Coach John Giannini
La Salle University Explorers

In 2004, La Salle University introduced Dr. John Giannini as the 18th head coach in the 74-year history of Explorer men’s basketball.  In his second season as La Salle University’s head men’s basketball coach, Dr. John Giannini led the Explorers to their most wins (18) in 14 years and a third place finish in the Atlantic 10 Conference – the school’s highest status since it joined the league for the 1995-96 season. The 18-10 finish also set precedents for most Atlantic 10 wins in a season (10) most Atlantic 10 road wins in a single season (4) and delivered a winning season to the La Salle community for the first time since the 1992-93 season.

The Chicago, IL native (Fenwick High) earned his bachelor of arts degree in psychology from North Central College (Naperville, IL) in 1984 and his masters in physical education with a specialization in sports psychology from North Texas in 1986. “Dr. John” also earned a doctorate in kinesiology with a specialization in sports psychology from Illinois 1992. Giannini’s ties to the Philadelphia area are considerable, having recruited largely from the region both at Rowan and while building the program at Maine.