The announcement was made by Duquesne's Director of Athletics, Dave Harper, who expressed his excitement for the future of the team under Joyce's leadership.

Joyce III, a native of Akron, Ohio, has been serving as the associate head coach of the Duquesne Dukes for the past two seasons. During his tenure, the team achieved an impressive overall record of 45-25 (.643) and a 20-16 (.556) mark in the Atlantic 10 conference. The Dukes also secured a spot in the 2023 College Basketball Invitational and won the 2024 Atlantic 10 Championship, earning them a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977.

In his new role, Joyce III aims to build on the success of the program and continue to make an impact with the student-athletes, coaches, and staff. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the legacy left by the previous head coach.

During his time as associate head coach, Joyce III played a pivotal role in the development of key players such as guards Sinclair Clark III and Michael Hughes. Clark III has received recognition as a two-time Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team member and led the conference in steals for the past two years. Hughes, on the other hand, established records for free-throw percentage and consecutive free throws made during the 2023-24 season.

Joyce III joins Duquesne after spending three seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Cleveland State. Under his guidance, Cleveland State transformed from a 10-21 team to a 19-8 record and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament in just two seasons.

The new head coach's connection with Duquesne goes back to his high school days when he played as the point guard for Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, coached by Dru Joyce II. Joyce III also played under Joyce II at Akron University, earning All-Mid-American Conference honors twice.

Joyce III has had a successful professional career playing basketball in Europe for 12 seasons, and he holds the all-time record for assists in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Akron Varsity "A" Hall of Fame in 2019.

The appointment of Joyce III as the head coach of the Duquesne men's basketball team symbolizes an exciting new era for the program. With his background and experience, Joyce III is ready to lead the team to further success and propel them onto the national stage.

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