Duquesne Women's Basketball
Duquesne WBB Preview: Dukes Bring Intensity, New Look
It is clear that the Duquesne Women’s Basketball has a few tricks up its sleeve but have been very tight lipped in revealing what exactly that entails.
“It’s kind of like the move Fight Club,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt explained. “You don’t talk about Fight Club unless you’re in Fight Club.”
What is known about Duquesne is that has graduated 5,000 points and while it returned to a standard of 20-plus wins and a WNIT Super 16 appearance, the Dukes quickly turned the page from that.
Duquesne is playing differently compared to a season ago on both sides of the ball and is smaller, grittier, more physical, athletic and aggressive as a side.
Burt’s staff told him on numerous occasions that the roster their team has fits exactly the way they need to play, something he wholeheartedly agrees with.
“We were graduating 5,000 points, and we had some really awesome human beings on our team, but it was time to do some different things, analyzed Burt. “We were able to frankly secure a new contract, we knew I was going to be here long term at Duquesne and finish my career here. We were going to play the way I always wanted to play. We were going to build a roster around that, and we’ve done that. We’re excited about the direction we are going in this upcoming season.”
Throughout the summer and preseason workouts, Burt and his team have described the goings on as relentless joy, breaking it down as follows. Relentless in the team’s philosophy on both sides of the ball and joy because of having 14 young women that have bought into what is being done.
Burt likens the philosophy to Jon Gordon’s book The Energy Bus and the idea that true coaching is healing and that meaning can take on different tones.
“We need to have a collaborative approach to coaching,” Burt explained. “In the days of NIL we don’t want to be transactional, we want to be transformational. We really lean into the experience that the players have from an educational standpoint, who they are as human beings. When you have those type of dealings with players, you’re going to build trust and love, and they’ll run through a wall with you. We’re really excited for what this year brings, you’re going to want to watch us.”
Here is a look at this year’s Duquesne Dukes:
RETURNING
Megan McConnell (13.1 ppg/8.6 rebs/45.6% FG/40% 3’s/11 assts/64 stls)– No one in NCAA DI played more minutes than McConnell last season averaging 38.5 totaling 1,308 across 34 games.
McConnell also led Duquesne in points, rebounds, assists and steals. She led the Atlantic 10 with 294 rebounds, standing at 5-foot-8 and did the same with her 2.2 assist:turnover ratio.
Honors have already poured in for McConnell including being on the Atlantic 10’s Preseason All-Conference First and Defensive Teams, in addition to making the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Watchlist.
“As I’ve reflected knowing this is my last year, my five years at Duquesne, this has been my favorite group so far, which I’ve loved all of my teams in the past,” McConnell analyzed. “Being around this group of girls, has been amazing and they’ve all bought in. It’s been really fun and I’m excited to play with them this year.”
McConnell leads Duquesne in a way where others are encouraged to do the same and she also has her cousin Kellie playing this season as well.
While McConnell has aspirations to take the next step in playing professionally, whether that be overseas or in the WNBA, the focus is squarely on this season’s team, of which there was no question in her mind to return to Duquesne for unfinished business.
She is the leader of this team but also explained that others have that same ownership. With so many new faces, it has been about getting to know everyone. The results are that everyone compliments each’s others abilities which helps make each player better when they step on the court.
Jerni Kiaku (6.6 ppg/44.5% FG/29 stls)– “Jerni the Jet” is a nickname Burt gave Kiaku early on in the season, which while she despises it, it describes her well.
Burt believes she may be the fastest player in the Atlantic 10 and there is certainly a case to be made, though a couple of freshmen on the Dukes may give her a run for her money.
Last season, Kiaku took on Richmond’s Grace Townsend, who was considered the fastest in the Atlantic 10 and in the home meeting ran circles around her throughout the evening.
It was clear as the season went on that Kiaku gained confidence and she may have made the biggest jump during the summer workouts. Both Burt and McConnell expressed similar sentiments during Atlantic 10 Media Day.
Kiaku expects a lot of herself and even with her speed has composure within her game that has to be seen.
“It’s great honestly,” Kiaku said during the WNIT last season. “At the beginning of the season, we had to find our way to gel together and game by game, we found it. I know I haven’t been part of a group so special that really cares for each other this much. I’m just very thankful to be here and a part of this.”
Kiandra Browne (2.6 ppg/81.3% FT)– Browne’s willingness to take charges might have won Duquesne the City Game against Pitt last season but her insight and wisdom are advantages for the Dukes.
