LeBron James Hangs Out with Duquesne HC Dru Joyce III, Dukes’ Team

On Wednesday night, LeBron James met with the Duquesne basketball team and his childhood friend Dru Joyce III.

Check out the photo below of James with the Dukes, shared by Duquesne’s head coach, Joyce.

Took some time out to spend with the 👑 @kingjames

We appreciate your message and time.

Always love!!!#MISSIONContinues pic.twitter.com/Wm3lwHCwso

— Dru Joyce (@DruOnDemand) January 29, 2025

James was teammates with Joyce in high school at Saint Vincent-Saint Mary’s in Akron, Ohio. While James went on to the NBA, Joyce then went on to play at Akron, once again competing under Keith Dambrot, the former Duquesne coach who served as the SVSM coach beforehand.

Joyce 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.

This year, Duquesne is currently 9-11 on the season and 4-3 in conference play in the Atlantic 10. The Dukes have lost two straight games, falling to Dayton and then Fordham. Now, Duquesne is in Philadelphia preparing for its game on Wednesday night against Saint Joseph’s. The Dukes beat the Hawks weeks ago at home, and now have the opportunity for a second victory over St. Joe’s on the road. James’ Lakers played in Philadelphia against the 76ers on Tuesday night, and James scored 31 points.