Likely number one overall selection Kyrie Irving says he wasn’t to represent Australia. Born in Melbourne, Kyrie spent his first two years growing up down under.
Irving, whose father Drederick played fro the Bullen Boomers in the NBL in the ’90s, holds dual Australian and American citizenship.
Realising the unlikelihood that he will ever represent the US at the highest level, Irving has instead expressed interest in donning the green and gold for the upcoming Olympics.
Irving would become the team’s second best player behind Bucks center Andrew Bogut.
The combination of Bogut and Irving with fellow NBA players David Anderson and Patrick Mills may be enough to see Australia’s chances in the tournament rise significantly.
Speculation earlier this year had Irving firmly aiming to play USA basketball, but there is little chance he will be given that opportunity, considering the wealth of young PG skill in the USA. NBA PG’s Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Stephen Curry and Russel Westbrook are all considered stronger talents than the Melbourne born Irving.
Although FIBA rules say that once a player chooses to represent a country after their 17th birthday they cannot change, there are certainly exceptions. If authorised by the FIBA secretary general on the proviso that it “is in the interest of development of basketball in the country” a player may indeed switch teams.
Piston PF Charlie Villanueva is one such example. After representing the US at junior level he was bale to represent the Domican Repubklic.
Even he is cleared to play for the Boomers this year it is unlikely he will join the squad immediately, considering an impending lockout leaves him unsigned and without NBA health insurance.
The Boomers will compete against New Zealand in a three-game series this spring, although the young Aussies on the squad will likely be without all of their NBA teammates.
The Australian squad will have training camp next week before playing a two-match series against China later this month.
Fake ex-AFL fan
Roar Rookie
I had no idea Irving was a Melbourne boy! If I'd known that I might have even supported Duke last year, if only he'd played for a proper basketball school like Carolina...
jamesb
Guest
it'd be nice if the rules allow him to play for the boomers. it would also be great for world basketball if irving played for Australia not USA
Daniels
Guest
All i need to say is that as soon as you said this, i desided to check his Wikipedia page, and he sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders as well. He apparently promised his father that he would finish the academic side of his degree, by attending summer classes across 5 years. Check it out by going to the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrie_Irving
Connor Kret
Roar Rookie
Also Phil if you wanna read up on the draft i've published 2 mock drafts to date and will be putting my final one up tomorrow Draft 2 Draft 1
Connor Kret
Roar Rookie
EP- Duke weren't the eventual champs. UConn won the national championship, Duke was 09-10 champs btw if Cleveland take Williams it'll have nothing to do with PG depth, all aboutr taking the best player which might actually be derrick williams
Phil
Guest
Thanks EP. I will definitely be following the draft now.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Phil some more info then? Irving played 11 games on point for Duke (big school) in college basketball before injuring a toe and ending his season. He then declared for the draft. So basically he's seen as good enough on his high school career and 11 college games, albeit for the eventual champs, to beat everyone out for the number 1 pick. This is a weak draft class though. He will definitely be top 3. It's possible there is another big bloke that might go at 1 if the Cavs don't trade and decide they have enough point guards already.
Phil
Guest
I had never heard of Kyrie until they were talking about him on the radio this morning. Its cool that he could be the number 1 draft pick. Even better that he wants will play fo the Boomers.