Duquesne Basketball: Interview with senior forward Tre Williams on the Dukes run

Although he might not be able to participate in this week's NCAA Tournament, Tre Williams has been a key piece in Duquesne Basketball's rebuild into A-10 champions.

What makes this Duquesne Basketball team interesting to cover is the various backgrounds and paths they've all taken to get to the point. Half of the group are international players, with just about half being transfers as well. One of them is Tre Williams, a 6'7 forward who spent his first two years at Indiana State before being with the Dukes for the last three.

No one has experienced more ups and downs at Duquesne than Williams, who was on the infamous 6-24 team in 2021-22. He stuck around and with a newly-built roster, was a starter on the 2023-24 group that won the Atlantic 10 title and made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977.

A shoulder injury suffered against Dayton likely will have him out for the Round of 32 matchup with Illinois but Williams was kind enough to answer a few questions concerning his time with the Dukes.

1. After going 6-24, there was a mass roster exodus at Duquesne, with you and Andy Barba opting to stay. Why didn’t you opt to enter the transfer portal that offseason and did you ever consider it?

After going through a season like that those thoughts of transferring definitely cross your mind, but I’m big on loyalty and trust. I had multiple conversations with coach d and Dave Harper throughout that time and I felt in my heart that they could get it fixed so I decided to stay. It just shows what having a little bit of blind faith can do for you.

2. A bunch of guys joined you in 2023 and became the foundation of this championship team, including Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark. What were your initial thoughts on them?

In this, I had two different situations because I was the host for Jimmy Clark and Andy Barba was the host for Dae Dae Grant because of their friendship being near the same area. When Jimmy got on campus I felt like we clicked instantly because of our similar personalities and past experiences. After watching his highlights I knew I had to get him here so we can turn this thing around and I’m definitely glad I was able to get that done, but they’re both my brothers for life!

3. You guys came into this season with big expectations but started 0-5 in league play. What prevented you guys from giving up on the season? Was there a moment that you remembered being a rallying cry of sorts?

I feel like it started with the seniors, we knew that this is our last rodeo and we could not go out with regrets. We amped up our reps outside of practice and increased the physicality and detailed focus of our practices and it was just a trickle effect! Younger guys started following in our footsteps and now the rest is history.

4. You were one of a few players whose role was changing throughout the season. How did you manage to stay locked in when your time was called?

With a team like this we have so much talent so I just bought into that it may be someone else night that night and when it’s my night I just had to be ready when my number is called. No matter what happened, good or bad, I never switched my routine of extra work and that’s what kept my productivity consistent which is key in this game.

5. In your last game against Dayton, you got several stops on DaRon Holmes, including the one that unfortunately caused your injury. Was it worth it to literally give up your body for the team?

Most definitely I would say it was worth it. I’m making history with my guys, there’s no better feeling in the world right now! It sends chills through my body knowing how happy we’re making duquesne fans and the city of Pittsburgh because it’s be such a long wait for them!

6. From the outside, you’re viewed as a glue guy and constant professional. How do you want to be remembered by Duquesne supporters?

I just want to be remembered as the 2024 A10 champs and the Duquesne Dukes team that defined March Madness!