Two years ago, Donte Dupriest was close to walking away from the game he loved.
Today, he is a conference champion, Atlantic East Player of the Year, and the owner of a school
record of 14.4 rebounds per game.
His journey to this point has not been plain sailing, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
“This time two years ago, he was close to not playing college basketball,” head coach Jim Rullo
said. Now he’s about to graduate, has a conference championship and a Player of the Year
award. He’s a young man who took advantage of his opportunity.”
Growing up in the city of brotherly love, Dupriest says the city shaped him.
“Philly Hoop culture matured me,” he said. “At first, I played because of my dad and my twin
brother. But playing through middle and high school made me really love the game and believe
in myself.”
The Belief was tested though.
Before arriving at Neumann, things didn’t exactly workout at Cochise College (NJCAA) in
Arizona for him. With poor decisions being made, opportunities came and closed. Mentally and
physically, he didn’t feel right during this time. His weight climbed up to 260 lbs. and wasn’t
going about things in a mature manner.
Instead of giving up, he reset.
He began training again in 2023. He got back in shape. He reopened conversations with
Neumann. After 18 months of persistence – including texting coach Fran Maxwell, he officially
became a knight, and the comeback was on.
Dupriest didn’t just return, he DOMINATED.
Breaking the school record with 14.4 rebounds per game separated him historically. For Coach
Rullo, size and timing aren’t the biggest factors.
“He has the tenacity and grit to play 110 percent,” Rullo said. “That’s what separates him.”
Dupriest said himself “Effort is huge. I try to always go 100 percent.”
That effort showed in the championship game last season when he made a pivotal defensive play
with just 10 seconds remaining. A legendary moment in Neumann’s history that helped secure
the title.
Even with all the individual success, Dupriest stayed humble and never made it about himself.
“He’s a very unselfish teammate,” Rullo said. “Teams focus in on him, and he creates matchup
problems, but he allows others to step up with him.”
Last season, Dupriest joined the team midyear. This season, he’s fully established and averaging
19.1 points per game while taking on more responsibility.
“This year I’m taking on more of leader role,” he said. “I try to be motivational and help out
teammates.”
Rullo says he shows his leadership role vocally and, by example.“He leads on the floor and off the floor. On the bus, in the locker room, etc. He mentors and encourages younger teammates.”
During the latter part of the 2024-2025, Dupriest became more comfortable academically and
socially. “He’s very positive and engaging, and he wants to see the best for his teammates,” Rullo said.
And if someone only looked at the numbers?
“They’d miss who he is as an individual,” Rullo said. “He’s striving to be a good person. His
journey has been challenging, but he’s maximizing his opportunity.”
Off the court, Dupriest is far from the stereotypical athlete.
A liberal arts major, he chose the field because he “didn’t want a typical athlete degree” and
wanted to explore something new.
He serves as a Resident Assistant on campus. He enjoys coloring to relax. Music is therapy.
Before games, he admits he gets nervous and singing calms him down.
Neumann changed everything for him, he says
“It’s family oriented. They accepted me with open arms,” Dupriest said. “They made me feel
comfortable and were willing to help with whatever I need.”
He gives a lot of credit to Neumann’s tutoring program for helping him grow academically.
Throughout his long journey at Neumann, he has accomplished plenty. But accolades aren’t what
defines his success.
“Accolades are cool, but it’s the journey. I’ve grown on and off the court. I’m doing great not
because of awards, but because of my growth,” he said.
As Neumann chases another conference championship, Dupriest understands what’s at stake and
when his time at Neumann ends, he hopes to be remembered simply.
“I want to be remembered as the guy to rely on, on and off the court.”
And for any young kid in Philadelphia watching his journey?
“Be yourself. You’re always going to have bumps in the road. It may be hard, but it’s just part of
your story. Stick to your story.”
Two years ago, this story almost ended.
Now his story has just begun.
