The Duquesne Men’s basketball team made history last week. They won the Atlantic 10 tournament and qualified for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1977. Unfortunately, Duquesne’s historic moment came with a sour taste as their head coach, Keith Dambrot, announced that he plans on retiring after this month’s tournament. Following the news, Dambrot’s old student LeBron James sent a special gift for the entire Dukes’ squad ahead of their first game.

The Lakers superstar hooked the entire Duquesne team up with new LeBron basketball sneakers for the NCAA tournament. In elation of the gesture, the Dukes shared their reaction on X, further receiving a response from Lebron. “Yessir!!  Best of luck guys!!” he wrote, resharing the clip.

LeBron’s heartwarming gesture stands in hopes of exuding motivation to the Dukes who head for their first NCAA tournament game. They will face the BYU Cougars tomorrow in the first round of the tournament. With the event possibly being the final coaching job for Dambrot, the Dukes hope to give him a reminiscing farewell, triumphing over the championships.

Keith Dambrot has been a basketball coach for four decades, more than two of which have been as a Division I head coach. During his historic career, Dambrot coached LeBron James for two years during his High School days at St. Vincent-St. Mary. LeBron won back-to-back state titles with Dambrot as his head coach. The duo has maintained a loving relationship for over two decades, sparking LeBron’s move today and hopefully his son’s further.

Will Bryce James consider Duquesne due to LeBron’s ties?

Keith Dambrot might not remain a part of Duquesne after the end of the NCAA tournament. But that does not mean LeBron will not have any ties left in the university. His High School teammate and long-time friend Dru Joyce III is an Associate head coach at Duquesne and currently works under Dambrot. Joyce might take over the reins of the Duquesne Dukes after Dambrot retires from coaching. LeBron’s ties could encourage his son Bryce James to consider Duquesne as a college option.

Duquesne has already extended an offer to Bryce as he is a 4-star recruit in the class of 2025. The 16-year-old has a big decision to make with offers from multiple elite colleges. It is still uncertain where Bryce will choose to start his college career, but Duquesne could be one of the dark horses among all options.

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