Duke Blue Devils: Kyrie Irving thriving as point guard for Team USA

Kyrie Irving may have found his niche as the starting point guard of the US National Team.

This summer, Kyrie Irving reunited with Mike Krzyzewski. Krzyzkewski, better known as ‘Coach K,’ coached Kyrie Irving at Duke during the 2010-2011 season. Irving played only 11 games in college while at Duke and still managed to become the overall number one pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Now, Irving and Coach K work together to bring another gold medal to USA Basketball. Irving starts at the point guard position for Team USA. Irving has proven that he deserves to start, most notably in their last game against Australia. Team USA trailed Australia 54-49 at halftime. In the second half, Carmelo Anthony and Irving scored all but two points of Team USA’s points in the fourth quarter. USA beat Australia 98-88.

Anthony finished the game with 31 points. Irving added 19 points. When Australia cut the lead to four points, Irving hit a three-pointer with 1:35 left in the game. Irving’s poise in this game in addition to Anthony’s leadership was key in Team USA’s triumph.

Irving averages 12.7 points and 4.3 assists per game in the three games he has played with Team USA. Although Irving ranks fourth in scoring on Team USA, he hit big shots when it mattered against Australia.