Will IU land Irving?

Indiana fans want Kyrie Irving. Badly. But does he want the Cream and Crimson? This question will be answered later rather than sooner as a decision date isn't expected until next fall. Early indications, however, favor the Hoosiers to land the athletic combo guard, who would surely help bring the program back to national title standards.

Unless you have followed Indiana basketball recruiting the last six months, Irving's name might not ring a bell to the 'Hoosier Nation.' For those who have followed college basketball recruiting, though, they are fully aware of Irving's on-the-court abilities, and quickly rising and impressive recruiting stock. He is listed as a point guard, and Rivals.com recently award with him a five-star status.

Irving, a 6-2, 175 pound point guard from Elizabeth, New Jersey, is currently in Bloomington, Indiana, with his AAU team the New Jersey Roadrunners, as they compete in the yearly AMC Classic.

In his first game Saturday afternoon at Assembly Hall, with a crowd of about 1500-2000 on hand, Irving and his Roadrunner teammates outlasted 2011 Indiana signee Matt Carlino and Indiana Elite, 68-59. According to Mike Pegram of Peegs.com, Irving finished the game unofficially with a game-high 24 points, while Carlino muscled in 8 points in the loss.

While this was one of many AAU games that will take place this weekend, the sight of Irving and Carlino on the floor at the same time has IU fans seeing success a few years down the road. What will prevent an Irving-Carlino backcourt in 2011? Duke, Notre Dame, Kansas or Villanova. These are the schools Tom Crean must compete with for Irving's signature, which is no easy task. Irving has said he's going to take visits to Notre Dame and Duke in the near future, with possible stops to 'Nova and Kansas this summer.

Still, with a visit to Assembly Hall and quotes such as, "This place (Assembly Hall) is breathtaking," the Hoosiers seem to be in the drivers seat, closely followed by Duke.

ESPN.com provided this April 2009 scouting report of Irving:

April, 2009: This combination guard is a good athlete with sneaky athletic ability in transition. He can finish above the rim when he is ahead of the pack. Irving is a point guard first that can slide over and play to shooting guard because his has the ability to knock down the open three. He does not get great lift on his shot but his release and follow through is excellent. He pushes the ball in transition with great pace. Irving has a strong handle and does a pretty good job of dribbling through contact. He is a terrific passer especially in the open court where he has great touch and feel for where to place the ball. Irving can pass with either hand and he loves the long one hand bounce pass. Irving also has a nice mid range game which will greatly benefit him in college because it will help him avoid charges. He can pull up on the break, when attacking the baseline or hit the floater in the lane on a consistent basis. He also knocked down pull up jumper with his left hand although he is a true right hand shooter. Irving has great concentration and body control when he attacks the lane. He can take the hit and still manage to get the ball in the hole. This smooth guard is also decent on ball defender and has good anticipation in the passing lanes. Irving is a very smooth player that has tremendous upside.

Following the 68-59 win, reporters had a chance to catch up with Irving for his thoughts on the recruiting process and Indiana. Here are some highlights...

On Academics and IU....

"I am going to major in journalism and I heard they have one of the best journalism programs in the country and they showed me around there."

On Indiana's Selling Points...

"Just make an impact right away and bring them to the final four. Just to come in and bring them to the Final Four. Just to come in and be the point guard he (Tom Crean) needs."

Let it be known, Indiana is no sure bet to land Irving, as time and more visits to other top programs await this future 2010 top-15 prospect. But with Crean putting a personal investment in this recruiting race, Hoosiers fan may get their wish of a future star on campus in 2010.