Dru Joyce III enters his third season on Dennis Gates coaching staff at Cleveland State University having been named to the position in August 2019.

Joyce serves as an assistant coach and also will be the Vikings recruiting coordinator.

With Joyce on staff, the Vikings have had one of the most impressive turn arounds in college basketba. In only his second season, the Green and White finished the 2020-21 season with a 19-8 record, including 16 regular season conference wins, marking the most wins in league play in team history (previously 15, 1992-93 season).  

Cleveland State finished at the top of its conference for the fifth time in program history (2010-11 in the Horizon League, and 1992-93, 1985-86, and 1984-85 in the Mid-Continent Conference/AMCU). The 2020-21 season was capped off with the program's third-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament (1986, 2009, 2021).

“I have known Dru Joyce III for a very long time and have always been impressed with his understanding of the game,” said CSU head coach Dennis Gates. “He is a proven winner, and proven leader. He is a great teacher and will make a lasting impact on this program with his ability to connect with young people. I was extremely impressed with his recruiting vision, basketball IQ, player development strategies and for giving back to the community.”

Joyce has legendary status in the state of Ohio having played at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron with LeBron James and was a four-year standout at the University of Akron from 2003-07.

“I have always envisioned myself coaching since I was a child,” said Joyce III. “The opportunity to work with Coach Gates and the CSU coaching staff is the right move as I pursue my passion for coaching.

“This isn’t just a transition for me, it’s a moment I have prepared myself for since the age of 14. My perspective as a player, and also what I learned from the great coaches I have been surrounded by, is invaluable.”

While at Akron, Joyce III established the school record for career assists and earned All-Mid-American citations on two occasions. During his time at Akron, the Zips won 81 games including tying the school record with 26 wins in 2006-07.

Following his career at Akron, Joyce III played professionally in Europe for 12 seasons and became the all-time leader in assists in the German league.

Joyce III was a member of the three-time state and national champion St. Vincent-St. Mary High School team who posted a 103-5 record during his four seasons.