Browne transferred into Duquesne prior to last season from Indiana and when Burt needed specific things, she was called upon and came through time and again.
This season, Browne’s role could see an increase and her game as a whole has taken a significant jump.
Gabby Grantham-Medley (2.6 ppg/76.9% FT)– Grantham-Medley grew as the season wore on but her nine points helped the Dukes win at Niagara. She achieved a double-figure point total three times last season, two of which came in A-10 play. The opportunity is clearly there for her to succeed.
Kaitlyn Ammons (1.4 ppg/44.4% FG)– Ammons had the best game in her Duquesne career scoring 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, while grabbing six rebounds against Longwood. She can stretch the floor and has worked hard on her game this offseason. The tallest player on Duquesne’s roster, Ammons could be a factor in Duquesne’s scheme and have a breakout season.
Raymi Coueta (0.6 ppg)– Coueta impressed Duquesne’s coaching staff last offseason giving her an early-season look, as she played 21 minutes against Princeton, scoring four points. Coueta played in 19 games and is determined to find an increased role and time on the court.
NEWCOMERS
“There’s never been a freshmen class I’ve been a part of that’s played with this type of effort. They play incredibly hard and raise the level of play amongst our upper classmen. We’re really excited for what they’ve brought. It’s been a pleasant surprise; we did not expect this. We thought we would have to rely on our transfers a little bit more and a couple of our returners in Kiandra Browne and Gabby Hutcherson but the freshmen have really brought it.” – Burt
“This freshmen class really surprised me. This is probably the best freshmen class we’ve had in a while. They’re a very talented group and work incredibly hard and they play so hard. I love that because I want to be out on the court with people who play just as hard as I do and they bring it every day. They make all of us better.” – McConnell
Andjela Matic (7 ppg/47 3’s at Vermont)– Matic has a professional mindset and spent the summer attempting to make Serbia’s National Olympic team. Her game has grown since coming on campus. She was the leading three-point shooter by percentage of anyone in the transfer portal and raises Duquesne’s compete level. It would be expected that she will have on-court opportunities to shine within the Dukes philosophies.
Gabby Hutcherson (3.5 ppg/2.6 rebs at Pitt)– Hutcherson came to Duquesne somewhat familiar with the program given the annual City Game, but she has absolutely fit in with this Dukes team. Her energy is infectious, and her confidence has taken an infectious jump. She has a little extra in her step and something to prove to herself. She could also make an immediate impact on the floor.
Reina Green (8.2 ppg/6 rebs at Pensacola State)– Green appeared in six games for Pensacola. In her six games, she achieved double figures three times and had one double double. Green is a solid defender, something which could play well within Duquesne’s plans.
Mackenzie Blackford– Here is where the freshmen section begins. Blackford can consistently be seen before practices working on her shot, finding ways to improve. Within three minutes of seeing her in high school, Burt knew he wanted her on his team. She has not disappointed from there. Her speed jumps off the page and she will be a fun watch for Duquesne fans.
Kellie McConnell– Stop if you have not heard this before. A McConnell being counted out. People have thought Kellie McConnell was too small for the Division I level, much like they did her cousin Megan and she has had a huge chip on her shoulder. Her explosiveness, speed and tenacity may not be matched on the court and that will be on display this season.
Nadia Moore– Burt is impressed by Moore’s abilities, especially as an offensive rebounder, something he promises you will see in games. She has earned the Dennis Rodman nickname from him. He also appreciates the way she defends and the effort she displays each time she comes on the court.
Fatou Sene– Sene was recently cleared and Duquesne has seen someone who is a world-class athlete in terms of strength, speed and explosiveness. There is a clear excitement and belief in what she does.
Faith Walker– Burt likens her to an Amaya Hamilton clone, which would be great news for Duquesne fans given Hamilton’s ability to play any position and not appear out of place. Hamilton had a tenacity and winning mindset, which were assets for Duquesne, so the compliment carries a lot of praise. Walker continues to grow on the court, which could play out in game settings this season.
Duquesne’s work towards achieving its goals begins Monday at 5 p.m. against Princeton, a game in which the Dukes caught the Tigers by surprise last year. This is something Duquesne hopes will be the case this season, although with a more favorable end result.
“For how far we’ve come, it’s going to be really excited and a surprise, so stay tuned,” promised McConnell.
