Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot reunites with former player Dru Joyce on Dukes staff

When he was 14 years old, Dru Joyce III threw in seven 3-pointers in a state championship game in Ohio.

Then, in college, he helped then-Akron coach Keith Dambrot win 26 games during the 2006-07 season.

His life’s journey took him to Europe where he played professionally for 12 seasons in Germany, Poland, Russia and France.

Now, the 37-year-old is pretty much back where he started after being named Monday to the new position of associate head coach on Dambrot’s staff at Duquesne.

Joyce played for his new boss at Akron and at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, helping the Irish win 103 of 108 games. Joyce was the point guard; LeBron James was the star.

Three years ago, Joyce and Dambrot were inducted into the Akron Varsity “A” Hall of Fame in the same class.

“Dru is a hard-nosed, chip-on-his-shoulder competitor,” Dambrot said in a statement. “He was always the underdog. As a freshman in high school, he was 5-foot-2 and 92 pounds and made seven 3’s in a state championship game, which tells you about his competitive nature.

“He carried that throughout his high school, college and professional careers. Although he is relatively new to the coaching profession in years, he’s pretty much been a coach since he was 14 years old.”

Joyce spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Cleveland State.

“Coaching and leadership are a natural for him,” said Dambrot, who has known Joyce for a quarter-century. “He’s a hard worker who has always been an overachiever and a winner. He will really give our program a shot in the arm, not only as another former professional player on our staff, but also as someone who has been part of our family for nearly 25 years.”

At Cleveland State, Joyce was part of a staff that took a 10-21 team to a 19-8 record and NCAA Tournament appearance — just the third in school history — in two seasons. Cleveland State was 31-10 in the Horizon League the past two seasons.

“I want to thank Dave Harper, coach Dambrot and his staff for welcoming my family and me to Duquesne University,” Joyce said. “Together, we share the same values and vision for this program and community.

“Coach Dambrot is more than just my former coach and mentor, he is my family. He was inspirational in my development as a student-athlete and played a vital role in my coaching career.”

Said James in a statement: “I’m so proud of the journey and growth my brother continues to ascend towards in his coaching career. His knowledge of the game and work ethic will be immediately impactful to the Duquesne program.”