Kyrie Irving, the talented point guard of the Dallas Mavericks, is the son of Drederick Irving, a renowned American basketball player, and Elizabeth Ann Irving, a volleyball player at Boston University.
Irving was born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia. Kyrie’s life has been a fascinating blend of basketball, family, and cultural heritage.
Kyrie’s father, Drederick Irving, is a former basketball player who made a name for himself at Boston University.
He played for the Terriers from 1984 to 1988, leading the team with impressive scoring averages.
During his senior year, he became Boston University’s all-time leading scorer with 20.3 points per game in the Eastern College Conference.
His jersey number 11 was retired by the university in 1988, and he was inducted into the BU Athletic Hall of Fame.
After college, Drederick moved to Australia to play professionally for the Bulleen Boomers in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL), where he averaged an impressive 30 points per game.
Although he tried out for the Celtics, he never played in the NBA but found success in the Pro Am league in New York.
Kyrie Irving’s Parents Met At Boston University, Where They Played Basketball and Volleyball.
Elizabeth Irving, born Cynthia Janette White Mountain in 1967, was adopted by Lutheran minister George William Larson and his wife, Norma Larson.
She grew up with a strong ambition to become the first female President of the United States and developed outspoken views from an early age.
Elizabeth was a talented athlete, playing volleyball and basketball at Rogers High School in Washington.
She helped her team win several titles and finished her high school career with a third-place state finish at Lincoln High School.
Drederick met Elizabeth at Boston University, where she played volleyball for the Terriers.
They married in 1990, moved to Australia, where Drederick played basketball, and had their children, Asia and Kyrie.
Tragically, Elizabeth passed away due to sepsis syndrome at the age of 29, when Kyrie was just four years old.
Her legacy lives on through her children, and Kyrie often honors her memory, including naming his daughter Azurie Elizabeth after her.
After Elizabeth’s passing, Drederick raised Asia and Kyrie in West Orange, New Jersey.
He remarried in 2004 to Shetellia Riley, who became Kyrie’s agent. Together, they have a younger daughter named London.
Kyrie’s love of basketball was developed by his father, who often took him to his adult-league games.
This exposure inspired Kyrie’s desire to play in the NBA, which he realized when the Cavaliers selected him first in 2019.
Kyrie Irving’s Parents Have Played A Key Role In Defining His Life And Basketball Career
Kyrie Irving holds dual American and Australian citizenship, representing his diverse upbringing.
He has considered playing for Australia in international competitions but ultimately chose to represent the States, winning gold medals at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.
Kyrie also proudly embraces his Native American heritage from his mother’s side, being part of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
He has honored this legacy through various tributes, including a naming ceremony and collaborations with Nike to create sneakers inspired by his indigenous roots.
Additionally, Kyrie named his daughter Azurie Elizabeth Irving, who was born on November 23, 2015.
Her middle name honors his mother, as he explained in an Instagram post about her birth.
Kyrie Irving’s parents have played a key role in defining his life and basketball career.
Drederick’s dedication to raising his children and developing Kyrie’s basketball talent, together with Elizabeth’s lasting impact, has helped Kyrie become the accomplished player he is today.
Kyrie continues to honor his family’s love and support through his achievements on and off the court.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Drederick Irving graduated with a degree in economics, and Elizabeth studied political science at Boston University.
- Kyrie has “Elizabeth Irving” tattooed on his left pec with angel wings, and her birthday is on his wrists as “VIII” and “XIII.”
- In a recent game, Kyrie Irving sprained his left knee against the Kings but still made two free throws before leaving.
