By TSU Athletic Communications
NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee State University has tapped Candice Dupree, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, as the next head coach for the Lady Tigers’ basketball program. Dr. Mikki Allen, director of TSU Athletics, made the announcement May 9, 2024. Dupree becomes the 13th head coach of the women’s program and is a protégée of Coach Dawn Staley, the two-time Women’s NCAA Championship coach of University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
“I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead and coach the future of women’s basketball at Tennessee State University,” said Dupree. “I am eager to continue building our program in alignment with the incredible culture and values embodied within the Tiger Family. It is an honor to be entrusted with upholding the tradition and legacy of TSU while embracing the evolving landscape of sports. Most importantly, I am committed to nurturing the holistic development of our student-athletes.”
Dupree, who enjoyed a 16-season career in the Women’s National Basketball Association, takes over women’s basketball program after two seasons with the Spurs. As assistant coach, she played a pivotal role in nurturing one of the NBA’s youngest rosters, including the 2023 No. 1 overall pick and NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, along with Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell. Dupree will lead a Lady Tigers program that earned OVC Tournament berths in three consecutive seasons, securing opening-round victories in 2022 and 2024.
“Hiring Candice Dupree marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of excellence,” said Allen. “Her legendary playing career and success as an NBA assistant coach in player development bring unmatched expertise to our women’s basketball program. We’re excited to welcome her championship mindset and global influence within the basketball community, setting the stage for unprecedented success here at Tennessee State University.”
Following her retirement from the WNBA in 2021, Dupree participated in the NBA Coaching Development Program. She honed her skills in building scouting reports and analyzing film across various platforms. Her association with the Spurs began as an assistant guest coach for the team’s Summer League in July 2022. Two months later, Dupree joined the Spurs as a player development coach and got the opportunity to learn from one of the most prolific NBA coaches in Gregg Popovich. Dupree became the second former WNBA to coach under Popovich after Becky Hammon.
Before transitioning to coaching, Dupree had a distinguished career as the sixth overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2006 WNBA draft. This included recognition on the all-rookie team and seven All-Star appearances. Dupree secured her first WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014, guiding them to a 3–0 finals sweep over her former team, the Sky. Currently, Dupree holds third place all-time in WNBA history in made field goals (2,842), fifth in career points (6,895), fifth in games played, and seventh in total rebounds (3,149). In addition to her WNBA achievements, Dupree claimed the Hungarian League Championship in 2019 and earned gold medals at the 2004 World University Games and the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Cups while representing Team USA.
Dupree played for Temple University, from 2002 to 2006, under Coach Staley. Her contributions led to her number being retired by the university, marking her as one of two Temple Owl women’s basketball players to receive this honor.
“I am thrilled to welcome Candice Dupree to the coaching ranks in women’s college basketball,” said Staley. “I commend TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover and Dr. Allen for choosing someone who I know has excelled at every level – as a standout collegiate and professional basketball player, as well as an NBA coach. Dupree’s hiring will further elevate the women’s college basketball game.”
Dupree ranks second all-time at TU in field goal percentage (51.4 percent), sixth in scoring (1,698), fifth in rebounds (968), and is tied for second in blocked shots (218). She was inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Dupree led the program to its most successful period in school history. The Owls clinched three conference titles, won 73 games, including a school-record 25 consecutive contests, and maintained a presence in the national rankings for 27 straight weeks. Dupree’s stellar performance earned her two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors and a Third Team All-America selection.
