On Saturday, February 17, renowned College Basketball Hall of Fame coach, Lefty Driesell, died in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the age of 92. Driesell was known for his charismatic persona and significant contributions to college basketball.
Driesell’s death was a significant loss for the basketball community, particularly the University of Maryland, where his impact was deeply felt. To honor him, the university observed a moment of silence before its game against No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini and wore throwback uniforms echoing Driesell’s successful tenure in the 1970s.
Over five decades, Driesell’s distinguished coaching career accumulated 786 victories, making him the first NCAA Division I coach to win over 100 games at four different institutions: Davidson College, the University of Maryland, James Madison University, and Georgia State University. He began his career at Davidson College in 1960, before moving on to the University of Maryland in 1969, where he transformed the basketball program into a top contender until 1986.
Even after his time at the University of Maryland ended following the cocaine-related death of star player Len Bias, Driesell continued to make significant contributions to college basketball. He achieved notable success at James Madison and Georgia State.
Driesell is credited with starting the Midnight Madness tradition in 1971, a unique approach to practicing and promoting the game, which brought attention to his teams and added a lasting tradition to college basketball. This event, which marked the first official practice of the season at midnight, demonstrated Driesell’s commitment to excellence and competitive spirit.
Apart from his strategic acumen, Driesell was a trailblazer in advancing racial integration in college basketball. By hiring George Raveling as the first Black assistant coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference and attempting to recruit Charlie Scott, Driesell played a crucial role in breaking racial barriers in the sport. His efforts laid the foundation for future Black players and coaches.
Known for his distinctive personality, marked by a folksy drawl and exuberant sideline demeanor, Driesell was adept at connecting with players, parents, and fans. His victory signs and enthusiastic celebrations became iconic, reflecting the passion and energy he brought to the game. Despite the scrutiny following the Len Bias incident, Driesell’s commitment to his players and integrity remained steadfast, earning him continued respect from the basketball community.
Driesell’s contributions went beyond his impressive career statistics. His innovative ideas, dedication to diversity, and charismatic leadership left a lasting impact on college basketball. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, following his 2007 induction into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Driesell’s legacy is reflected not only in the records he set or the championships he won but also in the lives he influenced and the barriers he shattered. His vision for the University of Maryland to become the “UCLA of the East” may not have fully materialized in terms of national championships, but his influence on the program and college basketball as a whole is undeniable. As the basketball world remembers Lefty Driesell, his contributions to the game, his efforts for equality, and his unforgettable personality are being celebrated.
