Irving grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, where he frequently attended his father's adult-league games.[15][2] His inspiration to play in the NBA came after playing at Continental Airlines Arena during a school trip in fourth grade, when he declared, "I will play in the NBA, I promise."[9] Due to his father's connection to Boston University, Irving spent a lot of time in Boston, including at BU's basketball skills camp. Irving said that in fifth grade, he was offered a scholarship to Boston University by then-head coach Dennis Wolff.[16] As a teenager, Irving played for the Road Runners of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).[17][18]