Kyrie Irving gives a tough call by turning down Australia for America-NBA Regular news
Kyrie Irving will not be playing for Australia at the 2012 London Olympics.
The 19 years old rookie holds a dual nationality. He was born in Australia and according to FIBA rules he can play for either country. Irving showed his interest playing for US in Rio de Janeiro - 2016, he considers himself as an American and it was a tough
call to pass on the opportunity playing in Olympics.
This is most certainly the right decision, if he plays for Australia that will shut the door on him ever playing for America.
"I kind of disappointed my Aussie fans," Irving told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "It's all about the future. It's always been a dream of mine to play in the Olympics. It's a good feeling to know I'm going to play for my country."
For a rookie like himself it is a far cry for now, but if he keeps up with his current 18.6 points and 5.2 assists per game performance he surely will make it into the US national team by 2016.
The main reason behind his decision is Mike Krzyzewski AKA Coach K, though it has not yet been officially declared that if he will coach the 2016 team but Irving is confident that he will have life time learning’s under his aegis.
"I spoke to Coach K. He did tell me he was coaching, but I prematurely spoke on that," Irving said. "But I know he's going to be part of USA Basketball. That's the most important thing. That's what made my decision easier”.
Irving, the number 1 pick in 2011 draft and the most talked about candidate to win rookie of the year award, has been on cross roads lately and his recent announcement was difficult one.
Especially when he was not inducted in the 2011 Team USA’s London squad and the overture from Boomers coach Brett Brown was certainly irresistible.
The pundits of the game are declaring his decision as a gamble, he is on a song for now but injuries are an occupational hazard for this game. Moreover his dream to play under Coach K depends upon the official promulgation.
But one should respect his loyalty to America. He was not on the team so he decided not to play against them as well.
It is obvious that Spain and Australia will be the mainstream contenders for US in the London Olympics and with Irving as their point guard Australia might have troubled them a lot.
Rio de Janeiro or not but for now this 20 years old is on fire as he tallied 22 in the match against Utah Jazz on March 5th and he holds many inspiring performances to deliver in the upcoming matches.
Tags: