Duquesne Basketball

LeBron James Announces that Duquesne has Hired Dru Joyce III as Next Head Coach

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2024

According to NBA star LeBron James, Duquesne officially has its next head basketball coach.

Duquesne basketball on Pittsburgh Sports Now is sponsored by The Summit Academy: setting young men on the path to a better future.

I’m proud to announce! As the unquestioned source I am confirming that Dru Joyce is the new HC at Duquesne University and is meeting with the team right now! So damn happy and proud of you my brother!!! @DruOnDemand @DuqMBB 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #GoDukes❤️💙🤍

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 28, 2024

After former head coach Keith Dambrot announced his retirement last week, the Duquesne athletic department is now looking to Dru Joyce III to lead the program. Joyce had previously served as the team’s associate head coach since May 2022.

Duquesne's 2024 March Madness Tournament coverage is sponsored by Leon's Billiards & More, Moon Golf Club and Archie's on Carson! Their contributions have allowed us to cover the Dukes run in Omaha, Nebraska. We appreciate their support!

Joyce, who was consistently endorsed by Dambrot as his replacement for the position, played for Dambrot in 1999-2000 at Saint Vincent-Saint Mary’s High School in Akron, Ohio alongside James and others. Joyce then went on to play at Akron, once again competing under Dambrot.

He set the Akron school record for all-time assists during his illustrious collegiate career, and went on to a successful playing career overseas.

Prior to his time at Duquesne, Joyce spent three seasons serving as an assistant coach on Dennis Gates’ Cleveland State staff. Joyce then played a crucial role as associate head coach on the Duquesne staff that went to this year’s NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977 and upset BYU in the Round of 64. The Dukes were eliminated by Illinois, but went home to Pittsburgh as a legendary group with momentum heading into next year.