Duquesne Basketball
Duquesne MBB Preview: Dukes Grow Brotherhood, Learning In All Aspects
The Dru Joyce III era officially open up at 8 p.m. Monday night when the Duquesne Men’s Basketball Team hosts Lipscomb.
There has been a learning process for all involved and this includes Joyce himself who has understood what all is entailed with moving a seat over to the head coaching position.
Admittedly, when talking to reporters at Atlantic 10 Media Day, Joyce was unsure if he was fully settled because there was so much newness attached to his role.
“What I’ve learned most is I have to continue to learn my team and continue to understand and know them better,” he explained. “Also to make sure that standards remain the standards, and I continue to push them. I have a group of guys that have a strong self-belief and connection. They have confidence, but you have to boost that confidence. They like to hear when they’re doing good, so just learning those small details can help keep the process going in the right direction.”
Joyce understands that everything is a process, especially when it comes to the demands that today’s game of basketball brings.
That being said, it is something that he feels capable and able to adapt to.
“There’s no timetable on connection and culture,” stated Joyce. “We just have to sacrifice and make sure that our buy in is high and we’re willing. The willingness of this group has been really high, and it shows a lot of character of the young men that I have that they’re willing to buy in to process to accomplish our goals.”
When Joyce assesses the advice, he has been given, his father’s words of being who he is, holding true to standards and values, while going home to rest and live with that, all are impactful to him and being the best version of himself.
By all means, the players have bought into Joyce’s vision, as he has brought together a group of like-minded individuals that are collectively hungry.
“Coach Dru embodies the same toughness, intensity that he had as an assistant coach,” junior forward David Dixon offered. “I will say he is more caring. Coach D would usually run the crap out of us. I feel like we get things done more in and I’m excited to see what we do under his guidance.”
Last season is one which the entire country was captivated as the Dukes earned their first NCAA Tournament berth in 47 years, won a contest against BYU as Keith Dambrot went out in grand fashion.
Under Joyce, it has been celebrated but his team refuses to look back, rather further with a simple mindset.
“I’m kind of addicted to winning, so I want to do it again,” says Dixon. “I just want to show the transfers and the new guys what that mindset is, what that culture is.”
RETURNING PLAYERS
“We have to continue to drive the message. Culture may take some time. This group continues to be steady. They’ve had a consistency about their level of work with how they come in each and every day and I ask them to be the best versions of themselves and give me everything they’ve got. Most days, that’s exactly what we get.” – Joyce
David Dixon (7.2 ppg/4.8 rebs/54.3% FG/8 starts)– Dixon was a key contributor towards last season’s overall success and had more time this offseason to hone his game. With that comes something he hinted in being a role change.
“It’s been good,” Dixon explained. “I’ve had a lot of time to work on my game and I expect to do a lot more things this year in terms of being a basketball player. With the expanded role, there’s certain responsibilities with the role I’m in and I’ve taken time to work on that. I’ve worked on my outside shot, my decision making, being a better leader and I’m ready to take on that role.”
Kareem Rozier (5.2 ppg/2.4 rebs/80.8% FT/21 starts)– Rozier enters his junior season after being the unquestioned leader of these team in each of the past two years. Despite losing his starting spot, Rozier worked even harder to get more out of his game, something which has stretched into the summer. He has dedicated his energy to being better in all aspects.
Chabi Barre (2 ppg/2 rebs/50.9% FG/13 starts)– Barre overcame an unknown health condition and was part of the starting five for the non-conference slate. His trademark smile was infectious and even when he was not counted on as much, he was a constant vocal presence. When Duquesne won the Atlantic 10 Championship, Barre brought the trophy into the stands for the fans to enjoy.
Jakub Necas (2.6 ppg/1.9 ppg)– Necas came in with a professional mindset and was known for his defense. Offensively, he never missed a pre-practice training session and late in the season became a force that made crucial plays. When Tre Williams was injured during the Atlantic 10 Championship, the players trusted Necas to come in and stop DaRon Holmes II, a first-round NBA draft pick.
Matus Hronsky (2 ppg/1.1 rebs/1 start)– After battling some health challenging related to COVID, Hronsky battled his way into shape and made an impact at various points throughout the season. His highlight was hitting a game-tying shot in the closing seconds of regulation at Saint Joseph’s. He also made crucial baskets late in the season.
Jake DiMichele (6.4 ppg/2.5 rebs/46% FG/21 starts)– Dambrot was confident that DiMichele would make a difference, but it took an 0-5 start to conference play and an injury for Dae Dae Grant for him to be added to the lineup. Duquesne never looked back going 15-6 after his insertion. DiMichele’s underrated defense and timely plays were crucial for the Dukes.
Lucas Perusek/Seamus McDermott/Ethan Anish– Duquesne’s walk-ons all saw the floor last season and bring energy and an edge to the scout team in practice.
NEWCOMERS
Tre Dinkins III (15.4 ppg/2.7 rebs/41% FG/85 3’s/30 starts at Canisius)– Dinkins has an opportunity to start on this Duquesne team. He has a quiet intensity about him and a disposition that can frustrate opponents.
Cam Crawford (8.2 ppg/2.4 rebs/2 starts at Marshall)– Crawford has an athleticism about him to where he can play multiple positions on the floor. He runs the floor well and can provide a boost for Duquesne.
Jahsean Corbett (15.4 ppg/7.7 rebs/45.9% FG/32 starts at Chicago State)– Duquesne fans will be somewhat familiar with Corbett given Chicago State played the Dukes last season. Clearly the Dukes were impressed with what he saw. Corbett can catch fire with his shot and will be an asset.
Alex Williams (13.2 ppg/4.8 rebs/43.8% FG/16 starts at Furman)– Williams more than doubled his point output a season ago. Unfortunately, Williams has missed practices with injuries, but he promises to make his presence known before all is said and done.
Maximus Edwards (12.4 ppg/6.6 rebs/42.7% FG/23 starts at George Washington)– Edwards comes from GW and thus has a familiarity with Duquesne. He certainly has an ability to change the game offensively and has been a consistent rebounder. It is clear how much playing basketball gives Edwards joy and he has the opportunity to showcase that daily.
Eli Wilborn (10.8 ppg/7.4 rebs/54% FG/27 starts at Saint Francis)– Wilborn moves into the A-10 and may have shown the most growth of any Duquesne player. Dixon has taken Wilborn under his wing and the results certainly have shown.
Brandon Hall (16.4 ppg at Howard College)– Hall made the most of last season before an injury and will not be ready for the start of the season.
Lucas Prolla– Prolla spent last season at Missouri-State West Plains and is a preferred walk on. Prolla has the ability to light it up from three-point range.
Jayden Brown– Brown is walking on this season and was a three-time state runner-up at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal. His compete level in practices have raised the level of this Duquesne group.
