Kyrie Irving appears destined to be remembered as the high NBA Draft pick that Duke fans barely got a chance to see in a Blue Devils uniform.
Irving announced Wednesday that he is entering the draft and won't return to school for his sophomore season. Duke team spokesman Matt Plizga said Irving plans to hire an agent, which would eliminate any possibility of rejoining the team.
A 6-foot-2 point guard from West Orange, N.J., Irving missed 31/2 months of his freshman season because of an injury to his right big toe. He injured a ligament eight games into the season and didn't return until the NCAA tournament.
He averaged 17.5 points and 4.3 assists per game and shot 52.9 percent from the field in 11 games as a Blue Devil. Collegebasketballnews.com draft analyst Chris Monter expects Irving to be selected with one of the first three to five picks in the draft, which will be held June 23 in New York.
"He's got great quickness and is a prototypical point guard who can distribute and also can score," Monter said.
In a written statement, coach Mike Krzyzewski said he is "overjoyed" that Irving attended Duke and now has a chance to chase his dream of playing in the NBA.
"We are totally supportive of Kyrie, his family and his decision," Krzyzewski said. "We look forward to continuing to work with him during the upcoming months leading to his entry into the NBA and afterwards while he is an NBA player. He is a great young man, a terrific student, and a truly amazing representative for our program and for Duke. We love him and are very happy for him and his family."
Irving issued a statement through the school thanking the staff and coaches and saying that playing for Krzyzewski was "a great experience."
"He taught me a lot about the game," Irving said. "Even when I was hurt, I learned a lot. Also a special thanks goes to the medical staff for getting me back on the court for the NCAA tournament and my teammates for sticking with me throughout the entire year. Duke offered me an experience I could never have imagined."
Monter said executives for teams that are considering drafting Irving will want to examine his foot to make sure it's OK, but he said the injury shouldn't be a big concern because Irving returned and played well in the NCAA tournament.
Irving's departure, coupled with the loss of seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, leaves Duke with a lot of talent to replace. But the Blue Devils still have starters returning at guard (Seth Curry) and at forward (Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly).
Andre Dawkins and Tyler Thornton also appear likely to play more significant roles, and incoming freshman Austin Rivers - one of the top-rated players in his class - seems certain to be counted on as a primary scorer.
Another member of the high school class of 2011, point guard Quinn Cook, will have a chance to compete for minutes in the backcourt as well.
