Upcoming Event: Women's Golf versus ANNIKA Intercollegiate on September 8, 2025
Women's Golf
vs ANNIKA Intercollegiate
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Duke Athletics Hall of Fame
Driesell, Lefty
Lefty Driesell
- Induction:
- 1993
- Class:
- 1954
A native of Norfolk, Va., Charles "Lefty" Driesell lettered two seasons on Duke's basketball team in 1953-54 under head coach Harold Bradley, and helped the Blue Devils to 22 wins during his senior season. He graduated from Duke in 1954 with a degree in education.
Driesell's illustrious coaching career spanned four NCAA Division I institutions – Davidson (1961-69; nine seasons; 176-65 record), Maryland (1970-86; 17 seasons; 348-159), James Madison (1988-96; nine seasons; 159-111) and Georgia State (1998-2003; five-plus seasons; 103-59 record) – and compiled a career ledger of 786-394. He guided all four schools to the NCAA Tournament and earned nine conference Coach of the Year honors in 1963 (Southern), 1964 (Southern), 1965 (Southern), 1966 (Southern), 1975 (ACC), 1980 (ACC), 1990 (CAA), 1992 (CAA) and 2001 (Atlantic Sun).
Upon retirement from coaching on January 3, 2003 – in the midst of his 41st season as a head coach – Driesell ranked fourth on the NCAA Division I all-time chart for victories, trailing only Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp and Bob Knight. Driesell is one of two head coaches in NCAA Division I history to amass 100-plus wins at four different schools, along with Cliff Ellis.
Driesell was inducted into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993, and Driesell's legacy extends to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2018) and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (2007). In addition, he is enshrined in the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Southern Conference Hall of Fame, and Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. Driesell was honored with the NCAA Award of Valor for his efforts in saving lives during a structure fire in 1973, and in 2010, the NCAA implemented the Lefty Driesell Award, an honor presented annually to the best defensive player in the nation.
Driesell passed away on Feb. 17, 2024 at the age of 92.
Darian Mensah Media Availability: Tulane
Tuesday, September 09
Josiah Green Media Availability: Tulane
Tuesday, September 09
Coach Patke Press Conference: Tulane
Monday, September 08
Coach Brewer Press Conference: Tulane
Monday, September 08
