The La Salle Explorers men’s basketball program has a rich history filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and significant contributions to the sport. As one of the most storied programs in college basketball, the Explorers have left an indelible mark on the game, earning national recognition and producing numerous NBA talents.
Historical Significance
National Championships and Final Four Appearances
La Salle’s basketball program has enjoyed tremendous success on the national stage, cementing its place in college basketball history. The Explorers won the inaugural National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1952, when the NIT was considered a prestigious national championship event. The team’s victory over Dayton in the championship game earned them recognition as national champions by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo-Porretta Power Poll.
In 1954, La Salle reached the pinnacle of college basketball by winning the NCAA National Championship. Led by legendary coach Ken Loeffler and star player Tom Gola, the Explorers defeated Bradley 92-76 in the championship game, setting a record for the most points scored in an NCAA final that stood for over a decade. This remarkable achievement solidified La Salle’s status as a national powerhouse.
The Explorers made another memorable run to the NCAA championship game in 1955, facing off against Bill Russell and the San Francisco Dons. Although they fell short in the final, losing 77-63, reaching back-to-back national championship games was a testament to the program’s excellence during that era.
The “Big 5” and Philadelphia Basketball Tradition
La Salle is a member of the famed “Big 5,” an informal association of Philadelphia-area college basketball programs that also includes Temple, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, and Villanova. The Big 5 was established in 1955 to showcase the rich basketball talent in the city and foster intense rivalries among the schools.
As a key member of the Big 5, La Salle has played a significant role in shaping the Philadelphia basketball landscape. The Explorers have won eight Big 5 championships, with their most recent title coming in 2013. The annual round-robin series among the Big 5 schools is a beloved tradition in Philadelphia sports, and La Salle’s success in these games has contributed to their local and national prominence.
Standout Seasons
Throughout its history, La Salle has had numerous standout seasons that have defined the program’s legacy. Here are a few of the most memorable campaigns:
1953-54: NCAA National Champions
The 1953-54 season was the crowning achievement in La Salle basketball history. Led by head coach Ken Loeffler and All-American Tom Gola, the Explorers posted a 26-4 record and won the NCAA National Championship. La Salle defeated Fordham, North Carolina State, Navy, and Penn State en route to the title game, where they overwhelmed Bradley 92-76. Gola, who averaged 23 points and 21 rebounds per game during the season, was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
1968-69: A Near-Perfect Season
The 1968-69 Explorers, coached by Tom Gola, are often considered one of the greatest teams in school history. La Salle posted a remarkable 23-1 record, with their only loss coming against South Carolina in the second game of the season. The team was led by a trio of future NBA players in Larry Cannon, Bernie Williams, and Roland “Fatty” Taylor. Despite their impressive record, the Explorers were ineligible for postseason play due to NCAA violations under the previous coach, but their dominance throughout the regular season remains a source of pride for the program.
1989-90: Lionel Simmons’ Senior Year
The 1989-90 season was a memorable one for La Salle, as it marked the culmination of Lionel Simmons’ incredible college career. Simmons, a 6’7″ forward with a versatile skill set, led the Explorers to a 30-2 record and a No. 12 national ranking. He averaged 26.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, earning National Player of the Year honors from several outlets. Although La Salle fell to Clemson in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Simmons’ individual brilliance and the team’s overall success made this a standout season in program history.
2012-13: A Cinderella Run to the Sweet Sixteen
In the 2012-13 season, La Salle made a surprising run to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament, capturing the attention of basketball fans across the nation. Led by head coach Dr. John Giannini and a balanced scoring attack, the Explorers posted a 24-10 record and earned an at-large bid to the Big Dance. La Salle defeated Boise State, Kansas State, and Ole Miss before falling to Wichita State in the Sweet Sixteen. This remarkable postseason run was a testament to the program’s resilience and ability to compete with the nation’s best teams.
Player Achievements
La Salle has produced numerous outstanding players throughout its history, many of whom have gone on to have successful professional careers. Here are a few of the most notable individual achievements:
Tom Gola
Tom Gola is widely considered the greatest player in La Salle history and one of the best college basketball players of all time. A 6’6″ guard/forward with exceptional all-around skills, Gola led the Explorers to the 1952 NIT Championship and the 1954 NCAA National Championship. He was a three-time All-American and won National Player of the Year honors in 1954. Gola’s college career averages of 20.9 points and 19.0 rebounds per game are a testament to his dominance on both ends of the floor. He went on to have a successful NBA career and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976.
Lionel Simmons
Lionel Simmons, nicknamed “L-Train,” is another La Salle legend who left an indelible mark on the program. During his four-year career (1986-1990), Simmons scored 3,217 points, which ranks second all-time in NCAA Division I history. He was a three-time All-American and won National Player of the Year honors in 1990. Simmons’ versatility and scoring prowess made him a fan favorite and helped elevate La Salle’s national profile during his time with the Explorers.
Michael Brooks
Michael Brooks, a 6’7″ forward, was a dominant force for La Salle from 1976 to 1980. He scored 2,628 points and grabbed 1,372 rebounds during his college career, earning All-American honors in 1978, 1979, and 1980. Brooks’ senior season was particularly impressive, as he averaged 24.1 points and 12.8 rebounds per game while leading the Explorers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He went on to have a successful professional career, primarily playing in Europe.
Larry Cannon
Larry Cannon, a 6’5″ guard/forward, was a key member of La Salle’s 1968-69 team that posted a 23-1 record. Cannon averaged 18.7 points per game during his three-year career with the Explorers (1966-1969), earning All-American honors in 1969. He was known for his scoring ability and athleticism, and his performances helped La Salle maintain its status as a national powerhouse during the late 1960s.
The Legacy of La Salle Basketball
The La Salle Explorers’ basketball program has left a lasting impact on the sport, both in Philadelphia and beyond. The team’s success, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, helped establish La Salle as a national power and contributed to the rich basketball tradition in the city of Philadelphia.
La Salle’s historical significance extends beyond its on-court achievements. The program has produced numerous players who have gone on to have successful professional careers, both in the NBA and internationally. The Explorers have also been a launching pad for coaching talents, with notable alumni such as Paul Westhead and Fran Dunphy going on to have successful careers at the collegiate and professional levels.
The legacy of La Salle basketball is also tied to its role in the Big 5, the annual round-robin series among Philadelphia-area schools. The Explorers’ rivalries with Temple, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, and Villanova have helped create a unique and passionate basketball culture in the city, one that continues to thrive to this day.
As La Salle looks to the future, the program remains committed to building upon its storied history and achieving new heights. With a renovated arena and a renewed sense of purpose, the Explorers are poised to write new chapters in their already impressive legacy.
The La Salle Explorers’ basketball program is a shining example of excellence, resilience, and the enduring power of the sport to bring communities together. From the national championship teams of the 1950s to the modern-day squads that continue to compete at a high level, La Salle has left an indelible mark on college basketball.
As fans, we can look back on the program’s rich history with pride and look forward to a future filled with new achievements and unforgettable moments.
