LeBron James Switches Loyalties: Supports Duquesne in Tournament

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LeBron James, the NBA luminary with significant ties to Ohio, exhibited enthusiastic support for the Duquesne Dukes during their impressive performance in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. 

Despite his Akron, Ohio origins, James maintains a strong affiliation with the Pittsburgh-based college basketball team, primarily due to his former high school coach and teammate.

LeBron James’ Pre-Draft Journey: High School Triumphs

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a foul during the first half of a game against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Prior to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron James honed his basketball prowess in numerous high-pressure contests at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School under the guidance of coach Keith Dambrot. 

Their collaboration resulted in securing two state championships, serving as a testament to James’ remarkable skills well before his professional career commenced. 

Dambrot, presently leading the Duquesne basketball program, enlisted his former teammate Dru Joyce III as the Dukes’ associate head coach, thereby further strengthening James’ connection to the team.

This year, Duquesne exceeded expectations by attaining a No. 6 seed in the Atlantic 10 Tournament, commencing a memorable journey. 

Through four consecutive victories, notably against formidable opponents such as Saint Louis, Dayton, Saint Bonaventure, and VCU, the Dukes achieved their inaugural A-10 Tournament championship since joining the league in 1982. 

LeBron’s Support Fuels Duquesne’s March Madness Hopes

This triumph also marked a significant milestone for Duquesne, as it concluded a 47-year absence from the NCAA Tournament since their last participation in 1977.

LeBron James, an ardent advocate of his former coach and comrade, ensured his unwavering presence throughout the Dukes’ campaign, even tuning in from the Lakers’ locker room ahead of his team’s engagements. 

Given Ohio State’s absence from March Madness this season, James threw his full support behind the Dukes’ pursuit of success, aspiring to witness their first NCAA Tournament victory since 1969.

For Duquesne, James’ steadfast backing serves as an additional source of motivation as they prepare to showcase their talents on the national platform, propelled by the endorsement of a basketball icon and the aspirations of a program poised for prominence.

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