Can Kyrie Irving Become Duke's Most Important Devil?

In the college basketball of today's era, depth on a team is like the steak you had last night—rare.  Last season, the National Champion Duke Blue Devils started better than average, but finished the best. 

One of the reason's they will hoist another banner over Coach K Court was their depth.  They suited the "Big Three" well before Lebron's shenanigans.  Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer, and Kyle Singler were a dominating three headed monster that built off of one another all year long.

As the season wound down, Kyle Singler seemed to become the most inportant part of that specific trio.  He was awarded the Final Four M.O.P. 

As Kyle cut the nets, most Duke fans assumed he was off to the show.  Kyle got everyone with the oopdie-oop and decided to return to the premier basketball institution in the world.

Welcome back Kyle, but could it be possible that Kyrie Irving could dethrone Singler and become the most important Devil by season's end?

I recently introduced Kyrie to the Raycom site (in this post).  He is without a doubt going to be a key piece of the team's puzzle next season.

The title question will get many smirks, questions, and maybe start an argument or two, but Irving is special.

Irving is a true point guard who can shoot, pass, and dribble.  It is unfair to compare Singler and Irving for many reasons, but by season's end, Irving may be they key to this team.

Conference play is always tough.  Every game will be a battle to the finish and Irving will be the guy carrying the ball down the court and distributing.

In crunch time, this running team will use Irving to push the court.  Like Williams did, expect him to drive and dish getting Smith, Singler, Curry, or an open Plumlee the ball.  If other teams don't double him, then he can take the ball to the rim with ease.  Kyrie has been known to be "unstoppable" at times.

Teams will not be able to double team everyone.  That would be illegal.  Teams will pick their poison and force someone other than Singler to beat them.  The freshman guard will be doubled far less and will have his chances to shine.

Irving will be a coach on the court next season.  He will be an X-factor that few teams will be able to contain.  The combination of Singler and Irving is a rare one that teams dream about, and will be a lot of fun to watch.

No, Irving is not a better player than Singler, but as the season plays out he very well may be the most important Devil.