The Duquesne Dukes men’s basketball team is currently navigating a challenging start to their 2024-25 season. Following a promising 2023-24 season that culminated in an Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament championship and a hard-fought NCAA Tournament appearance, the Dukes are striving to regain their winning form.
The Dukes recently faced the Hampton Pirates on Monday, November 25th, a game that ended in a loss for Duquesne, extending their losing streak to five games. This early season slump has raised questions about the team’s ability to replicate last year’s success. Despite their current struggles, the Dukes’ history reveals a program steeped in tradition and punctuated by periods of both triumph and adversity.
Established in 1914, the Duquesne basketball program boasts a rich history, including six NCAA Tournament appearances. From their early days playing in a gym under the college chapel to their modern home at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, the Dukes have experienced the full spectrum of college basketball’s highs and lows. Their legacy includes the distinction of being the only school with back-to-back first overall NBA draft picks (Dick Ricketts in 1955 and Sihugo Green in 1956) and the honor of having the first African-American NBA draftee, Chuck Cooper, in 1950. Their historic 1955 NIT Championship stands as a testament to the program’s potential for greatness.
The Dukes’ recent NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024, their first in nearly five decades, marked a resurgence for the program. This victory served as a reminder of the team’s capacity for success and offered a glimpse of a brighter future. However, the current season presents new challenges, with the team’s 0-5 record underscoring the need for adjustments and improvements.
Analysis of recent game statistics reveals some areas of concern for the Dukes. Their field goal percentage currently ranks low compared to other Division I teams, and their opponents are shooting at a high rate. Rebounding has also been an area of struggle, with the Dukes consistently losing the battle on the boards. While their turnover rate is relatively low, they haven’t been able to capitalize on their opponents’ turnovers consistently.
The upcoming games against Saint Peter’s, Delaware, and Maine present opportunities for the Dukes to turn their season around. These home games offer a chance for the team to find their rhythm, build momentum, and begin climbing out of their early-season hole. The Dukes’ recent struggles highlight the competitive nature of college basketball, where past success offers no guarantee of future victories. Each season presents a unique set of challenges, and sustained success requires continuous adaptation, development, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
The Dukes face an uphill battle, but their history is a testament to their resilience. Whether they can rediscover the winning formula that propelled them to the NCAA Tournament last year remains to be seen, but their upcoming games will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their season. The Duquesne faithful will be watching closely, hoping for a return to the winning ways that have defined some of the program’s most memorable moments.
