Duquesne Basketball Coach Keith Dambrot Announces Retirement Following NCAA Tournament Run
Duquesne University men’s basketball head coach Keith Dambrot has announced his retirement following the team’s impressive NCAA Tournament run. Dambrot led the Dukes to their first Atlantic 10 title since 1977, finishing the season with a record of 24-11.
The Dukes secured an automatic bid to the tournament by defeating VCU 57-51 in the conference title game. As the No. 11 seed in the East Regional, Duquesne will face off against BYU, the No. 6 seed, on Thursday.
Dambrot, who previously coached NBA superstar LeBron James in high school, expressed his gratitude to the people of Pittsburgh and is hopeful for a successful finish to the season. With an impressive coaching record, Dambrot leaves behind a lasting legacy at Duquesne.
Duquesne President Ken Gormley praised Dambrot’s leadership and impact on the program, highlighting his contributions both on and off the court. As the university considers potential candidates for the head coaching position, associate head coach Dru Joyce III emerges as a leading contender. Joyce, who played for Dambrot in high school and college, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program.
As the Dukes look to build on their recent success and continue their momentum in the tournament, the search for Dambrot’s successor will undoubtedly be a top priority for the university in the coming days.