NBA Superstar’s Generous Gesture Boosts Team Morale Ahead of First-Round Showdown

As the Duquesne men’s basketball team gears up for its first NCAA tournament appearance in nearly half a century, they received an unexpected and heartwarming gift from none other than basketball icon LeBron James. In a team meeting on Wednesday, the Dukes were delighted to receive a trolley filled with new sneakers, courtesy of the 20-time NBA All-Star.

A video shared by Duquesne Basketball’s official X account captured the team’s joyous reaction to the arrival of the shoes, showcasing their gratitude for James’s thoughtful gesture. The superstar’s connection to the program runs deep, as the Dukes are led by head coach Keith Dambrot, who previously coached James during their time together at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Ohio.

The timing of James’s gift couldn’t be more perfect, coming just ahead of Duquesne’s first-round matchup against the No. 6 BYU Cougars. Despite their long absence from the NCAA tournament, the Dukes have enjoyed a successful season, boasting a 24–11 record and clinching the Atlantic 10 title to secure their spot in the Big Dance.

James had previously congratulated the team on social media following their conference championship victory, and his gesture of sending new sneakers further exemplifies his support for the Dukes’ historic journey. With excitement mounting for Thursday’s showdown, Duquesne aims to break their tournament drought and make a memorable run, fueled by James’s inspiring act of generosity.

The highly anticipated clash against BYU is scheduled for Thursday at 12:40 p.m. EST, as Duquesne looks to create a Cinderella story and advance past the first round for the first time since 1969.