As soon as Irving announced his college discretion Duke fans prepped for a possible one-and-done guard. Not just any one-and-done guard, but a Jay Williams type of guard.
Remember his career as a Duke Blue Devil? However, even Jay Williams admits that Irving is currently ahead of him when he was at his stage.
That is something I can agree with. Irving has done very well, leading the Blue Devils to believe he could make up for some of what they lost when star point guard Jon Scheyer graduated.
Irving picked up his third ACC rookie of the week honor after putting on a show against Butler, and Michigan State. He has already jumped in the record books after nailing 13 free-throws against the Spartans, while recording the fourth 30-point outing for a freshman in Duke history.
Senior guard Nolan Smith has said before, Irving is a veteran. During every ranked game, or big game for that matter, Irving is the one to step up.
Unlike many young point guards, Irving takes care of the ball, penetrates the lane and finishes around the rim in easy fashion.
In 28.9 minutes of action, Irving is the second leading scorer for the No. 1 team in the nation at 17.4 points per game. He also adds 3.8 rebounds, and team-highs in both, assist with 5.1, as well as steals with 1.5 per game.
Irving is on pace to become the first ACC Rookie of the Year since Kyle Singler embraced the honors in '08.
Nonetheless, he is currently listed as doubtful against Bradley due to a toe injury that occurred against Butler in the second half that caused him to limp off the floor.
FoxSports.com reports that Irving is in a walking boot, and did not practice with the team on Monday. With such an easy schedule, Coach Mike Krzyzewski might give his talented freshman the game off.
Irving has the potential to be one of the best freshman in the Blue Devils storied history. He has helped Duke get off to a hot (8-0) start and out-dueled many point guards in the process.
By now, it's clear that all previous expectations need to be raised when referring to Kyrie Irving.
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