Kyrie Irving
Photo by Louis Lopez
6-1 / 175 / Guard
St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.)
Headed to: Duke
2009-10 season: The end of Irving’s senior campaign was tarnished when his school was banned from the postseason following allegations of improper preseason workouts. It’s too bad because Irving was enjoying a monster year, even outshining junior teammate Michael Gilchrist – widely regarded as the No. 1 2011 talent in America.
On a St. Patrick team loaded with at least five other future Division I players, Irving poured in 25.2 points per game and led an offensive attack from the point guard position that averaged 72.1 points per outing.
The future Blue Devil stepped it up against top competition. At the MaxPreps Holiday Classic in December, Irving earned MVP honors while leading St. Patrick to the title against a field of top teams from Arizona, California and Washington. Not even nationally-ranked powers St. Benedict’s Prep (No. 2), Findlay Prep (No. 7) and Oak Hill Academy (No. 11) could slow him down, as he tacked up 28.0 points per game in those contests.
Expect Irving to hold down a prominent spot on MaxPreps.com's All-American team when it is announced April 8.
Next-level analysis: As good as Duke is this year, Coach K’s roster is surprisingly thin and takes a huge hit with point guard and first team All-ACC pick Jon Scheyer moving on.
Enter Kyrie Irving.
The Garden State guard will be expected to step in and run the point for Duke from the day he arrives in Durham. While that’s a lot to ask of an incoming freshman at such a high-profile program, Irving possesses the maturity and – most importantly – will be surrounded by talented players that will allow him to assert himself at a comfortable pace.
With Kyle Singler (17.7 points per game) and Nolan Smith (17.2 points per game) expected to return, Irving certainly won’t be asked to score the way he has this winter. The Blue Devils also should get a backcourt boost from Liberty transfer Seth Curry – the brother of Golden State Warriors star rookie Stephen Curry. Seth led all freshmen in scoring a year ago at 20.2 points per game.
Another positive indicator of Irving’s ability to step in and be an impact player right away was his play at the Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Ore., last August. The event featured 30 of the top American high school players – including Harrison Barnes, Tobias Harris, Austin Rivers and Josh Selby – and teams from six other countries. Irving walked away with MVP honors after posting 21.3 points and 4.3 assists per game, leading USA East to the tournament title.
Irving averaged 25.2 points per game as a senior at St. Patrick.
<center>Photo by Lonnie Webb</b>
10 to watch for 2011 countdown:
No. 10 Cory Joseph
No. 9 Perry Jones
No. 8 Tristan Thompson
No. 7 Will Barton
No. 6 Tobias Harris
