LeBron James Gifts Duquesne Men’s Basketball New Shoes

Dambrot coached James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, at the beginning of his high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s in Akron, Ohio. Dambrot and James won back-to-back state championships during James’ freshman and sophomore seasons. Dambrot would leave for the college ranks after, but the success did not stop.

While at SVSM, James played alongside Joyce, and eventually Joyce’s father took over as head coach. And the pair earned another state title in the process.

The Dukes knocked off VCU, 57-51, to win the A-10 Tournament and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977. It was a magical run for the Dukes, making it March Madness for the first time in Dambrot’s tenure as head coach, but it means even more to the man who is retiring following the tournament.

It’s a full circle moment for Dambrot, whose father Sid led the Dukes to the NCAA Tournament as a player in 1952.

“My dad played here, and that’s probably why I took the job,” Dambrot said following the game. “I left my hometown of Akron to come here. I’m happy. I’m sure he’s in his grave spinning around right now.”