Kyrie gifts Jersey to Kuminga
After the Warriors win against the Brooklyn Nets last Saturday, star point guard Kyrie Irving gave rookie Johnathan Kuminga his game-worn jersey. Kuminga, in his first year at the NBA level by way of the NBA G-League’s Ignite team, played his high school hoops at St. Patrick High School located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Similarly, Irving also played his high school hoops St. Patrick High before his infamous one-and-done season at Duke University.
With St. Patrick High having Irving as one of its most notable alumni, he’s spent time around the basketball program over the years offering a sort of mentorship-like role for the young stars of the future.
Over the years, the two fostered a relationship founded on the premise of guidance from one NBA star to a highly touted NBA prospect. Kuminga credits Kyrie as one of his biggest mentors.
January 29 was the first time the two had the opportunity to share the court together in an NBA game. And after the game, Kyrie gave his game-worn jersey to the rookie. A gesture that I am sure JoKu will cherish forever.
The media often paints a negative picture of what type of guy Kyrie Irving is because of obvious recent headlines, which is not totally fair to him. He routinely steps up for numerous causes that are important to him and has been known to offer his time to younger players for mentorship, much like what he has done for Kuminga. This is an excellent example of a small gesture on Irving that speaks volumes about his character.
Here’s the video captured by the broadcast which features Kyrie gifting JoKU with his jersey.
(Photo credit: Jeff Chiu / AP)