Irving says leaving Duke wasn't easy

Departing Duke point guard Kyrie Irving said it was difficult to make the decision to leave the Blue Devils because he believed he could learn a lot playing a full season under coach Mike Krzyzewski.

But Irving, whose freshman season was limited to 11 games because of a toe injury that kept him out 3 ½ months, said in a telephone conference with reporters this afternoon that he couldn’t turn down this opportunity to enter the NBA draft.

“To go to the NBA is my ultimate dream,” Irving said. “I’ve dreamed about it for a while. Having the opportunity to be such a high pick at such a young age is an opportunity that a lot of people won’t pass up.”

Irving is projected to be one of the top five picks overall in the draft, according to collegebasketballnews.com analyst Chris Monter. He averaged 17.5 points and 4.3 assists per game and shot 52.9 percent from the field.

He said he called Krzyzewski on Wednesday afternoon and informed him of the decision. They talked for about 25 minutes after that.

“He said he’s happy for me and my family,” Irving said, “and he’s going to offer as much help as he can as this process continues.”

The toe injury wasn't a major factor in his decision, Irving said. He tore ligaments between the bones in his right big toe and had to wait for them to heal, and has said he will have to wear steel shanks in his shoe for the rest of his life to prevent the toe from hyperextending and getting injured again.

But he said if he had been worried about reinjuring it, he wouldn't have returned for the NCAA tournament, where he played in the Blue Devils' final three games.

Irving said the thing he learned most from his time at Duke is how to prepare. He said there were times in high school when he might have gotten lazy for a quarter or so, but Krzyzewski told him that couldn’t happen with the Blue Devils.

Irving credited Krzyzewski and seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler with showing him that a player at the Division I level can’t take plays off.

“When you come to an institution like Duke and play at such a high level, you’re going to have to play like a professional and prepare like a professional,” Irving said.

Irving said he does plan to hire an agent and end his eligibility, but he is letting his father handle that duty. He said he thought a lot about the quality of the team that Duke would have had if he returns.

He said the Blue Devils have a strong recruiting class and mentioned 6-foot-8 IMG Academy forward DeAndre Daniels as a potential addition who could make the class even better. Duke is among the schools on Daniels’ list.

Particularly since he only played 11 college basketball games, Irving won’t be able to avoid asking “what if?”

“There are a lot of what ifs in the back of my mind always,” Irving said, “but I can’t look back right now. I’m just thinking ahead for what I can best do.”

Ken Tysiac

Duke's Irving to enter NBA draft

Kyrie Irving's career at Duke has ended after 11 games in one injury-shortened season.

Irving, a point guard whose freshman season was interrupted for 3 1/2 months because of an injury to his right big toe, will enter the NBA draft and plans to hire an agent, Duke spokesman Matt Plizga confirmed.

A 6-foot-2 native of West Orange, N.J., Irving is expected to be one of the top picks in the draft. A mock draft on NBAdraft.net projects him as the No. 2 pick overall, behind only Arizona forward Derrick Williams.

Irving averaged 17.5 points and 4.3 assists per game and shot 52.9 percent from the field in 11 games. He played the first eight games of the season before injuring his toe, then returned for Duke's three NCAA tournament games.

In a statement, coach Mike Krzyzewski said he is "overjoyed" that Irving attended Duke and now has a chance to chase his dream of playing in the NBA.

“We are totally supportive of Kyrie, his family and his decision," Krzyzewski said. "We look forward to continuing to work with him during the upcoming months leading to his entry into the NBA and afterwards while he is an NBA player. He is a great young man, a terrific student, and a truly amazing representative for our program and for Duke. We love him and are very happy for him and his family.”

Irving issued a statement through the school thanking the staff and coaches and saying that playing for Krzyzewski was a great experience.

"He taught me a lot about the game," Irving said. "Even when I was hurt, I learned a lot. Also a special thanks goes to the medical staff for getting me back on the court for the NCAA Tournament and my teammates for sticking with me throughout the entire year. Duke offered me an experience I could never have imagined.”

Ken Tysiac

Dad: UNC's Henson to announce decision this week

North Carolina sophomore forward John Henson will likely announce his decision about whether to return to school or turn pro by Friday or Saturday, his father, Matt, said this morning.


Matt Henson said his son planned to meet with coach Roy Williams – who has been gathering information from NBA contacts about the draft prospects of Henson, Harrison Barnes and Tyler Zeller - today or tomorrow.

Matt Henson said there are several factors involved in the decision – including how much his son can improve with another year of experience, and the fact that he doesn’t financially need to go to the NBA now.

