Irving considered representing Australia at London 2012
To subscribe to breaking news alerts and scoring updates for Rio Basketball, click the star in the top right corner of theScore app.
The spirit of Melbourne, Australia flows through the veins of point guard Kyrie Irving, who was born in The Land Down Under to American parents 24 years ago.
Prior to the 2012 London Olympics, the three-time NBA All-Star strongly considered donning Aussie colors and representing The Boomers on the hardwood. His decision was ultimately swayed by the words of American head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who also worked with Irving during his one year with the Duke Blue Devils.
"I was very serious, man," Irving said, according to The Vertical's Michael Lee about potentially competing for the nation, which would have made him ineligible to later play for America.
"(Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski) was a huge part of the decision. I mean, he’s Coach K. As a young fella, he definitely did tell me I had a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself and ultimately being the starting point guard on the U.S. Olympic team. I never thought it would happen as soon as it has. It’s crazy to see how it has worked out."
Australia tried to put its best foot forward in an effort to entice Irving, with current Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown - who previously coached Irving's father - leading the recruitment pitch.
"I was there to support Brett," Wayne Carroll, the former High Performance general manager of Basketball Australia, told Fox Sports Australia. "I remember contacting Kyrie’s family to say that if he chose to play for Australia, he could be playing in four - and maybe more - Olympics. Even now, when you look at the strength of the NBA, it’s conceivable Irving might not make the national team if everyone was available."
The Boomers have never won a medal during the Summer Olympics, finishing as high as fourth on three occasions (1988, 1996, 2000). The opportunity to break that cold spell and be a part of something truly special peaked Irving's curiosity, however, and considering where he is now, it's easy to see why the Cleveland Cavaliers' floor general elected to go stars and stripes.
The U.S. men are the odds-on favorites to capture a third-straight gold medal and fifth in six attempts. They're a perfect 2-0 as part of Group A, defeating both China and Venezuela by a combined 101 points.
Related: 3 things to watch for in USA-Australia
Their toughest test will come against the Aussies on Wednesday, whose margin of victory ranks second in the tournament. America has won the last three meetings by 18, 40, and 33 respectively.