Words. Jason Jordan

In the end, the lure to have the ball in his hands from Day One at one of college basketball’s most storied programs was too much to turn down, as St. Patrick High (N.J.) point guard Kyrie Irving picked Duke today over Kentucky and Texas A&M live on ESPNU.

“I’ll be a Blue Devil next year,” Irving told ESPNU. “It was just my relationship with him (Coach Mike Krzyzewski) and the whole coaching staff. I have a great relationship with everybody. When I went on my official visit it felt like home. It’s the place for me.” MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

St. Patrick High (Elizabeth, N.J.) point guard Kyrie Irving will announce his college decision live on ESPNU tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. EST.

We’ve maintained for quite some time now that Irving would pick Duke over Kentucky, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech and Seton Hall.

That hasn’t changed. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Montrose Christian’s Josh Hairston wishes he could join Dawkins early

Gonzaga College High’s (Washington, D.C.) Tyler Thornton wouldn’t mind being in Andre Dawkins’ shoes, but he’s content with “winning another championship and getting better” during his senior year.

Montrose Christian’s (Md.) Joshua Hairston is more concerned that Dawkins will treat Hairston and Thornton “like little kids once we get to Duke now that he’s gonna have a year at Duke under his belt.” MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Sullinger to Hold it Down in the Paint for the U.S. in France

Photo. ArkTimes.com

Nearly two years ago when Jared Sullinger gave Ohio State head coach Thad Matta a verbal commitment naysayers said that Sullinger would ultimately back out.

Sure he’d grown up in Columbus, Ohio, and had a lifelong admiration for all things Buckeyes, but the quick and early commitments are always looked upon with major skepticism. But not only has Sullinger, a 6-8 forward from Northland High, remained firm with the Buckeyes, he’s also lived up to all of the hype he garnered as a freshman. MORE >

Words. Aron Phillips

What do Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker have in common? Other than all being NBA superstars, these three – along with almost 60 others – have played in the legendary World Basketball Tournament in Douai, France.

Now in its 23rd year, the World Basketball Tournament features the best under-19 talent in the world with the top national teams from Australia, Canada, France, Lithuania, Puerto Rico and the United States (represented by the 2K Sports Preseason All-American Team). With five days of competition, the tournament will prepare each squad for the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship later this summer. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Photo. fredericksburg.com

Fresh off of a strong showing at the Tournament of Champions with DC Assault, Joshua Hairston, a 6-8 forward who hails from Courtland High School (Va.), must now prepare to take on the world in the World Basketball Tournament in Douai, France from June 8-15. Hairston, one of the nation’s best high school talents, will be part of the 2K Sports All-Star Team that battles squads from Australia, Spain, Lithuania, Puerto Rico, France, Canada, and Croatia the second week of June. [Editor's note: We will be covering the whole tourney right here on highschoolhoop.com, complete with video of the team's trip.]

Hairston, a Duke commit who checks in at No. 35 on the HighSchoolHoop top 50, chatted with us about everything from his grueling schedule to why basketball isn’t the only thing he’s looking forward to in France. MORE >