College Basketball World Pays Tribute to Maryland Legend Lefty Driesell
Legendary Maryland basketball head coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell died on Saturday at 92 years old, after an impactful career in college basketball. The Hall of Famer coached four different teams over 41 years and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Driesell made an impact on many people in college basketball that went beyond the connections of the schools where he coached. Once the news broke, those in the Maryland and college basketball world mourned the loss of Driesell on social media.
One of one. Here’s to the legendary life of Lefty.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) February 17, 2024
Amen, amen. pic.twitter.com/fBP2MCnLqg
Loved the spirit & creative hoops mentality of CHARLES “LEFTY “ DRIESELL ! His energy & love for college basketball was so unique & special . Pls MAY LEFTY RIP ! https://t.co/pOxNV0gFkB
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 17, 2024
On an exciting day for college basketball, a somber opening with the news of Lefty Driesell’s passing. The only coach to win 100-plus games at four schools. https://t.co/mhxqaS4yTf
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) February 17, 2024
RIP to a college basketball legend: https://t.co/VvWacRW0Pe
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) February 17, 2024
Words cannot express all that Coach Driesell embodied and the impact he made on the game. Maryland and the college basketball world lost one of its monumental figures today.
— Kevin Willard (@KevinWillard) February 17, 2024
Our condolences go out to his family https://t.co/rqq3iDKBFw
I am deeply saddened to share that Coach Lefty Driesell passed away this morning. He was a legend both on and off the court and instrumental in my life. I am grateful that we shared some time together a couple weeks ago. We will miss him dearly.
— Tom McMillen (@TomMcMillen611) February 17, 2024
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.
— Johnny Holliday (@hollidaykid) February 17, 2024
One of a kind! Rest in Power, Coach! pic.twitter.com/Rvj7dPi08O
— Len Elmore (@LenElmore) February 17, 2024
Can’t possibly describe on this platform the joy he brought so many of us. Absolute legend. RIP Lefty. pic.twitter.com/65KFhVAlQA
— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) February 17, 2024
RIP to the incomparable Lefty Driesell pic.twitter.com/q2mz4BaoEf
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 17, 2024
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!
— Brenda Frese (@BrendaFrese) February 17, 2024
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. https://t.co/Pl8fEFXTAG
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) February 17, 2024
The GameDay crew reflected on Charles “Lefty” Driesell's impact: pic.twitter.com/BIciIGQMRw
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) February 17, 2024
Throughout his career, Driesell made the Elite Eight four times and had 22 seasons with at least 20 wins.
Driesell is currently in the top 20 on college basketball’s all-time wins list and is known for creating “Midnight Madness” in the 1970s. He was nominated for the Hall of Fame for a decade before getting inducted as part of the class of ’18.