College Sports Established
1863
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
College Name
La Salle University
Collegiate History
1983 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1995 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
1983 - 1992 / Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Nickname
Explorers - You may have heard of the La Salle Explorers as a sports fan. But do you know where their nickname comes from? The origins of this NCAA team's name are fascinating and provide an exciting insight into the history of college athletics.
The La Salle Explorers were named after French explorer René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, who explored much of North America in the late 17th century. He is best known for his 1682 exploration down what would become known as the Mississippi River to its delta near present-day New Orleans - a journey that took him through many uncharted territories and opened up new lands for settlement by Europeans in North America. In addition to being one of France’s most renowned explorers, he was also a missionary who sought to convert Native Americans to Catholicism during his travels throughout Louisiana and Texas; thus making him an ideal namesake for today’s collegiate athletic teams at LaSalle University, which seeks not only success on but off the field with its student-athletes.
With such an inspiring figure behind them, it is no wonder why these “Explorers” have been so successful over time! Since their first season in 1924, they have won 12 conference championships (including 4 Atlantic 10 championships) and made several appearances in NCAA post-season tournaments, including 3 sweet sixteen appearances since 1990 alone! So next time you watch some college basketball, don't forget about those brave adventurers from long ago whose spirit lives on within all those hard-working athletes today striving towards victory each game night!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1954
- 1960
- 2014
- 2018
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La Salle’s men’s basketball team wins the NCAA championship
In 1954: La Salle’s men’s basketball team wins the NCAA championship, led by All-American player Tom Gola. -
La Salle’s men’s basketball team wins the NIT championship
La Salle’s 1960 NIT championship: La Salle’s men’s basketball team won its second NIT championship in 1960, beating Bradley University 92-76 in the final game. The team was coached by Jim Pollard, a former NBA player who had won five championships with the Minneapolis Lakers. The Explorers were led by future NBA player and coach Tom Gola, who was named ... -
La Salle discontinues its football program after 87 years
La Salle announced on December 10, 2014 that it was discontinuing its football program after 87 years due to financial constraints. The decision was made as part of an effort to address a structural deficit in the university’s budget. La Salle had been a member of the Patriot League for football since 2001. The university stated that it would honor ... -
Ashley Howard as head coach
In 2018: La Salle’s men’s basketball team hires Ashley Howard as head coach, becoming the first African American head coach in program history.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Explorers
Throughout their history, the La Salle Explorers have had some incredible moments that will live on forever in college basketball lore. From 1954 to 1955, they won an impressive 17 consecutive games as part of their first-ever undefeated season; this streak was only broken when they lost to Bradley University in double overtime during that year's National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The following year saw them reach even greater heights as they went on to win both the NIT and NCAA Championships – becoming just one of four schools at that time to accomplish such a feat!
In addition to these accomplishments, La Salle has seen its fair share of legendary players grace its courts over the years. Players like Lionel Simmons (who holds multiple school records) and Tom Gola (widely considered one of the greatest college basketball players ever) are just two examples from this list, including many more all-time greats who have represented The Explorer Nation with pride throughout their respective careers.
Beyond individual accolades, however, lies an even more profound sense of pride within those associated with The Explorer Nation: camaraderie amongst fans old and new alike who come together each game day decked out head-to-toe wearing blue & gold colors while cheering loudly alongside passionate alumni groups like “LaSalle Legion” or “Explorer Club” - it truly is something special!
With so much tradition behind them, it should come as no surprise then why we love watching our beloved explorers compete every week against other top-tier programs around the country – especially knowing how well-prepared our student-athletes always seem to be thanks to dedicated coaches and staff members working hard ensure everyone involved succeeds both academically athletically here la salle university Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA!
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