Vernon Dupree begins his fourth season with the Delaware State coaching staff for the 2024-25 season, marking his fifteenth season in collegiate coaching.
Last season, Dupree and the Hornets produced the program’s highest win total (15) in the last nine years, culminating in a strong performance during the MEAC tournament. The team advanced to the championship game, narrowly missing the title by just a few points. This season also marked the best start for the program in over two decades.
Since joining Delaware State, Dupree has been instrumental in the development of six All-MEAC selections, as well as recipients of both Rookie of the Year (2023-24) and Defensive Player of the Year (2021-22) honors.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Dupree’s coaching journey began at Wilmington University, where he served as an assistant coach from 2010-21. His tenure there included a remarkable run to the conference finals in 2014-15 and the successful recruitment and development of numerous All-League players, including Tyaire Ponzo-Meek, the 2016-17 Central Athletic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Year.
Dupree began his collegiate playing career at American International College in Springfield, Mass. during the 2005-06 season before transferring to Wilmington University in 2008. He earned All-CACC honors and was awarded the Philadelphia Small College Basketball Association’s Sam Cozen Award.
Dupree graduated from Wilmington University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 2010 and later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Organizational Leadership in 2014.
Vernon resides in Wilmington with his wife, Paris, and their four-year-old son, Cairo.
