June 7, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - La Salle University and Men's Head Basketball Coach Dr. John Giannini have reached a multi-year agreement that could keep Dr. John as the Explorers' coach for years to come. The announcement was made by Dr. Tom Brennan, Director of Athletics. Details of the agreement were not released.

Dr. Brennan noted, "The basketball program has shown consistent progress during Dr. John's tenure. The Explorers entered the 2009-2010 campaign as a pre-season 4th pick in the A10 Conference, following two solid seasons with a finish in the upper half of this very competitive conference. Unfortunately, the past season ended with disappointment as it was marked by an unprecedented rash of injuries."

"Dr. John has demonstrated the ability to recruit highly qualified student-athletes," Brennan added. "This was evident this past year, in particular, with a class that included five graduating seniors. Education and the concept of student-athlete hold great importance at La Salle."

"All of us at La Salle are optimistic about next season and the future of La Salle basketball," said Brennan.

La Salle President Brother Michael J. McGinniss said, "Dr. Giannini understands the importance of developing a winning tradition at La Salle. He has established a strong foundation, and knowing his character and his work ethic, we are confident that he will be successful."

Dr. Giannini said, "I appreciate the opportunity that President McGinniss and Dr. Brennan have afforded me. We have a very talented group of young men in our program--a strong returning group and some very highly regarded newcomers. Our immediate goal is to be selected for a post-season tournament. Quite frankly, I cannot wait for the new season to begin. We plan to make the La Salle family proud."

Among Giannini's accomplishments at La Salle:

He has coached six All-A10 players. He is the only coach in the nation to have two members of the NACDA I-AAA National Scholar-Athlete Team (Yves Mekongo, Steve Weingarten) and the Scholar-Athlete of the Year (Mekongo). He recruited the top-rated player to attend a non-BCS school in 2009-10 (Aaric Murray). He joined Duke's Mike Krzyzewski as the only two coaches to recruit two top-35 point guards as rated by Scout.com (Sam Mills and Tyreek Duren) for 2010-11.

For the record:

Giannini's overall record (Rowan University, University of Maine, La Salle University) is 380-246. His record at La Salle (six seasons) is 83-97.