Darris Nichols enters his first season as the head coach of the La Salle Men’s Basketball program. Known for his ability to recruit and build teams to win, Nichols has been brought on to develop the next generation of Explorers on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.
Darris Nichols’ “style of play” helped to convince the La Salle leadership he was the right coach for the job.
The Explorers are turning to Darris Nichols as their new men's basketball head coach after Fran Dunphy retired.
Philadelphia, PA - La Salle University President Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., and Vice President of Athletics and Recreation and Director of Athletics Ashwin Puri announced the hiring of Darris Nichols as the school's 21st head men's basketball coach.
Join Us for the 2025 Darris Nichols Basketball Camps!
Spend your summer improving your basketball skills, building friendships, and having fun at the Donald N. Dedmon Center in Radford, VA. Led by Radford Men’s Basketball coaches and players, our camps focus on fundamentals like dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork in a supportive, inclusive environment.
In the world of basketball, success is often measured in wins and losses, but for Amir Abdur-Rahim, it was about something deeper. His mantra, 'Love Wins,' encapsulated his belief in the transformative power of culture, love, and leadership. This post reflects on Amir’s incredible journey, his lasting legacy, and the lessons he taught us all about the true meaning of winning both on and off the court.
The reunion wasn’t just a nostalgic trip—it was a reminder of the unique bond that made our team successful. It helped me reflect on how special that group is. I even complimented the coaching staff in attendance because the intangibles we had—accountability, competitive advantage, and security—all started in the evaluation process.
The impact of those experiences continues to shape the teams I coach today. The lessons from my college years help me share stories that inspire and guide my players, showing them what it means to be part of a truly connected team. These principles aren’t just limited to basketball; they’re the foundation for great leadership and teamwork in every aspect of life.
“Darris Nichols is the perfect combination of a contemporary and new age leader, while in the same breath, he upholds yesteryear values and integrity, if not, exemplary character! La Salle has clearly hit a home run with the Coach Nichols hire!
- Kevin White, Former Director of Athletics - Duke
“Darris is wise beyond his years. His old school values complimented by his interrelational skills make him special. He’s also had success on every step of his journey. La Salle is hiring a winner!”
- Mike White, Head Men’s Basketball Coach - Georgia
“Darris Nichols is one of the most well-rounded, talented coaches that I have been around. He has a deep understanding of basketball and is an authentic relationship builder. I am incredibly excited to watch La Salle compete for A-10 championships.
- Dusty May, Head Men’s Basketball Coach - Michigan
“I have known Darris since freshman year of college…The same leadership qualities he possessed as a point guard leading our team, he has been able to translate into coaching. His ability to build relationship with players, communicate a vision and a standard of an organization, is something I learned from him even as a teammate.”
- Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach, Boston Celtics
