Duquesne Basketball

The Duquesne Dukes are a Division I men's basketball team representing Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They currently compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Historically, the Dukes have been a top-notch team in the college basketball landscape, boasting a rich tradition and an impressive record.

The program's golden era came in the 1950s and 1960s under the legendary coach Red Manning. During this period, the Dukes dominated the Eastern regional basketball scene, reaching the NCAA tournament on multiple occasions and even making it to the Final Four in 1954. Players like Dick Ricketts, Sihugo Green, and Dave Bing graced the court for the Dukes, etching their names into the annals of basketball history.

Losing Streak and Revival

After the Manning era, the Dukes experienced a significant decline, marked by a 34-game losing streak that lasted from 1979 to 1980. It was a dark period for the program, as they struggled to regain their former glory. However, in recent years, under the leadership of coaches like Danny Nee and Jim Ferry, the Dukes have shown signs of a resurgence, returning to the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2014.

Current Standings

The Dukes are currently led by coach Keith Dambrot, who has instilled a tough and gritty style of play. The team features a talented roster of players, including guards Eric Williams Jr. and Tyson Acuff, as well as forwards Tre Williams and Kevin Easley.

Historic Rivalry

One of the most notable aspects of Duquesne basketball is its historic rivalry with the University of Pittsburgh Panthers. The two schools are located just a few miles apart in Pittsburgh, and their rivalry dates back to the early days of college basketball. The games between these two teams are always highly anticipated and fiercely contested, creating an electric atmosphere.

Home Court Advantage

The Dukes play their home games at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, a modern and state-of-the-art facility. The Fieldhouse provides a fantastic home-court advantage for the Dukes, as the crowd can be deafening at times. The passionate Duquesne fans create a truly intimidating environment for opposing teams, making it difficult to steal a win in Pittsburgh.

Moving Forward

The future looks bright for the Duquesne Dukes. With a talented roster, a strong coaching staff, and a loyal fan base, the Dukes have all the ingredients necessary to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and bring home another championship to Pittsburgh.