The La Salle Explorers represent one of Philadelphia’s most historic collegiate athletic programs. Known for excellence in La Salle University basketball and tradition in La Salle University baseball, the Explorers have produced champions, memorable seasons, and star athletes. With decades of competition at the national and conference levels, La Salle continues to inspire pride among students, alumni, and fans.
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.
La Salle Explorer Origin
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.
La Salle Explorers History
The La Salle Explorers are one of the most recognized NCAA Division I programs, proudly representing Philadelphia since 1924. Known for their fierce rivalry with the Davidson Wildcats, the La Salle Explorers have maintained a tradition of success in both La Salle University basketball and other sports, making them a respected name in college athletics.
Throughout their history, the La Salle Explorers have created iconic moments that still define La Salle University basketball. Between 1954 and 1955, the team recorded 17 consecutive wins in its first-ever undefeated season, a streak broken only in double overtime by Bradley University at the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The following year, the La Salle Explorers made history by winning both the NIT and the NCAA Championships, becoming just the fourth school at that time to achieve such a milestone.
Legendary athletes have helped build the prestige of the La Salle Explorers. Tom Gola, widely regarded as one of the greatest college players ever, and Lionel Simmons, who holds multiple school records, are two standout figures who elevated La Salle University basketball to national prominence. Their contributions continue to inspire new generations of Explorers on and off the court.
The program also reflects deep pride and tradition among its supporters. On game days, fans and alumni groups such as “LaSalle Legion” and “Explorer Club” fill arenas in blue and gold to cheer for their team. This passionate support has helped sustain the La Salle Explorers as one of the most beloved programs in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Explorers Achievements
Beyond basketball, La Salle University baseball has also played a vital role in the school’s athletic identity. The La Salle Explorers baseball teams have produced memorable seasons, conference wins, and MLB prospects, strengthening the university’s reputation across multiple sports. This balance of excellence shows that the Explorers’ winning tradition extends far beyond the hardwood.
Today, the La Salle Explorers continue to compete at the highest level in NCAA Division I sports, with both La Salle University basketball and La Salle University baseball striving for new achievements. With dedicated coaches, talented student-athletes, and passionate supporters, the Explorers remain a symbol of pride, perseverance, and success for La Salle University and its Philadelphia community.
