American former professional basketball player, WNBA champion, seven-time WNBA All-Star, coach, and current Tennessee State women's basketball head coach.
Candice Dupree grew up in Tampa, Florida, and attended Paul R. Wharton High School, where she excelled in basketball and volleyball. Her performance earned her a scholarship to Temple University, where she played from 2002 to 2006 under Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. During her collegiate career, Dupree established herself as one of the premier players in the Atlantic 10 Conference. She helped Temple capture three conference championships, contributed to one of the most successful stretches in program history, and led the team to national rankings for extended periods.
At Temple, Dupree became the school's all-time leader in field goal percentage at 51.4 percent while finishing among the program leaders in points, rebounds, and blocked shots. She earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors in both 2005 and 2006, was named Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year twice, and received Third Team All-America recognition as a senior. Her accomplishments led Temple to retire her No. 4 jersey, making her one of only two players in program history to receive that honor. In 2016, she was inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame.
Dupree entered the 2006 WNBA Draft and was selected sixth overall by the Chicago Sky. She immediately made an impact, earning a spot in the WNBA All-Star Game as a rookie and being named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. During her four seasons with Chicago, she became one of the franchise's foundational players, averaging double figures in scoring each year and developing into one of the league's most reliable frontcourt players.
In 2010, Dupree was traded to the Phoenix Mercury. The move marked the most successful period of her professional career. Playing alongside Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, she became a central figure on one of the league's strongest teams. In 2014, Phoenix compiled a 29–5 regular-season record, at the time one of the best records in WNBA history. Dupree played a major role throughout the season and postseason, helping the Mercury sweep the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals. She recorded 24 points and six assists in the championship-clinching game and secured the first WNBA title of her career.
Dupree remained with Phoenix through the 2016 season and continued to produce at a high level. She earned additional All-Star selections in 2014 and 2015 while maintaining her reputation as one of the league's most efficient scorers. Her ability to finish around the basket and consistently contribute offensively made her a key component of the Mercury's success.
In 2017, Dupree was traded to the Indiana Fever. Despite the team's rebuilding phase, she continued to perform at an All-Star level and earned selections to the 2017 and 2019 WNBA All-Star Games. During her tenure with Indiana, she served as a veteran leader while continuing to rank among the team's top scorers and rebounders.
The 2020 season was played in a controlled environment because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dupree appeared in all 22 games for Indiana and remained a consistent contributor. In 2021, she signed with the Seattle Storm before later joining the Atlanta Dream, bringing her WNBA career to a close after 16 seasons.
Across her professional career, Dupree played 494 WNBA games and finished among the league's all-time leaders in several major statistical categories. At retirement, she ranked third in made field goals, fifth in scoring, fifth in games played, and seventh in rebounds. Her career was defined by longevity, consistency, efficiency, and sustained production across multiple franchises.
Following retirement, Dupree transitioned into coaching. In 2022, she joined the San Antonio Spurs as a player development coach. Working under Gregg Popovich, she gained NBA coaching experience while helping develop players including Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell. She also participated in the NBA Coaching Development Program and served in coaching roles at the NBA Draft Combine.
In 2024, Tennessee State University named Dupree the 13th head coach in program history. As head coach of the Lady Tigers, she has focused on player development, program culture, and building a sustainable foundation for long-term success. Entering the 2026–27 season, she continues to lead the program while applying lessons learned throughout her playing and coaching career.
Candice Dupree represented the United States in multiple international competitions and contributed to several gold-medal-winning teams. Her first major international appearance came in 2005 when she competed for Team USA at the World University Games in Izmir, Turkey. The United States finished with a perfect 7–0 record and captured the gold medal. Dupree averaged 7.6 points per game and played an important role throughout the tournament.
Following her emergence as a WNBA All-Star, Dupree became a regular participant in USA Basketball training camps and national team activities. She was selected to the United States roster for the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic. Despite limited preparation time, Team USA completed an undefeated tournament and won the gold medal. Dupree averaged 9.2 points and a team-leading 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting 75 percent from the field.
Dupree again represented the United States at the 2014 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. Team USA won another gold medal, adding a second world championship title to her international résumé. Across multiple international competitions, Dupree contributed as a versatile frontcourt player whose rebounding, interior scoring, and efficiency helped the United States maintain its success against top global competition.
In addition to her national-team accomplishments, Dupree spent many off-seasons competing professionally overseas. She played in Poland, Slovakia, Russia, China, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, winning championships in several domestic leagues and establishing herself as a successful international professional.
