Particularly in the summer doldrums, I am going to make an effort to follow recruiting, particularly basketball recruiting, a bit more closely.  Of course, by any standard IU's recruitment of Kyrie Irving of New Jersey is of interest.  Irving, a 6-2 guard from St. Patrick's in Elizabeth, N.J., ir ranked #21 in the Rivals top 150 and #5 at his position.  Via Inside the Hall, it's apparent that IU is in a strong position with Irving.  According to ZagsBlog, IU is at "the top" of Irving's list.  In addition to IU, Irving is closely considering Notre Dame, Virginia, and Duke (isn't it nice to be in the hunt for a top shelf recruit who is listing us with three high quality institutions?).  While this quote is from his head coach, it's worth repeating:

"Kyrie Irving, when it’s all said and done, he will arguably be as good as any guard who’s played in New Jersey," Boyle told me earlier this year. "Any guard. Ever. Ever. DaJuan Wagner, Bobby Hurley, Shaheen Holloway. You’re talking about a guy who’s a great shooter, a great finisher. He’s going to be as good as anybody who’s played in New Jersey."

For Tom Crean to continue rebuilding IU's program, landing a high quality 2010 class on the heels of the top-10 2009 class would be a significant step.