Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach Lefty Driesell Dies at 92
The basketball world is mourning the loss of legendary college basketball coach Charles Grice “Lefty” Driesell, who passed away at the age of 92. Driesell, known for his charismatic personality and impressive coaching record, left an indelible mark on the sport.
Driesell’s career spanned over four decades, during which he coached at four different Division I schools: Davidson, Maryland, James Madison, and Georgia State. His coaching prowess was evident in his impressive record of 786 wins, a feat achieved by only a select few in the history of college basketball.
Born on December 25, 1931, in Norfolk, Virginia, Driesell’s love for the game began at an early age. After playing college basketball at Duke University, he transitioned into coaching and quickly made a name for himself. In 1960, he took on his first college head-coaching job at Davidson College, where he led the team to four top-10 finishes and an impressive 176-65 record.
Driesell’s most notable coaching tenure came at the University of Maryland, where he arrived in 1969 with a bold promise to turn the school into the “UCLA of the East.” Although he never won an NCAA title at Maryland, Driesell’s impact on the program was undeniable. Under his guidance, the Terrapins achieved a 348-159 record, eight NCAA tournament appearances, an NIT championship, two ACC regular-season titles, and one ACC tournament crown.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Driesell was also known for his innovative ideas. He is credited with inventing Midnight Madness, a tradition that has become a staple in college basketball. Driesell’s idea involved putting his players through a 1-mile run at Cole Field House at 12:03 a.m. on the first legal day of NCAA practice. The event garnered significant attention and became a beloved tradition among fans.
One of the defining moments of Driesell’s career came in 1974 when his Maryland team faced off against NC State in the ACC tournament title game. The matchup, regarded as one of the greatest college basketball games ever played, featured eight future NBA draft picks. Despite a heartbreaking overtime loss, Maryland’s performance led to a significant change in NCAA tournament selection rules, known as “The Maryland Rule,” which introduced at-large bids.
Tragedy struck Driesell’s coaching career in 1986 with the untimely death of Len Bias, one of Maryland’s greatest players. Following Bias’s death due to a cocaine overdose, Driesell faced scrutiny but was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. Despite the exoneration, he was reassigned to athletic department duties and eventually left Maryland in 1988 to become the head coach at James Madison University.
Driesell’s tenure at James Madison was marked by continued success, including five Colonial Athletic Association regular-season championships, one tournament championship, and an appearance in the NCAA tournament. However, his unexpected announcement that the following year would be his last led to his departure from the university in 1995.
In his final coaching stop at Georgia State, Driesell added to his legacy with a 103-59 record over six seasons. He retired in 2003, ending a remarkable 41-year coaching career that solidified his status as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
Driesell’s impact extended beyond the court. His larger-than-life personality, distinctive Virginia Tidewater drawl, and comic storytelling endeared him to fans and players alike. In 2018, he was rightfully elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor that many believed was long overdue.
As news of Driesell’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the basketball community. Coaches Mike Krzyzewski, John Thompson, and George Raveling accompanied Driesell to his Hall of Fame induction, highlighting the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.
“Lefty should have been in years ago,” said Krzyzewski. “His contributions to the game go way beyond wins and losses, and he won a lot. It’s an honor he’s deserved for a long time.”
The legacy of Lefty Driesell will forever be etched in the annals of college basketball history. His coaching brilliance, innovative ideas, and larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure in the sport. As the basketball world mourns his loss, it is clear that Lefty Driesell’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
