Duquesne University has appointed Dru Joyce III as the new head coach for the men's basketball team, succeeding Keith Dambrot. Joyce, who has a successful coaching background, including leading St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to multiple state championships with LeBron James, is set to take over the reins of the Duquesne Dukes.
No. 3 Illinois secured their first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2005 with a dominant 89-63 win over No. 11 Duquesne. Terrence Shannon led Illinois with 30 points, and they shot just better than 60% from the field as a team. Illinois will face No. 2 Iowa State in the Sweet 16 after easily handling their first two opponents in the NCAA tournament.
Pittsburgh, a city with deep sporting roots, is seeing its basketball scene highlighted as Duquesne, a small Catholic school, makes a surprising return to the N.C.A.A. Division I men’s tournament after 47 years, and Oakland also scores an upset victory. Despite being abandoned by professional basketball in the 1970s and having college teams that have struggled for relevance, the city has a rich basketball history marked by racial integration, influence from shoe companies, and the origin of significant figures and moments in the game.
March Madness began with 16 first-round games, including Duquesne's surprise win over BYU and North Carolina's dominant victory over Wagner. The action continues with live updates, highlights, and analysis from all the games throughout the day and into the night.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gifted the Duquesne men's basketball team new sneakers ahead of their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 47 seasons, showing his support for the program led by his former high school coach Keith Dambrot. The team, set to face BYU, was elated by the gesture as they gear up for the matchup.
No. 6 seed BYU will face off against No. 11 seed Duquesne in the NCAA Tournament, with the game airing on TruTV and available for streaming on Max. BYU looks to rebound from a tough loss in the 2021 tournament, while Duquesne aims to make a mark in their first tournament appearance since 1977. Key players to watch include BYU's Aly Khalifa, who may play through an ankle injury and fasting for Ramadan, and Duquesne's Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark III.
Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot's pending retirement has become a motivating factor for his players as they prepare to face BYU in the NCAA Tournament. Dambrot, who led Duquesne to its first Big Dance appearance since 1977, announced that this season will be his last. His players see his retirement as an additional incentive to win the game and send him off on a high note. The emotional advantage may lean in favor of Duquesne as they face BYU in the first-round game.
BYU basketball team appears relaxed and ready for their NCAA Tournament opener against Duquesne, with coach Mark Pope expressing confidence in the team's preparation and energy. Despite some injuries, the Cougars are eager to compete and make a mark in the tournament, aiming to overcome their past disappointments and start strong against Duquesne.
BYU's men's basketball team, led by coach Mark Pope, is gearing up to face Duquesne in the NCAA Tournament, aiming to overcome their history of disappointing performances in the Big Dance and make it to the elusive Final Four. With a challenging East Region and a strong showing in the Big 12 this season, the Cougars are determined to rewrite their tournament history and make a deep run, starting with their first-round game against Duquesne.
No. 6 seed BYU faces a tough challenge against No. 11 Duquesne in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with Duquesne's strong defense posing a threat to BYU's high-scoring offense. Analysts predict a close game, emphasizing the need for BYU to hit 3-pointers and exploit Duquesne's lack of size inside. The matchup is seen as winnable for BYU, but they will need to address rebounding issues and defend against Duquesne's guards. The game is set to take place in Omaha, Nebraska, with the winner likely facing Big Ten champion Illinois.
Keith Dambrot's coaching career was revitalized after a controversy led to his departure from college coaching, as he started offering free youth basketball clinics in Akron, Ohio. This led to the development of a young LeBron James and the formation of a powerhouse high school basketball team at St. Vincent-St. Mary. Dambrot went on to coach at the University of Akron, where he found success, and later took on the challenge of coaching Duquesne. After leading Duquesne to its first NCAA tournament since 1977, Dambrot announced his retirement, marking the end of a remarkable coaching journey that was sparked by a simple gym and the local kids who walked in looking for coaching.
The last Duquesne team to make the NCAA tournament was 47 years ago in 1977, and the article reflects on this historic achievement, highlighting the team's spirit and looking back at their journey.
Duquesne basketball coach Keith Dambrot defends Pitt Panthers' NCAA Tournament snub, praising coach Jeff Capel for his team's performance in the ACC and suggesting he should be up for National Coach of the Year. Dambrot also addresses the non-conference strength of schedule issue and the potential renewal of the City Game rivalry, expressing understanding for Capel's decisions. Despite his retirement announcement, Dambrot's successful season with Duquesne may earn him some recognition as well.
Duquesne head coach Keith Dambrot, who previously coached LeBron James in high school, has announced his retirement at the end of the NCAA tournament after leading the team to its first tournament appearance since 1977. Dambrot, with a 440-268 record as a Division-I head coach, expressed concerns about losing his edge and his personality not being suited for coaching into his 70s. The 65-year-old's decision comes after a successful season with Duquesne, which earned a No. 11 seed in the tournament and will face BYU in the first round.
Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot has announced his retirement following the team's NCAA Tournament run, marking the program's first appearance since 1977. Known for coaching LeBron James in high school, Dambrot led the Dukes to their first Atlantic 10 title in 45 years. The 65-year-old, with a 516-301 overall record, plans to step down after the tournament. Duquesne may consider associate head coach Dru Joyce III as a potential replacement.