LeBron James Backs Dru Joyce as High School Teammate’s Tribute Moves Lakers Star Months After Beating Woj & Shams

It’s barely been a day or two since Woj announced his retirement. Yet there are quite a few unofficial insiders and parody accounts jumping on the bandwagon even now. LeBron James, who also often dons his reporter cap, has recently praised an old friend. A little over two decades ago, a young Bron took the nation by storm after ESPN broadcasted his high school basketball games. Among his teammates was Dru Joyce, who’s always wanted to be close to the game, and it’s safe to say that the NBA’s leading scorer has supported him all the way.

Just a few months ago, Joyce was promoted to the head coach position at Duquesne. Keith Dambrot, who held the fort before him, was the genius behind LeBron James’ high school basketball team and had retired as the 2023-24 season ended. As Dru Joyce made the news official, with the iconic chalk ritual, on his X handle, Bron wrote. “Yessir!!! The mission continues! LET’S GET IT.”

While Duquesne’s official X page confirmed the reports back in March, Joyce dropped a mini-teaser for his fans. He and James have been close friends ever since their days in high school. While the former continued his playing career in Europe for about 12 years, his pal became one of the greatest hoopers. Nevertheless, Dru also thanked the Dukes after his childhood dream came true.

“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,” Dru Joyce said. Interestingly, LeBron James was the one who broke this news to the community before the likes of Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski, after his blockbuster tweet in March, in which 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!!! “

Well, the sport runs in the Joyce household. His father, Drue Joyce II, was also the head coach at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. Continuing the family honors is in itself a huge accomplishment, as LeBron James’ former teammate looks forward to coaching the Duquesne program this upcoming season. If anything, he might coach a familiar face in the future!

LeBron James knows the Duquesne Dukes quite well, he would trust Dru Joyce with Bryce’s development

During Bronny James’ junior year in high school, the teen had already received an offer from Duquesne. Not only that, but they’ve also sent an offer to Bryce James after the teen completed Nike’s EYBL tour. It will definitely be a sight to witness Joyce coach Bryce, who will soon announce his decision. Duquesne has always been the first to offer a spot on their hoops side to the James brothers. Moreover, with Dru now spearheading the Program, the Dukes have a chance at shining in the NCAA in the coming years.

And it wouldn’t hurt to witness King James beat Shams Charania and the insiders again in announcing Bryce’s move. There is no doubt that Bryce will take the college basketball scene by storm next year, considering his NIL ranking has shot up. The Dukes have been eager to welcome James’ family for quite a while and maybe it’s about time that one of them finally agrees. What are your thoughts on Dru Joyce taking over the head coaching responsibilities for the Dukes? Let us know in the comments.