The Duqesnse basketball team is about to enter the NCAA Tournament for the first time in decades and they have a lot of fans rooting them on.
One of those fans happens to be Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
TMZ Sports shared a touching gesture that James made.
He sent the men’s basketball team a load of XXI sneakers, the brand-new basketball shoes that carry his name.
The players were beyond excited to get the shoes and the support of such an icon.
LeBron James Gifts Duquesne Hoops Team New Kicks Ahead Of NCAA Tournament | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/uvXWIBfer6
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) March 21, 2024
The Duquesne team hasn’t been in the NCAA Tournament in 47 years but they recently won the Atlantic 10 and earned their ticket into March Madness.
They will play against No. 6 BYU at the start of the tournament on Thursday.
While James loves supporting underdogs, his connection to the team runs deeper than that.
The team is led by Keith Dambrot, who was James’ coach during his years playing at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Ohio.
There is no doubt that the Lakers star will be watching the team on Thursday as they attempt to push further into the tournament.
The Duquesne team hasn’t made it this far since 1977 and they haven’t advanced past the first round since 1969.
Could this shoe delivery from James make the difference and help them claim a win?
March Madness is a time when young players show their true potential and often overcome odds that aren’t in their favor.
That is what the Duquesne team is hoping to do on Thursday with the support of many people, including a bonafide NBA legend.
James will be able to pay full attention to the team’s game because his Lakers have the day off before playing the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
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