5 Shocking Changes Defining La Salle University Basketball’s New Era

The La Salle University basketball program is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, marked by a dramatic coaching change, a new home court, and a completely re-tooled roster. As of December 17, 2025, the conversation around the Explorers is no longer about the past triumphs of the legendary Fran Dunphy, but about the future under a new head coach tasked with navigating the complex landscape of the Atlantic 10 Conference and the new era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. This deep dive explores the five most critical shifts defining the current state of both the men's and women's programs in Philadelphia.

The 2024-2025 season served as a pivotal transition point, with the men's team finishing with a 14-19 overall record and a 5-13 mark in the A-10, demonstrating the challenges of competing in one of college basketball’s toughest mid-major leagues. The program’s new identity is being forged right now, promising a fresh start for the storied Explorers.

1. The End of a Legend: Fran Dunphy’s Retirement

The biggest news to rock the Philadelphia Big 5 basketball scene was the retirement of men's head coach Fran Dunphy, which officially concluded after the 2024-2025 season. Dunphy, a 1970 La Salle graduate, is the all-time winningest coach in Philadelphia Big 5 history, having also coached at Temple and Penn. His return to his alma mater was a sentimental and significant moment, but his departure signals a definitive end to an era of Philadelphia basketball. His legacy is not just in wins, but in his commitment to the city’s unique basketball culture.

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Dunphy now serves as a special assistant to the president at La Salle University, maintaining a connection to the institution while stepping away from the rigors of coaching. The search for his successor was intense, as the new hire would be immediately tasked with rebuilding a roster that saw four starters—representing over 60% of the team's scoring output—depart after the 2024-2025 campaign.

2. The Dawn of the Darris Nichols Era

The successor to a Philadelphia legend is Darris Nichols, who was officially named the new men's basketball head coach in March 2025. Nichols arrived at La Salle after a successful four-year stint at Radford, where he compiled a 68-63 record. His hiring represents a strategic pivot for the Explorers, focusing on a younger, rising coach with a proven ability to build a program.

Nichols faces the immediate challenge of rebuilding the La Salle Explorers men's basketball roster in the highly competitive environment of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape. His primary goal is to re-establish La Salle's competitiveness within the Atlantic 10 Conference, a league that has consistently sent multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament. The pressure is on Nichols to quickly infuse the program with new talent and a distinct playing style to make an impact in the A-10 standings.

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3. Key Players and Roster Rebuild

Despite the significant roster turnover, the 2024-2025 team featured several key players who are expected to form the core of the Nichols era. The Explorers relied heavily on a mix of experienced transfers and developing talent.

• Jahlil White (Gr., Guard/Forward): White, a former Temple wing, was a crucial veteran presence and contributor. His experience in the Philadelphia Big 5 rivalry games makes him a natural leader.
• Andrés Marrero (R-Jr., Guard): Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Marrero is a dynamic guard who provides scoring and playmaking ability. As a returning upperclassman, his development is paramount to the team's success in the A-10.
• Demetrius Lilley: Another player mentioned in the 2024-2025 stats, Lilley is an important frontcourt piece for the Explorers.

The challenge for Coach Nichols is not only retaining these key players but also successfully navigating the transfer portal to find high-impact players who can immediately replace the lost scoring and fill out the depth chart for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The success of the Explorers hinges on their ability to quickly adapt to the new roster composition.

4. The New Home Court Advantage: John Glaser Arena

A major physical upgrade for the La Salle men's basketball program is the opening of the brand-new John Glaser Arena. [cite: 6, 19 (from first search)] This state-of-the-art facility provides a modern and energetic environment for the Explorers, a significant factor in both recruiting and fan engagement.

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The new arena replaces the previous facilities and symbolizes the university's renewed commitment to its basketball program. Playing their home games in a fresh, dedicated venue is a substantial boost, offering a new recruiting pitch to prospective student-athletes and creating a more formidable home-court advantage against tough Atlantic 10 opponents like Dayton, VCU, and Richmond. The excitement surrounding the new "digs" is a positive focal point amidst the coaching transition.

5. The Women’s Program Under Mountain MacGillivray

While the men’s program captured the headlines with the coaching change, the La Salle Explorers women's basketball team continues its mission under head coach Mountain MacGillivray, who is currently in his seventh season. The women's program also competes in the Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball (WBB) conference.

The 2024-2025 season saw the women’s team finish with an overall record of 10-23, including a challenging 3-15 conference mark, placing them near the bottom of the A-10 standings. Key players on the roster for the 2024-2025 season included guard Aryss Macktoon and freshman Lauren Patnode, who represent the future talent MacGillivray is building around. [cite: 2 (from first search)] The program's focus remains on improving its offensive efficiency, as indicated by a lower points-per-game average compared to national averages. The women's team is striving to climb the competitive A-10 ladder and join the ranks of conference contenders.

The combined narratives of both the men’s and women’s teams highlight a program in transition, driven by significant institutional investment in facilities and a bold new direction in leadership. The La Salle Explorers are poised to write a new chapter in their storied college basketball history.