With March Madness capturing the imagination of every basketball fan in the world, it’s fair to say that college basketball has reached unprecedented levels of popularity. Universities like UNC, Kentucky, Alabama and Duke have dominated the college basketball circuit for many years. However, the University of Duquesne grabbed the spotlight with a little help from LeBron James.

Recently, LeBron James announced, via his X account, that his high school basketball teammate Dru Jones has been promoted to the head coaching role for the Duquesne Dukes. He wrote, “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!!!”

Dru Joyce’s promotion would also significantly influence the D1 prospects of LeBron’s youngest son, Bryce. Back in 2022, the Dukes became the first D1 college to offer Bryce a scholarship. Apart from Duquesne, Ohio State has also presented an offer to Bryce. With Joyce at the helm of the Dukes, it could potentially sway the balance in favor of Duquesne. However, it’s still too early to predict Bryce’s collegiate destination.

Dru Joyce joined the Dukes back in 2022 as an associate head coach following a three-year stint as an assistant at Cleveland State. He is taking over from Keith Dambrot, who announced before the start of the NCAA tournament that he would retire at the end of the season. In an official statement, Joyce said, “I’ve wanted to be an NCAA Division I head coach since I was 14 years old, so I’m overwhelmed with joy to be named the next head coach at Duquesne University.”

More information about Dru Joyce

Dru Joyce is predominantly known for playing alongside LeBron James during their high school days with St. Vincent – St. Mary for two seasons from 1999 to 2001. Although LeBron grabbed all the attention, it was Joyce who made his high school team tick. After graduating from St. Vincent – St. Mary, Joyce played under Keith Dambrot at the University of Akron.

During his collegiate career with the University of Akron, Dru Joyce set the school record for most assists, with 503 assists. In 2019, Joyce was inducted into the Akron Athletics Hall of Fame alongside Dambrot. Furthermore, Joyce has carved out a very successful coaching career. During his two seasons as an assistant, the Dukes possess a record of 45 wins and 25 losses. He also played an instrumental role in Duquesne’s first ever NCAA tournament victory since 1969 over BYU.

With Joyce being entrusted with the head coaching gig, could he replicate his previous success once more?

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