Duquesne Dukes

The Duquesne Dukes play at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse on the Bluff overlooking downtown Pittsburgh, bringing Atlantic 10 basketball to one of the nation's oldest Catholic universities. Under Keith Dambrot, the Dukes have rekindled the program's winning tradition. Duquesne's red and blue colors and Pittsburgh identity create a distinct character. The program shares the city with Pitt, creating a natural rivalry. The Dukes emphasize toughness and have produced NBA talent including Chuck Cooper, the first Black player drafted by the NBA. Duquesne's 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance ended a 47-year drought.

Duquesne reached the 1955 Final Four and won the 1954 NIT, establishing the program as a national power in the mid-century. Chuck Cooper broke the color barrier when the Boston Celtics drafted him in 1950. The Dukes won 17 conference titles in the old Eastern Eight and Atlantic 10. Duquesne's 1977 NCAA Tournament appearance was the program's last until 2024. The Dukes' rivalry with Pitt, the City Game, divides Pittsburgh each season.