“You're gonna be one of the guards of your generation” – Former USAB coach bemoans Kyrie Irving going through a tough situation

Few people may know Kyrie Irving as well as former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, also known as Coach K. He has known Irving since the point guard was in high school and recruited him to come to Duke University. Irving played a year under Krzyzewski and then went to the NBA.

Their relationship wasn't limited to college basketball, as Krzyzewski coached Irving on Team USA at the 2014 World Championships and 2016 Olympics. Coach K was on the “Dan Patrick Show” recently and discussed his relationship with the veteran point guard and his current situation.

Patrick asked the former coach about his former point guard. Coach K responded by showing support for his former player:

"I love him. I'm in his corner and I'm there to help him if he feels I can help him."

The coach also spoke about encouraging the young Irving to play for team USA when he was in high school. Kyrie irving was born in Australia and had the option to play for their under 18 national team at the FIBA World Championship. Irving ended up playing for the United States and winning a gold medal in the tournament.

"I said do not do that play for them, come to the U.S.," said Krzyzewski. "And I said, 'You're gonna be one of the the guards of your generation or maybe the guard of your generation, and you're gonna be the point guard on the U.S. Olympic team.'"

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Kyrie Irving set to return to the Brooklyn Nets

Kyrie Irving is currently serving an indefinite suspension from the Brooklyn Nets and we may have a return date in sight. Per reporting from Bleacher Reports’ Chris Haynes, Irving may be back with the team as soon as Sunday.

The team is scheduled to play the Memphis Grizzlies at home at the Barclays Center on Sunday. Irving’s return to the lineup could provide immediate scoring support for Kevin Durant, who has been carrying the load himself for the past eight games.

The return of another offensive threat should provide Durant with more open shots. There might be concerns of rust for a player who hasn’t played the past eight games, but Kyrie Irving tends to play well when he returns from layoffs. On Sunday, Jacque Vaughn will get to have his full lineup for only the second time since taking over as head coach.

A primetime game against the Grizzlies and star Ja Morant will be a good test to see where the Nets are as they try to turn their season around.