Jan. 29, 2010
Watch the induction ceremony
PHILADELPHIA - William "Speedy" Morris, the winningest coach in La Salle men's basketball history, was inducted into the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame on Friday on in a luncheon held at The Palestra. He joined Temple's John Chaney and Villanova's Rollie Massimino in the 2010 class.
Morris spent 15 seasons as the head men's basketball coach of the Explorers (1986-01), compiling a school-record 238 wins. His teams reached the postseason six times, including four NCAA appearances, and won four MAAC Championships.
His best season came in 1989-90, when he and National Player of the Year Lionel Simmons led La Salle to a 30-2 record and a #12 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. The Explorers won 22 straight games that season and defeated Fordham, 71-61, to win its third straight MAAC title.
Morris guided La Salle to the NIT finals during his first season in 1987, beginning a stretch of six straight postseason berths.
He began his collegiate coaching career as the women's basketball coach at La Salle (1984-86), compiling a 43-17 record in two seasons. The Explorers won the MAAC Championship and reached the NCAA Tournament in 1986 after a 21-9 mark.
Morris was inducted into the La Salle Hall of Athletes on January 23.
Morris, who is currently the head boys' basketball coach at St. Joseph's Prep, has also served as a high school coach at Penn Charter and Roman Catholic.