What Zeller and Barnes decide won’t be the determining factor, Henson said. Williams said Tuesday all three starters will make their choices by next week.

“The main thing it’s tied to is, are you ready? Are you really ready?” Matt Henson said. “Because if that answer is no, the choice doesn’t depend on what anybody else does. Will coming back put you in a better position? And obviously, all those guys want to win a championship, and they’re close, and would like to do it together. (What the other two do) could be a factor, but not a driving or determining factor.”

- Robbi Pickeral

Yow accuses Maryland coach of sabotage

Circle the next N.C. State-Maryland men's basketball game on the 2011-2012 ACC schedule.

When N.C. State introduced Debbie Yow as its new athletic director last year, the former Maryland AD downplayed rumors of a fractured relationship with Terrapins basketball coach Gary Williams, pointing out that she had nominated Williams for Hall of Fame consideration.

However, during Tuesday afternoon's news conference introducing the Wolfpack's new basketball coach, Mark Gottfried, Yow called out Williams for, in her words, sabotaging N.C. State's attempt to hire a new coach.

The subject arose when a reporter asked if she has a reputation of being difficult to work for.

"I have a reputation of not getting along with Gary Williams, who has tried to sabotage the search," Yow said. "... It's Gary Williams out there doing his thing, so whatever."

In response, Maryland associate athletics director for media relations spokesman Doug Dull issued the following statement on Williams' behalf:

"I haven't talked to anyone - coach or athletic director - connected to the N.C. State search," Williams said in the statement. "I don't have any interest in the N.C. State search, since I'm coaching at Maryland and working hard to run our program. Anyone who says I've had contact with a prospective coach or athletic director regarding this search isn't being truthful."

-- Lorenzo Perez, The News & Observer

N.C. State hires ex-Alabama coach Gottfried

Mark Gottfried will be the next basketball coach at N.C. State.

Gottfried took two different programs — Alabama and Murray State — to the NCAA tournament in his 14-year career as a head coach.

There is a press conference scheduled for 5 p.m. today at Vaughn Towers at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Gottfried, 47, led the Crimson Tide to the NCAA tournament five times in 10 seasons, between 1998 and 2008, coming within a game of the Final Four in 2004.

He resigned in Jan. 2009, 19 games into his 11th season.

J.P. Giglio

Ken Tysiac

NBA decisions for Tar Heels coming soon

North Carolina coach Roy Williams said on the Dan Patrick Show this morning that he plans to meet with underclassmen Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Tyler Zeller this week to talk about their futures.

“I don’t think they’re going to drag it out or anything,’’ Williams said. “But I’d say this week or next week, we’ll know what’s going on, but it could be next week. I’m going through the process of getting all my information from the NBA people. I’ve got two more people to talk to today, in fact.

“Gut feeling? The NCAA says you shouldn’t bet, and I’m not betting on this one.”

Barnes, a second-team All-ACC selection who made two game-winners and tied with Zeller as the Tar Heels' leading scorer (15.7 ppg), has been projected as the highest potential NBA choice of the trio. Mock drafts posted online have listed the freshman as a likely top-five pick. But he said early on that he didn't consider himself a one-and-done college player - and the desire for an NCAA championship ring might bring him back.

Henson, the ACC's defensive player of the year, is also considered a likely first-round selection, but his father said in an interview last month that staying in the NBA was just important as getting there. So another college season of bulking up the lanky forward's frame - and his offensive moves - could be a bonus.

Zeller, a first-team Academic All-American, seems the least likely to leave, although his 25.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in four NCAA tournament games helped his stock.

The players have until April 24 to declare for the draft; as long as they don’t hire an agent, they could withdraw by May 8.

“It is tough,’’ Williams told the Dan Patrick Show. “But I basically tell them, ‘Do what you want to do. There’s no question the scenario is a little different this year because of the mood of the NBA and the collective bargaining agreement. But I really do, I want kids to do what they want to do. And I’m one of those old corny guys that thinks that college is fun and it’s OK to be a kid, and the NBA’s not going to go away. But hey – what do you want to do?

“I’ve had Brandan Wright and Marvin Williams leave after one year; I’ve had Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington leave after their junior year, after a national championship. So we’ve had eight guys leave in my first seven years here early, to be [first-round] draft choices, which is more than anybody in college basketball – with some success more than others. Ed Davis left last year after only playing half of his sophomore year because of a broken wrist. But I really do – ‘tell me what you want to do’ – because I’m big on enjoying life. It’s too short, and you have too many things going on. I tell my guys, the 1st and the 15th are the greatest days in your NBA career because it’s payday, and the rest of the time those guys would rather be in college. But that payday is pretty impressive.”

