T.J. Ford was Kevin Durant's example that the Texas Longhorns could be a successful springboard for a jump to the NBA.
Rick Barnes gave them both the vision.
Ford, five years after last playing in the NBA and 14 years after leading the Longhorns to the Final Four and turning pro, graduated from Texas on Friday, receiving his bachelor's degree in youth and community studies, with a minor in educational psychology.
Barnes attended the ceremonies and shared an emotional moment with Ford afterward.
"Father figure for me when I was here," said Ford, tears rolling down his face after briefly burying his face in Barnes' chest.