Today Kyrie Irving is one of the top young players in the NBA. Many people view him as one of the better point guards in the country, and he is backing those people up. Even though he is only in his third year in the NBA, Irving is racking up awards and honors. He was the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year and has already been named to one all-star game.

The Australian born point guard is already playing like a seasoned veteran and he is only 21 years old. The future is certainly bright for this young man.

Early life

Kyrie is the second child of Drederick and Elizabeth Irving and was born on March 23, 1992 in Melbourne, Australia. Kyrie’s father had played basketball for Boston College and then went on to play professionally in Australia. The Irving’s moved to the United States when Kyrie was two years old. Kyrie’s mother died tragically when he was four, leaving him to be raised by his father. For his first two years in high school Kyrie played for Montclair Kimberly Academy. He averaged 26 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds per game in those two years. He also led the school to their first state title.

Following his sophomore year, Kyrie sought greater competition, so he transferred to St. Patrick High School. He was required to sit out St. Patrick’s first 30 games because of transfer rules. Irving and fellow teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, led St. Patrick to their third state championship in four years. He averaged 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game in his first season.

In his senior season St. Patrick finished 24-3 and Kyrie averaged 24 points, five rebounds, and seven assists per game. Unfortunately, St. Patrick was unable to compete in the state tournament because of rules violations. At the end of his senior season Kyrie was regarded as one of the best players in the nation and was considered the best point guard in the class. Kyrie committed to Duke on October 22, 2009.

College Career

Kyrie’s college career was unfortunately short but sweet. He was extremely impressive in his first eight games as he averaged 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game.

Kyrie was turning heads and was making himself the clear favorite for Freshman of the Year. In the ninth game of the season, Kyrie suffered a severe foot injury that put him in a walking boot.

His right foot was put in a walking boot on December 10th and was finally removed nearly two months later of February 4th.

On March 18th, Kyrie returned to action for the first time since the injury. Duke’s season ended a few games later as they lost to Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament. Kyrie scored 28 points in the loss, ending his college career on a high note.

NBA Career

Kyrie was viewed by many as the top NBA prospect going into the draft. With the now LeBron-less Cavaliers looking for their next superstar, they possessed the number one pick in the NBA Draft and seemed certain to end up with Kyrie. The Cavaliers did just that as they drafted him with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

The Cavaliers also possessed the fourth overall pick, which they used to get Tristan Thompson. Irving excelled immediately in the NBA and both he and his teammate, Thompson, were selected to the NBA Rising Stars Challenge. Kyrie was also won the 2012 NBA Rookie of the year award and was named to the All-Rookie First Team.

He finished the season averaging 18 points, five assists, and three rebounds per game. Despite his great success, Irving missed 15 games to injuries and the Cavaliers finished 21 and 45.

In his second season as a pro, Kyrie injured his finger which caused him to miss the next three weeks. Despite the early injury, Kyrie improved in nearly every aspect of his game and he improved his averages to 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds.

Kyrie was also elected to his first All-Star game. In his second season, injuries continued to be an issue for Kyrie as he missed a total of 23 games. Despite his improved production, the Cavs still struggled, finishing with a record of 24 and 58. Going into his third season, Kyrie and the Cavaliers had high hopes of making the playoffs.

However, those expectations currently seem like a long shot as they are currently 14 and 24. So far, Kyrie has averaged 21 points, six assists, and three rebounds per game. He has also missed three games due to injuries.

Facts and other awards

• Kyrie was named to the 2010 High School McDonald’s All-American team.
• Kyrie will appear on the cover of NBA Live 14.
• He has become very popular for his “Uncle Drew” commercials featuring other stars such as Nate Robinson and Kevin Love.
• He is currently taking summer courses to finish his bachelor’s degree, which will fulfill a promise he made to his father.
• His godfather is former NBA player Rod Strickland.
• He enjoys playing the baritone saxophone.
• In the fourth grade Kyrie said, “I will play in the NBA, I promise.”
• Kyrie got his love and inspiration for the game while watching his father play in adult league games.