After speaking with the Dallas point guard, you realize you are dealing not only with an NBA star but also with an eager student rushing to clear an academic debt. Kyrie Irving is convinced that the roar of the crowd does not drown out the professor’s voice, and his years on the court have only strengthened his desire to sit at a student’s desk again.
Returning to University Roots
— Kyrie, how did the decision to continue your studies mature?
— The sense of unfinished business emerged the moment I left Duke’s campus for the 2011 draft combine. The move was right for my career, but it left a void inside. Now, after more than ten seasons and a championship ring, I want to close that chapter.
Why a Diploma Matters More Than a Multimillion-Dollar Contract
— No matter how much you earn, you can hire lawyers. Why understand everything yourself?
— A contract is not just a figure; it is a set of clauses and stipulations. I want to read the agreement like a specialist, grasp the nuances of the collective bargaining agreement, and guide younger teammates. Knowledge in management and public policy will give my words weight beyond personal experience.
Studying as Recovery, Not Overload
— Can a packed game schedule coexist with an exam session?
— Absolutely, if you plan mental workload as carefully as training. The league has long adopted a player rest protocol—so the brain also needs a recovery plan. Distance courses and flexible faculty schedules allow me to study without sacrificing form.
Leadership That Extends Beyond the Court
— Will a degree change your role in the locker room?
— This step will show rookies that development does not stop at the three-point line. To truly run a team, you must analyze information, defend your position, and articulate ideas. Then “pass-and-screen” actions read faster, too.
Steps After Earning a Degree
— Might we see you in club management?
— First the bachelor’s, then perhaps a master’s. I’m open to working in the front office or in community programs, but the main goal is to keep my curiosity alive. That curiosity led me to a championship and now calls me back to the classroom.
