Irving's cast comes off this week

Duke freshman point guard Kyrie Irving is scheduled to have a protective boot removed from his right foot late this week, but coach Mike Krzyzewski still is downplaying the possibility that Irving will return this season.

Irving has been out since suffering an injury to his right big toe on Dec. 4 against Butler. Krzyzewski said removing the cast will merely trigger another long-term stage of Irving’s rehabilitation.

Krzyzewski said Irving is getting better and will have more tests on the toe after the boot is removed. But Duke’s biggest concern, Krzyzewski said, is what’s best for Irving’s career and not getting him back this season.

“We’re not looking for him to come back,” Krzyzewski said. “We’re looking for him to get well.”

Ken Tysiac