Daily Dad News

NBA Rookie Star Kyrie Irving Says Father Predicted Bright Future

February 24, 2012

NBAE/Getty Images

Current Cleveland Cavaliers point guard and former Duke University player Kyrie Irving is having a dream season. After being selected first overall by the suddenly woeful Cavs after Lebron James’ unpopular departure, Irving is helping to turn around the franchise’s fortunes as the top rookie in the land. For his success, Kyrie Irving credits it all to his father.

“In eighth grade, my father told me I would wind up as the best guard in the state of New Jersey,” said Irving in an interview with ESPN. “In my senior year of high school, he told me I'd be the number one player in the country. Then, in college, he told me I'd be the number one pick in the draft.”

Kyrie’s father, Drederick, was a basketball player himself but didn’t have the same luck as his son did. However, he continued to push and support his son to greatness. The elder Irving had it hard as a young father, widowed with Kyrie and a daughter, Asia, to care for. Raised in the tough streets of New York, Drederick moved his young family to New Jersey for a better life and it appears everything is turning out as planned.

“If you are fortunate to have a father like I have, you're given a foundation,” Kyrie said. “You can be content with that, or take it and run with it, like I did.”

Kyrie will be starring in the 2012 NBA All-Star Rising Stars game this weekend alongside first and second year standout players. The Australian-born Irving has even flirted with playing with the Australia national Olympic basketball team.

Return To Daily Dad News >>