-best-players-in-the-world/) [Viktor Hovland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/viktor-hovland/) > [When you're a manager, we sometimes speak too much about tactics, but the most difficult thing for a manager is to get the best…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ander-herrera/when-you-re-a-manager-we-sometimes-speak-too-much-about-tactics-but/) [Ander Herrera](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ander-herrera/) > [I don't work this hard just to be the best player. I do it to win.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/holly-mcpeak/i-don-t-work-this-hard-just-to-be-the-best-player-i-do-it-to-win/) Holly McPeak > [ The best player I ever played against was Paolo Maldini. We \[Arsenal\] played against Milan in the European Supercup \[in 1995\]. Maldini marked me… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-merson/the-best-player-i-ever-played-against-was-paolo-maldini-we-arsenal/) [Paul Merson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-merson/) > [Lionel Messi is the best player ever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/graeme-souness/lionel-messi-is-the-best-player-ever/) [Graeme Souness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/graeme-souness/) > [At some point, everyone who is playing, their dream is to be in the NBA, because that's where all the best players are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jose-calderon/at-some-point-everyone-who-is-playing-their-dream-is-to-be-in-the-nba/) [Jose Calderon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jose-calderon/) > [I look at some of the best players around the world and sometimes I do try and bat like them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-smith/i-look-at-some-of-the-best-players-around-the-world-and-sometimes-i/) [Steve Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-smith/) > [Personally, I've always got along great with Mesut, found him extremely pleasant as a human being. He always supported me and was one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marco-reus/personally-i-ve-always-got-along-great-with-mesut-found-him-extremely/) [Marco Reus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marco-reus/) [Browse all 434 Best players quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/best-players/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I've been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I'm tired of being second. I'm not going to settle for that. 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