Candice Dupree primarily played as a power forward but also spent time at center throughout her career. Her game was built around efficient interior scoring, strong footwork, rebounding, and positional defense. Dupree was known for her consistency, particularly her ability to score around the basket at a high percentage. She excelled in pick-and-roll situations, mid-range shooting, and offensive efficiency while also contributing as a reliable rebounder and defender. Her versatility allowed her to play multiple frontcourt roles across different systems and eras of the WNBA.
Candice Dupree was born in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and grew up in Tampa, Florida. She attended Paul R. Wharton High School, where she participated in both basketball and volleyball. She has a twin sister and a younger sister.
Dupree attended Temple University, where she became one of the most accomplished players in school history and developed under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. Her collegiate achievements later led to her induction into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame and the retirement of her jersey.
Following her playing career, Dupree transitioned into coaching and player development. She worked with the San Antonio Spurs organization before becoming head coach at Tennessee State University. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes player growth, leadership development, and academic success alongside athletic achievement.
Throughout her career, Dupree has remained connected to the sport through mentorship, coaching, and leadership roles while continuing to contribute to the development of future basketball players.
Candice Dupree's legacy is defined by sustained excellence and longevity across multiple levels of basketball. At Temple University, she helped elevate the program's national profile and remains one of the most accomplished players in school history. Her jersey retirement and Hall of Fame induction reflect the significance of her collegiate career.
In the WNBA, Dupree built one of the league's longest and most productive careers. She earned seven All-Star selections and finished among the all-time leaders in scoring, field goals made, rebounds, and games played. Her championship-winning role with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014 remains a defining achievement of her professional career.
Internationally, Dupree contributed to multiple gold-medal-winning United States teams and established a successful overseas career in several countries. Her accomplishments across domestic and international basketball demonstrated adaptability and consistency over nearly two decades.
As a coach, Dupree has continued influencing the game through player development and leadership. Her transition from elite player to NBA assistant coach and NCAA head coach represents another stage of a career dedicated to basketball at the highest levels.
Candice Dupree's accomplishments began at Temple University, where she earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors in 2005 and 2006, Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors in both seasons, and multiple All-Conference selections. She was named Third Team All-American by the Associated Press in 2006 and received numerous conference tournament and Philadelphia Big Five awards. Temple later retired her No. 4 jersey, and she was inducted into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
Professionally, Dupree was selected sixth overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft and earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors in her first season. She became a seven-time WNBA All-Star, receiving selections in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Her greatest team achievement came in 2014 when she won the WNBA Championship with the Phoenix Mercury.
Internationally, Dupree won gold medals at the 2005 World University Games and the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Championships. Overseas, she captured championships in Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary while earning recognition for her contributions to successful club teams across Europe and Asia.
Her statistical achievements are equally notable. Dupree finished her WNBA career ranked third in made field goals, fifth in scoring, fifth in games played, and seventh in rebounds, placing her among the most productive players in league history.
Candice Dupree is an American basketball coach and former professional player whose career spans elite competition at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. Born on August 16, 1984, Dupree developed into one of the most accomplished players in Temple University history before establishing a lengthy and productive career in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
At Temple, Dupree became one of the most decorated athletes in program history. She helped lead the Owls to three conference championships and sustained national prominence during her four-year career under Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. Dupree earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors twice, was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, received Third Team All-America recognition, and had her jersey retired by the university. She remains among Temple's career leaders in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, and field goal percentage.
Selected sixth overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2006 WNBA Draft, Dupree played 16 WNBA seasons and became one of the league's most consistent performers. She earned seven All-Star selections and finished her career among the WNBA's all-time leaders in scoring, field goals made, rebounds, and games played. Her greatest team success came with the Phoenix Mercury, where she won the 2014 WNBA championship as part of a record-setting team that featured Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
Beyond the WNBA, Dupree played professionally in Europe and Asia, winning championships in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and other international leagues. She also represented the United States in international competition, earning multiple gold medals.
Following her playing career, Dupree transitioned into coaching. She joined the San Antonio Spurs as a player development coach in 2022, working under Gregg Popovich and helping develop several young NBA players. In 2024, she was named head coach of Tennessee State University's women's basketball program. Entering the 2026–27 season, she continues to lead the Lady Tigers while emphasizing player development, competitive excellence, and student-athlete growth.
