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John Giannini and La Salle Agree to Part Ways
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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.
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com