Duquesne University head coach Dru Joyce III is set to honor his roots in Akron, Ohio, as he prepares his team for a game against Northeastern on November 4, 2023. The match will take place on LeBron James Court at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where both Joyce and NBA superstar LeBron James honed their skills more than two decades ago. The game is free to attend, allowing local fans to reconnect with a significant part of their community’s sports history.
Joyce recently reached out to James, seeking advice on defensive strategies. The quick response from the Los Angeles Lakers star was not only a testament to their enduring friendship but also highlighted the collaborative spirit that exists among former teammates. “I just hit him the other day about a weak-side defense question, just to pick his brain on how he would play it,” Joyce shared with ESPN. “He got back to me with a bunch of confidence, saying, ‘No, I think you’re going about it the right way.'”
Bringing His Team Home
As the game approaches, Joyce reflects on the emotional significance of returning to his hometown. “This one is close to the heart, man. It is special,” he stated. “I still approach it just like every game, but from the emotional side, I’m back home. I’m amongst my family and friends.” Joyce’s journey in basketball has been shaped by his experiences at St. Vincent-St. Mary, and he looks forward to sharing that legacy with his players.
In preparation for the upcoming game, Joyce took his team on a tour of the I Promise School, established by the LeBron James Family Foundation. The visit included stops at the LeBron James Museum and House Three Thirty, a multi-use space created by the foundation. During the tour, Joyce had an unexpected encounter with Gloria James, LeBron’s mother, who spoke with him about her son’s support for the Duquesne team. “Immediately, [the players] were like, ‘LeBron… watched us?'” Joyce recounted, highlighting the excitement this news generated among his players.
Understanding the Legacy
Joyce aims to use this matchup as an opportunity for his players to comprehend the impact that LeBron James has had on Akron and the broader basketball community. The connection between Joyce and James remains strong, rooted in loyalty and trust. “More than anything, it’s still a loyalty, a trust and bond that we have,” he emphasized.
Family and friends, including some of Joyce’s former teammates, are expected to attend Saturday’s game. Although it seems unlikely that James will be able to join due to the Lakers’ schedule, Joyce remains hopeful for surprises. “I don’t know who walks through that door on Saturday,” he said, indicating the unpredictability of such a beloved figure attending the event.
Joyce’s enthusiasm is palpable as he anticipates extending the legacy of a high school team that was once led by the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft and coached by his father, Dru Joyce II. “It’s going to be fun,” Joyce stated, capturing the spirit of the occasion and the deep-rooted connections that basketball fosters in Akron.
