Kyrie Irving will come off the bench and see “significant minutes” Thursday night when Duke meets Arizona in a West Regional semifinal, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said Tuesday.
After missing 3 1/2 months with a right big toe injury suffered Dec. 4 against Butler, Irving came off the bench to score a team-best 14 points when Duke routed Hampton, 87-45, last Friday. The former Elizabeth (N.J.) St. Patrick star then hit a critical late basket and scored 11 points in 21 minutes in Sunday’s win over MIchigan.
“We’re good with who we’re starting,” Krzyzewski said, according to the Charlotte Observer. “We should have at least eight people feel like they’re starters on this team, with Andre [Dawkins] and Ryan [Kelly]. We’ve had nine people start on this team, so that’s an advantage.
“We can’t get caught up in who’s starting. Kyrie will play, and he’ll play significant minutes against Arizona.”
Since the beginning of the ACC Tournament, Duke has started Nolan Smith and Seth Curry in the backcourt, with Kyle Singler, Mason Plumlee and Miles Plumlee up front.
Duke has won eight straight NCAA Tournament games dating back to last year’s title run.
TheRise / March 22, 2011
Zag,
I am very surprised that you do not have anything on Arizona. You have done a number of articles ;but, none in the Sweet 16.
What gives?
Note-
It is obvious that Irving is STILL injuried. I find it irresponsible for Duke to let him play. Right?
Even if the parents OK, Duke is still responsible.
Didn’t Curry say, he would rather have a 70% Irving than another 100% player.
RIGHT TOE
/
TheRise / March 22, 2011
Wow… Did Coach K actually DISC the Wildcat Nation!
DUKE thinks the West Coast is a JOKE.
Duke thinks Wildcat Nation will NOT make a difference
Krzyzewski denied, though, that the favorable location of the games for the West Coast teams will make much of a difference.
Ignorance has consequences.
Note-
Two East coast teams vs two West Coast teams.
/
MrDogma / March 23, 2011
ironic that you woud use the phrase: “ignorance has consequencs.”
i think what you really meant to say was that Drederick Irving should have checked with TheRise about whether his son should play again.
Are you scared?
/
WWorldWildcat / March 24, 2011
Scared. The only one whose toe is going to be jumped on ..is KI.
We very scared!
Duke players and fans calling West Coast fan (Wilcat Nation)…Weak Coast fans: is going to backfire DUKE!
http://dynamic.azstarnet.com/comments/viewcomments.php?id=/sports/basketball/college/wildcats/article_a79fbf44-439a-568e-a4bb-bd29dc8a6dd8.html&h=Arizona Wildcats basketball: ‘Home’ game for UA doesn’t faze Devils
/