The University of Maryland lost a legend Saturday when former men’s basketball coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell died at age 92.
Driesell coached Maryland for 17 seasons, amassing a win total of 348 that ranks second in school history behind Gary Williams. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Here’s what some prominent Terps and college basketball figures had to say in remembrance of Driesell:
Damon Evans, Maryland athletic director
“Lefty Driesell was a transcendent figure in college basketball and the man who put Maryland basketball on the map. A Hall of Famer, Lefty was an innovator, a man who was ahead of his time from his coaching on the court to his marketing off the court. From starting Midnight Madness to nationally-televised games with sold out Cole Field House crowds, Lefty did it all. He led Maryland to the NIT Championship, eight NCAA Tournaments, multiple ACC Championships and a consistent Top-10 ranking during his tenure, producing tons of NBA players. We are saddened to hear of his passing and send our condolences to his entire family and community of friends. His memory will be forever etched in Maryland basketball history.”
Darryll J. Pines, University of Maryland president
“A Maryland legend, a Hall of Famer, and a beloved Terp forever. Remembering Coach Lefty Driesell, whose larger-than-life presence will be felt by fans at the game today and Terrapins everywhere.”
Kevin Willard, Maryland men’s basketball coach
“It is with great sadness that we received this news today and our condolences go out to his family. Words cannot express all that Coach Driesell embodied and the impact he made on the game. Most importantly, however, was his commitment to his players and the depth of relationships he made with all those around him. Maryland and the college basketball world lost one of its monumental figures today.”
Brenda Frese, Maryland women’s basketball coach
“Hearts go out to the family of Lefty Driesell, the man who put Maryland on the map & generated so much excitement. Lefty called & sent me cards from time to time. Maryland was very lucky to have him. We know he’s in heaven reunited with his wife, former players and rivals. AMEN!”
Johnny Holliday, Terps basketball radio announcer
“We lost a legend this morning. Lefty passed away. 1979 was my first year broadcasting Terps games and Lefty was there. No words can properly describe the impact he had on basketball and how he put Maryland on the national map. RIP coach.”
Tom McMillen, former U.S. Rep. who played for Driesell
“I am so saddened by Lefty Driesell’s passing. Lefty was a legendary Hall of Fame coach who elevated Maryland basketball to national prominence. I also knew him as deeply caring family man who loved his players as his extended family. He was so proud of all his players successes on and off the court. When I won the Rhodes Scholarship, Lefty was more thrilled by that accomplishment than any basketball milestone that I had ever achieved. Coach Driesell will be remembered as a passionate, charismatic person who with his charm, dedication and salesmanship left a monumental mark on college sports.”
Len Elmore, former Maryland player under Driesell
“One of a kind! Rest in Power, Coach!”
Scott Van Pelt, host of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and Maryland graduate
“One of one. Here’s to the legendary life of Lefty. Amen, amen.”
Dick Vitale, Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst
“Loved the spirit & creative hoops mentality of CHARLES “LEFTY “ DRIESELL ! His energy & love for college basketball was so unique & special . Pls MAY LEFTY RIP !’
Seth Greenberg, ESPN analyst and former Virginia Tech coach
“Just a great coach, a bigger life personality. A guy that came up with ‘UCLA of the East’ when he went to Maryland, a guy that created ‘Midnight Madness.’ We get lost in that, and forget about lives that he impacted, and the tremendous coach that he was. The one thing about Coach Driesell that really moved me is he treated everyone with respect. If he saw you and shook your hand, he looked you right in the eye and you were the most important person in that room. … He was such a valuable asset to me. An incredible man, a terrific coach.”
Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst and former Duke player
“He was one of a kind. He was a man of great character, but he was also a character, and he was so much fun. He was not only a great coach who had great teams, and he fought the entrenched power of the ACC in Dean Smith and Coach K and all that stuff, but he called me a few years ago, and he was trying to get Tom McMillen, one of his greatest players, into the Hall of Fame. And he said, ‘You know, Tom McMillen was a Rhodes Scholar. Not even you boys at Duke could say that.’”
Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN NBA reporter
“RIP to the incomparable Lefty Driesell”
Frank Isola, ESPN personality and Maryland graduate
“For a young student Lefty Driesell and Len Bias were larger than life. One was a great coach & character while Lenny was a force of nature. It was an incredible time. Their final season together represents some of my fondest and ultimately saddest memories of college. RIP”
John Fanta, Fox broadcaster and reporter
“A Maryland legend. A Hall of Famer. He began the tradition of Midnight Madness. He got into coaching by convincing his wife he could offset a significant pay cut by also selling World Book Encyclopedias part-time. Ended up winning 786 games. RIP Lefty Driesell, an all-timer.”
