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With the top overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Duke freshman point guard Kyrie Irving. They refused to make a firm commitment to him leading up to the draft, but it was always believed Irving would end up being their guy.

“I didn’t have any doubts about going number one,” said Irving. “I was looking to the organization to pick who they felt was the right choice. But now to this moment, from being a fan of the NBA Draft adn now being drafted, it’s a special feeling in my heart and knowing that my friends and family were together, it’s a memory I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.

“Honestly, I’m really holding myself back from really letting all my emotions out. I’m excited now knowing that I have to share this experience with my old teammates, and some of my Duke teammates are here and getting this experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime (experience) and it’s an honor to be drafted especially number one as a point guard. I know I’m in good company, only five point guards in the last 35 years have been drafted number one, so I’m in good company.”

Irving only played in 11 games during the 2010-2011 season due to ligament damage in his right big toe. That injury kept him out from December 8th until the first round of the NCAA tournament on March 18th.

Although his time on the court was limited, when he was active it was clear that Irving possessed everything that justified making him the number one pick in this year’s draft. He averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds a night, while shooting 52% from the field and 46% from deep. He also boasted a 1.74 assist-to-turnover ratio.

{AUTHOR_BOX}Irving will join the Cavaliers with lofty expectations, perhaps even more than normal for a number one overall pick. The Cavaliers finished last in the Eastern Conference this season with a record of 19-63 after being forced into rebuilding mode due to the departure of All-Star forward LeBron James. James’ departure left the city of Cleveland devastated and Irving will be looked at as the first real sign of hope for the franchise to get back to being a contender.

“I’m not really looking to replace LeBron honestly, just try to be Kyrie Irving and contribute to the Cleveland organization as much as I can,” said Irving. “I’m looking forward to getting to Cleveland. It’s a big sports town and I cannot wait to emb race all of the fans there and the fan support, I can’t wait. having the chance to see my jersey out in the crowd with all of those Cleveland fans, that’s something i’m really looking forward to.”

Luckily for Irving, he’ll be coached by a former player and proven head coach in Byron Scott. Scott has worked with some of the best point guards that the league has seen over the last two decades in Jason Kidd and Chris Paul. If anyone can help guide Irving to achieving everything expected of him it’s Coach Scott.

“Just the way Coach Scott, what he did for Chris Paul and his transition into the NBA, he made it a lot easier and I kind of want to emulate that journey of Chris Paul and transitioning to his offense, which is up-tempo and just run,” said Irving. “When I was out in Cleveland, all he said he wants to do is just run, like he did when he played for the Lakers in ’86. When they made the run with Magic with the point, that’s how I want it, just up-and-down.”

There is currently a logjam at the point guard position in Cleveland with Ramon Sessions and Baron Davis also under contract. Expect them to be shopped heavily because from here on out the reins at point guard belong to Irving. He is now the face of the franchise.

He won’t be the only rookie, though, as the Cavaliers took Texas freshman power forward Tristan Thompson with the fourth overall selection. Irving and Thompson actually have a history together that should aid them as they look to revitalize the Cavaliers’ organization.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Irving said of playing with Thompson. “Tristan is a great friend of mine and just having another fellow freshman being drafted to Cleveland, I’m really looking forward to it, and playing with him — I’m really excited.

“He’s 19 also and he’s a younger player, and having somebody alongside you that will go through the rookie ups and downs with you, it will make the transition to the NBA that much easier.”