-- Robbi Pickeral

Yow updates Wolfpack Club on coaching search

RALEIGH — With her list of potential candidates reduced by three, N.C. State athletic director Debbie Yow reached out to Wolfpack fans on Monday night.

Yow sent an email out to Wolfpack Club members on Monday night which updated her efforts to find a new basketball coach, one that was a "fighter" and up to the challenge of rebuilding a program that is in "poor shape."

In a whirlwind day after a quiet week on the search, Virginia Commonwealth’s Shaka Smart, Cincinnati’s Mick Cronin and Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall were all eliminated from the mix on Monday.

Yow had not made any public comments since Sidney Lowe resigned on March 15 but after the flurry of candidates exited the search, she sent out the email with an update on her progress after 8 p.m.

A school spokeswoman confirmed Yow sent out the letter Monday night. The full transcript of the email:

Dear Wolfpack Family,


I am writing to share with you the status of the search for our new head coach for men's basketball. There have been telephone conversations with successful coaches that did not develop into meetings -- sometimes because we did not wish to pursue those coaches further and sometimes because the coach involved is happy where he is.


The conversations have been candid. We have not tried to sugarcoat the challenge of rebuilding our basketball program. Our absence for 5 consecutive years from the NCAA Tournament was noted by each coach as evidence that the program is in poor shape and will require a special effort to rebuild.

Finding a coach with the fight and fire to do this job has been a challenge. That said, we will find an excellent college coach who shares the vision of what State Basketball can become and is up for the challenge.

I realize there are multiple rumors surfacing about the nature of the search on websites and in newspapers. Once our new coach is hired, I will be in a position to bring perspective to a number of those rumors. But, right now, we need to remain focused on finding a talented collegiate coach who is a fighter, full of confidence and appreciation for the opportunity to lead our basketball program back to national prominence.

That will happen in spite of those who believe this cannot occur.

Wolfpack Basketball is destined for a revival. We will accept no less. Please keep the faith while we continue the search. Your emails and text messages of support have meant everything to me. I am blessed to be your AD.

In the Spirit of the Pack,

Debbie

-- J.P. Giglio

Wichita State's Marshall to make 'special announcement

Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall will make a "special announcement" about his future with the Shockers basketball program on his coach's show tonight, a Wichita area TV station reporting.

Marshall, who coached Wichita State to this season's NIT title and who took Winthrop to seven NCAA tournaments in nine seasons, appeared to be one of the coaches N.C. State was considering for its vacancy. According to KWCH-TV, however, Marshall is expected to announce tonight that he will remain at Wichita State.

Marshall was not scheduled to broadcast his show this evening, according to the programming director of KFH, the radio station broadcasting it. But KWCH reported that Wichita State contacted KFH today to request a "last minute" show tonight to allow Marshall to make an announcement.

Earlier today, Virginia Commonwealth athletic director Norwood Teague confirmed that VCU coach Shaka Smart had declined an offer from N.C. State and will stay with the Rams program.

-- Lorenzo Perez, The News & Observer

UNC's Williams competes at Final Four -- in a food fight

North Carolina coach Roy Williams' team lost in the NCAA regional finals. But that didn't keep him from competing at the Final Four over the weekend - in the kitchen.

This story in the Houston Chronicle details how Williams went head-to-head with Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg in a cookoff in Bracket Town. Both coaches made steaks, mashed potatoes and grilled artichokes - and apparently, Williams' potatoes put him over the top. He won a $5,000 donation to Coaches vs. Cancer.

When Williams was handed the check to give to Coaches vs. Cancer, according to the Chronicle, he had some good-natured parting words for Greenberg.

"This summer when I see you at places, I won't talk about anything from the basketball court," Williams said. "But I will talk about how I beat you in the kitchen."

-- Robbi Pickeral

Wojciechowski removes name from Dayton search

Duke associate head coach Steve Wojciechowski had discussions with Dayton officials about the Flyers’ head coaching position but removed his name from consideration for the job, Duke spokesman Matt Plizga said Saturday afternoon.

A guard for the Blue Devils from 1994 to 1998, Wojciechowski, 34, shares Duke’s associate head coach duties with Chris Collins and has been on Mike Krzyzewski’s staff since 1999-2000.

Wojciechowski coaches the big men for the Blue Devils. He also has served as a court coach and scout for Krzyzewski with the United States Senior National team, which won the gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

Dayton is looking for a replacement for Brian Gregory, who left to coach Georgia Tech.

Ken Tysiac

Ken Tysiac