It’s late Sunday night. Keith Dambrot has a busy week ahead of him. His team starts official practices in three days and will open it’s season in just over a month in the highly competitive Louisville non-conference bubble.
Before heading to bed, the Dukes head coach reaches out to an old friend to say congrats. That friend just happens to be his former player LeBron James, who on Sunday night led the Lakers to an NBA championship, the fourth of his career.
“When I text him he always texts me back,” Dambrot said. “Every single time, he never misses. That is a unique trait that separates him from others. He hit me up after the game, immediately after they won and I texted him congratulations.”
For those who don’t know the well documented history between Dambrot and James, here is a quick recap: Dambrot was first introduced to James when he was only 13 years-old. His first glance at the future Hall of famer was at a workout at the Jewish Community Center in Akron, Ohio, their shared hometown.
Just a few years later, James would play for Dambrot at St. Vincent-St. Mary high school. It was there where both gained recognition for their talents. Dambrot landed an assistant coaching job at the University of Akron while James became arguably the most famous high school athlete of all time.
DUQUESNE ATHLETICS
Keith Dambrot and LeBron James courtside.
“He’s one of the few guys that’s lived up to the hype,” Dambrot said. “He was hyped up like no one else has ever been coming out of high school. He lived up to every ounce of it.”
It’s been nearly 20 years since the two were on the same team, yet Dambrot says their relationship remains stronger than ever.
“I can’t even bear to watch the games because I want him to win so badly just to silence the critics,” Dambrot said. “It’s almost like my son is playing. It’s hard for me because I care so much about his performance.”
Even after his departure from St. Vincent-St. Mary, Dambrot stayed involved with James’ development on the court. The Dukes coach led James in workouts prior to his first season in the NBA in 2003 and then once again during the league's lockout in 2011.
By that time James was a two time MVP and the face of basketball. Yet, his old coach says the player he watches today in Los Angeles is leaps and bounds better.
“I think he’s gotten better every year at something,” Dambrot said. “He probably isn’t as good physically but he’s probably smarter than ever before. As far as preparation, knowing how to win, knowing who to surround himself with.
“If LeBron wanted to lead the league in rebounding he could lead the league in rebounding. If he wanted to be the defensive player of the year, he could be the defensive player of the year. There’s not one thing this guy can’t do if he wants to do it. The question is, can he do it all? He picks and chooses what he has to do to win.”
Dambrot never passes up the chance to rave about his star pupil. LeBron stories fly frequently at Dukes practices. Dambrot says at times his players grow tired of them. They’d much rather meet the King than hear his old coach go down memory lane.
In order for that meeting to happen, Dambrot says first his team will have to do something it hasn’t done in over 40 years.
“I tell everyone that LeBron isn’t allowed at one of our practices until Duquesne makes the NCAA tournament,” Dambrot said. “So he hasn’t been here yet but hopefully he will get here soon.”
