Dec 17, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving, the former Duke star, has been named USA Basketball’s male athlete of the year.
Technically there is no title for Mr. USA for basketball but it seems fitting. Irving has been a force in the NBA and nothing changed this past summer when he helped lead team USA to a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. For his outstanding performance he earned tournament MVP.
Nov 21, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 91-78. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
During team USA training camp Irving was playing against some of the top point guards in the league and the competition and talent at the position was extremely deep. Playing against Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, and Stephen Curry was no easy task and required him to take his game to the next level. The competition he faced every day only made him better and made him work harder. The guard play in camp was probably better than what he faced throughout the tournament.
“It’s truly an honor and a blessing to be among such a great lineage of award winners and USA Basketball was the best experience of my life thus far, just being a part of a team that’s bigger than yourself,” said Irving. “We were together through it all, and we won a gold medal together, so I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.”
When it came tournament time Irving delivered night after night. The most impressive part of Irving’s game this summer was his poise and leadership. Obviously the scoring, assists, and defense were impressive but his leadership skills took a gigantic leap forward.
“I think Kyrie came of age,” Coach K said. “He’s a terrific player, but he became a great player during the summer of 2014. He performed his best on that stage, and now that’s the level he is expected to play at. I’m really proud of him.”
Although Team USA was still the most talented team in the tournament it was missing Kevin Durant, Paul George, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and most of the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal team. Those key players missing did not stop Irving and the crew from winning another gold medal. For the tournament Irving averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals and started all nine games.
“He’s a terrific player, but he became a great player during the summer of 2014. He performed his best on that stage, and now that’s the level he is expected to play at. I’m really proud of him.” Coach K
USA still had James Harden, Steph Curry, and gained an emerging star in Anthony Davis but they needed someone to lead the ship. As it turned out Irving was that guy and he never looked back. Irving is probably hoping his success in with team USA will continue and pay off the way it did for Derrick Rose in his MVP season. Irving is off to a great start to the season on a Cleveland Cavaliers team that is fully loaded with a big three of their own in Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love.
Congrats to Kyrie for the award and best of luck for the rest of the season. #DukeNation #DukeInTheNBA