Duquense men’s basketball coach Keith Dambrot will be on the sidelines after all for the Dukes’ Atlantic 10 game at Rhode Island.
Dambrot, in the wake of his wife Donna’s successful surgery for breast cancer, had been undecided about his travel plans until after learning of Thursday’s positive outcome.
He said Friday that his wife had returned home from UPMC Shadyside and was “doing well,” and the couple agreed he needed to be with the team for its afternoon contest against the Rams on Saturday at Ryan Center in Kingston, R.I.
Duquesne (12-8, 2-5) has a three-game winning streak after a 65-60 decision against Chicago State at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in the season’s final nonconference matchup.
The Dukes, who lost their first five A-10 games, defeated St. Bonaventure and Fordham in the next two to ignite the current win streak.
“Donna is a rock. She wasn’t even on any pain meds,” Dambrot said. “She wouldn’t have it any other way but me going to the game.”
Rhode Island (10-11, 4-4) is coming off a 71-69 win Wednesday at home against La Salle to halt a four-game skid.
Dambrot did not attend Duquesne’s scheduled practices Thursday and Friday, instead remaining with his wife until Friday afternoon before heading to Pittsburgh International Airport.
“I’ve got a separate flight. They’re going in earlier than me, so I’d get there about midnight, if I go,” Dambrot said Wednesday night after his team’s latest victory.
Before the surgery, Dambrot thanked his coaching staff and players for their support and left open the possibility of attending Saturday’s game.
“I really appreciate the support my players have given me. They’ve been unbelievable,” he said. “Our team is going to carry on with or without me. With or without anyone, really. Our coaching staff will do a great job of getting them ready for Rhode Island, and I’m going to play it by ear to see how my wife’s doing to determine whether I go.
“Our family has a big game scheduled (Thursday). A big ball game for us, bigger than (Saturday’s game).”
With the positive prognosis, Dambrot said the family had a change of heart, permitting him the opportunity to reunite with his team.
Dave Mackall is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.