The Duke website announced on Wednesday that the freshman point guard was leaving college early to declare for the NBA draft. He is expected to sign an agent.
"We are totally supportive of Kyrie, his family and his decision," said longtime Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski. "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 certainly didn't feel like he needed too much seasoning at the college level. He leaves after just one season in Cameron, a season that was marred by injury. The point guard played in only 11 games, as he was hampered by a foot injury that caused him to miss much of the season before returning for the playoffs.
"This was a special year for me," Irving said. "I love everything about Duke and I’m going to miss it. Duke has a special place in my heart. Even though I'm leaving this year, Duke will always be in my mind and my heart. I’m going to miss putting on that No. 1 jersey"
In his 11 games putting on that No. 1 jersey, Irving averaged 17.5 points per game, scoring a career-high 31 points against Michigan State on Dec. 1 and then pouring in 28 points in his final game, a 28-point performance in a Sweet 16 loss to Arizona.
