La Salle Explorers

The La Salle Explorers play at Tom Gola Arena on the Philadelphia campus, bringing Big Five tradition and Atlantic 10 basketball together. Under Fran Dunphy, the Explorers aim to restore the program's rich history. La Salle's blue and gold colors and Philadelphia identity place the Explorers in the heart of college basketball's most passionate city. The program emphasizes skill and has produced NBA talent. Tom Gola Arena's intimate setting creates a throwback atmosphere. La Salle's Catholic identity and Philadelphia location attract recruits seeking urban college basketball.

La Salle won the 1954 NCAA championship under Ken Loeffler, with Tom Gola leading the way. Gola remains one of the greatest college players ever, and the arena bears his name. The Explorers reached the 1955 championship game as well. Lionel Simmons's 1989-90 National Player of the Year season and 3,217 career points remain iconic. The Big Five rivalry with Villanova, Temple, Saint Joseph's, and Penn defines Philadelphia basketball. La Salle's 2013 Sweet 16 run under Dr. John Giannini rekindled the program's tournament tradition.