DUQ’s Dominique the real McCoy

Third-year head coach Jim Ferry hopes to continue the rebuild at Duquesne this season. His Dukes squad won a total of five more games than they did his inaugural season and picked up an additional four wins in A-10 conference play.

UAB transfer, Ovie Soko, played a major role in that improvement. The 6’8 forward contributed over 18 points and eight rebounds per game for the Dukes, but he wasn’t the only transfer to make an impact. Former Rhode Island Ram, Dominique McCoy, is a rarity in that he’s played for two Atlantic 10 teams in his career. After playing a freshman season at Rhode Island, McCoy felt he didn’t mesh with new URI coach, Dan Hurley, and opted to go the JUCO rout before making his way back into the conference at Duquesne. Since returning he’s been a steady force in the paint for Ferry and the Dukes and is quietly one of the most efficient players in the Atlantic 10.

McCoy had the best shooting season at Duquesne in 23 years, hitting 59.5% of his attempts, second to only Ronald Roberts Jr (60%) in the A-10. The junior missed just seven shots during the month of December, going 24-31 over six games for an eye-popping 77.4% mark. His 114.9 offensive rating ranked seventh among all Atlantic 10 players while his 7.2 rebounds per game finished top-10 in the conference as well.

With the graduation of Soko, McCoy’s numbers could sky-rocket. But will the wins?

Soko was the most relied upon player in the conference last season at 31.5% of possessions used. McCoy checked in at just 16.2% while taking 15.5% of the team’s shots when he was on the floor (tied for last on the team) yet finished third in scoring for Duquesne this past season.

As the team’s top returning rebounder and shot blocker, McCoy will be a presence whether or not he’s up to an expanded offensive role. If he can except an excel at that last part however, Duquesne basketball could very well surprise A-10 teams this upcoming season.