Marcus Smart certainly made a strong impression on Kevin Durant.

Smart erupted for a career-high 39 points Tuesday in No. 7 Oklahoma State's 101-80 victory over No. 11 Memphis in Stillwater, Okla., prompting Durant to say that the star sophomore could play in the NBA "right now."

"Marcus can play in the league right now. Definitely," Durant, who attended the game at Gallagher-Iba Arena, told USA Today Sports.

Durant was one of many basketball fans across the country interested to see Smart's return to the national stage after he bypassed the NBA draft following the Cowboys' early exit from last season's NCAA tournament.

"We saw Kevin Durant, and we just wanted to go out there and put on a show," Smart said.

Durant, who has led the NBA in scoring three times, was impressed with Smart's all-around ability.

"He was just unbelievable for them tonight," Durant told USA Today Sports. "He was doing it all for them, rebounding, blocking shots, passing, scoring. He led them.

"I knew he could do everything pretty well. But I like his demeanor. I like how he handles his teammates. A player like him, he always can burst out and get 30 or 40 points."