Coach Dambrot took time to answer some questions following the team's summer workouts. With five starters back from a 21-9 team that produced a school record 11 Atlantic 10 wins, Duquesne is poised to improve on last year's fifth-place A-10 finish:


When you took the Duquesne job, you said 'getting old and staying old' was one of the keys to success. Do you think you've reached that point?

"The first couple of years we had more turnover than I'd have liked, but it was almost forced because we were trying to turn the program around so quickly. As we move forward, that's something you'll see less-and-less of.
     "We are now at the point where we have eight guys who have been in the program for a longer period of time. More importantly, we have eight guys who have all played meaningful minutes.
    "They have a lot of mileage in big games, in addition to the practice mileage.
    "Knowing our terminology, dealing with late-game situations, taking big shots or making big defensive stops, they've all been there. We have a lot of guys who have experienced crunch time and you can't simulate that.
    "Its a learned behavior and sometimes you have to fail a little bit before you succeed.
    "Because of the base of experience we have, we didn't have to spend as much time on the defensive end with the returnees this summer, we were able to focus on improving individual skill levels."


You've been able to increase Duquesne's win total both overall and more importantly in Atlantic 10 play in each of your first three seasons. Where do you see the program entering year four?

    "There's more to it than just staying in the upper half of the conference. We want to take the next step. For us, the next step is competing for a championship. That comes down to a variety of things such as having good talent, being a little older and building your culture.
    "Our bumps and bruises have helped us build our culture. We aren't perfect, but this is the best culture we've ever had. It is also the most talent and depth we've ever had. When you combine those things, and you can keep your chemistry and your willingness to get better, then you have a chance."


You have one of the top returning inside combinations in the Atlantic 10 in second team all-conference forward Marcus Weathers and center Michael Hughes, who finished eighth nationally in blocked shots last season. What are you looking for from your interior returnees this season?

    "We feel Marcus and Mike are the best inside pair in the league, but I don't think anyone else does, which is fine.
    "Marcus figured out where his bread was buttered last year and he developed into a dominant, quick, tough match-up inside. He's not necessarily 'big' from a pure size standpoint, but he is quick and strong and he learned how to use that to his advantage.
    "I think Mike will be even better this year. He knows this is his last go-around and I think he'll be more consistent offensively because of that. As a shot blocker, he's one of the best there is.
    "With both Marcus and Mike it is a matter of being consistent throughout the season. I look for both of them to take another jump this year.
    "We also will have Austin Rotroff and Amari Kelly back to provide depth.
    "I think watching how hard Baylee Steele worked last year has rubbed off on Austin. He's really worked on his game and body and looks like a grown man now.
    "Amari is a little bit behind because of rehab and the limitations we had this summer due to the virus. He came into summer workouts a little heavy, but then he made a jump. I think we can offset the loss of Baylee with both of those guys."


What about the backcourt. You have a two-year starter at point guard and a fifth-year senior who is one of the most dangerous 3-point shooters in the league. How do you see that experience to transferring to the playing floor this year?

    "Sincere Carry had an unbelievable four weeks of work this summer. He came back completely bought in. His work ethic has been second to none. He's invested in himself. Everything is important to him. I think he thought he should have taken a bigger jump last year and really wants to make his mark this season. I'm speaking for him, but I really believe that.
    "I put a lot of pressure Tavian [Dunn-Martin] this summer. He has the kind of ability that he could not shoot for three months and come in here and make shots. Its like riding a bike for him. That can be a bad thing too. I've challenged him to put more time in.
    "When you think about Tavian, its kind of amazing. A guy shouldn't even be a Division I player at his size and weight, but he's become a good player ... and he could become even better. That's the challenge that I've given him. I told him 'hey, look, its your fifth year and its time to take another jump because you're really good, but you can be even better.'     
    "I think all four guards, Sincere, Tavian, Lamar [Norman] and Maceo [Austin] will all make big jumps. All four of them have been extremely businesslike and more mature in our preseason workouts. They are really starting to invest. They are putting time in and understand the value of every rep. As a group, their attitude has been really good."


What were your goals in assembling this year's recruiting class and how do you see them contributing in 2020-21?

"We focused on three things in putting together our recruiting class. We wanted to improve our shooting, improve our defensive length and improve one of our biggest weaknesses - the ability to defensive rebound. I think with this group we'll be able to improve in all three areas. We have more guys who can shoot the ball, and we have better length defensively, which should help us rebound a little bit better. We'll also have more versatility and some bigger guys who can pass the ball."


How did you personally deal with the quarantine and not being able to have the team and staff around for a good portion of the summer?

"Four four months I've kept a written list of who I need to talk to and what I need to do. I took a stockbroker approach and was determined to contact a certain number of people every day. I just challenged myself. You become a little obsessive-compulsive with it. Otherwise you'll find yourself sitting at home and doing nothing."


How did it feel to have the team here for summer workouts?

    "It was great to get back to campus. The guys really wanted to get back. We were still pretty limited with what we could do. We couldn't go out to eat as a group or go into town and show the new guys around. It was all very controlled and thoroughly monitored. Overall it was clear to me that the team was glad to be here. They missed the basketball end of things. They weren't in the best shape physically, but they came back a little hungrier.
    "We have a good team. We've got a good chance. This is the best team we've had, if it all comes together."