Shaheen Holloway has quickly risen up the ranks as one of the best college coaches in the NCAA. The Saint Peter's coach has led the 15th-seeded Peacocks to the Elite Eight in one of the greatest underdog stories in March Madness history. Holloway's matter-of-fact and blunt interviews also gained him a lot of supporters.

One of Saint Peter's supporters is NBA superstar Kyrie Irving, who has a connection with Shaheen Holloway. Irving, who hails from Jersey, praised Holloway and said that the coach recruited him in high school. (via NY Daily News)

ā€œWhat a way to embrace New Jersey basketball, I will tell you that. I am grateful to see Shaheen doing his thing,ā€ said Irving, who grew up in West Orange, N.J. ā€œHe recruited me when I was in high school. We all have great relationships amongst the New Jersey basketball culture.ā€

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Irving would go on to say that he very nearly spurned Coach K and Duke for Seton Hall, which is the Saint Peter's coach former school.

ā€œIā€™ve been a big supporter and a big fan of Seton Hall since I was like 11 years old. If I didnā€™t go to Duke that was probably the school I was going to go to and stay close to home. Itā€™s like five minutes from where I grew up so if [Holloway] goes there, great.ā€

Saint Peter's has captured the hearts of many college basketball fans with their incredible play (and unique home arena name). However, they'll be up against a huge test tomorrow, as they face the UNC Tar Heels for the right to face Duke in the Final Four. Regardless of what happens, this is already a huge win for Holloway's squad.

Knowing Saint Peter's though, they won't be satisfied with a mere Elite Eight finish.