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LeBron James put his insider hat on Thursday to break some news in the world of college basketball. The NBA star, who has notable ties to Duquesne, posted an update surrounding the program on his X timeline.
His old high school teammate, Dru Joyce III, will be the Dukes’ next men’s basketball coach!
The news was somewhat expected following the retirement of head coach Keith Dambrot, who actually coached both James and Joyce at St. Vincent-St. Mary.
An assistant on Dambrot’s staff, Joyce was immediately named as the most likely target to become Dukes’ replacement.
Now, it’s official, and his close friend LeBron was the one to break the news!
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!!! @DruOnDemand @DuqMBB 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #GoDukes❤️💙🤍
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 28, 2024
That newsbreak sparked an immediate reaction on social media.
“LeSchefter.”
“LeBreaking News.”
“Already better than Woj and Shams.”
“He’s got connections!”
Pretty cool Lebron got to announce this. Guess we gotta call him LeInsider now too.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 28, 2024
It also brought upon further speculation surrounding LeBron James’ son, Bronny’s, future at the college level. His USC head coach Andy Enfield is expected to accept a job at SMU, leading many to wonder if a transfer is on its way.
If so, Duquesne would have to be a favorite to land his services given the family ties.
As for Dru Joyce, he’ll now have the task of continuing the standard set by his former coach. The Dukes made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977 this past season, winning their opener against BYU.
Joyce will look to get back to the Big Dance next year.