I thought it was going to be a nice and quiet Friday afternoon.
First, the Michael Bennett thing, then news of Dr. John’s departure from La Salle.
It’s being called a mutual parting of ways, according to a statement released by the university that includes quotes from the longtime coach:
La Salle's announcement on Dr. John Giannini stepping down after 14 seasons: pic.twitter.com/4Z5iWcOVOW
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 23, 2018
Giannini had been with the Explorers since 2004 and started his head coaching career at Rowan back in 1989, a seven-year stint that delivered a division three national championship.
His La Salle tenure was inconsistent at best, and Giannini leaves the school with a 212-226 record, 14-year run that was highlighted by a Sweet 16 appearance in 2013. The 13-seed Explorers knocked off Boise State in a play-in game before taking out Kansas State and Ole’ Miss in the next two rounds, an enjoyable run that featured Tyrone Garland dropping the Southwest Philly Floater on the Rebels:
The Explorers finished 24-10 that season with an 11-5 conference record and found their way into the final USA Today Coaches Poll as the nation’s 24th best team.
But it’s been downhill ever since, a 69-88 record since that magical run. They’ve finished with no more than 17 wins in any of the past five seasons and went 13-19 this year en route to a 10th-place tie in the Atlantic 10.
Giannini was 100-132 in conference play with La Salle.
7 Responses
Whew!! I thought I was sure to be next to be canned.
Pick me! Pick me!
Heard Doug Overton is the favorite to be the next hc
Then they will be nicknamed the LaSalle Exposers
Dr G going ballistic on the sidelines was always a funny scene. It is tough to recruit to a high school sized gym while competing with the Daytons and Umasseseses. However, he rarely if ever made his players better. Be nice to get someone off the Nova coaching squad.
They should hire mike nardi or Tim legler ok
Dunphy would be perfect. Go back to a basketball-centric conference and be able to compete for city recruits who care about playing against east coast teams.