WATCH: Former Duke star returns for title game in strange twist

A major name among former Duke stars was in attendance for the ACC Championship Game on Saturday, in a surprising fashion. Former Blue Devil and NBA star Kyrie Irving was in attendance for Duke’s championship game, held in the Barclays Center where the Brooklyn Nets play their home games. Kyrie Irving has been unable to participate in home games held in the arena this year due to his unvaccinated status, but was able to attend this game from the stands in the same building.

The @DukeMBB Brotherhood 😈@RjBarrett6 and @KyrieIrving are in the building for Coach K's final ACC game. pic.twitter.com/GoKYZbBLRn

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) March 13, 2022

Former Duke star’s surprising appearance

In a surprise to many basketball fans and those familiar with this NBA season, Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving’s presence in the Barclays Center is a shock, even as a spectator. Irving has publicly been unvaccinated from the COVID-19 virus, and as such has been subject to restrictions by New York City. With their mandates throughout the year, Irving has not been allowed to play for the Nets inside the Barclays Center, leading to his team only being able to use him in road games.

However, as the NBA playoffs draw closer, a new policy in place in New York City may be opening the door for his return to the Nets’ home court.

“New York City will lift Key2NYC vaccine mandate on March 7, assuming numbers stay on track,” explained NBA insider Shams Charania prior to the policy’s effective date. “But: I’m told the private sector mandate still restricts Kyrie Irving from playing in home games, although he could enter Barclays Center as spectator.”

The new rules in place in New York City opened the door for Saturday’s strange appearance by Irving. The former Duke star played in the 2010-11 season under Coach K before being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the restrictions partially lifted and with the game taking place on his home court, Irving was able to show up for the ACC Tournament Championship Game and support his alma mater.