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Duke Athletics lost a member of its Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Charles “Lefty” Driesell, who played basketball at Duke from 1951-54, passed away at the age of 92.
After playing at Duke, he got into coaching and would end up going down as one of the best coaches in college basketball history.
He started at Davidson and coached that program for nine seasons (1961-69) before he coached at Maryland for 17 seasons (1970-86). He then coached at James Madison for nine seasons (1988-96) before ending his career at Georgia State for six seasons (1998-2003).
During that time, he led each school to the NCAA Tournament at least once and finished with a 786-394 record.
Upon hearing the news, former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski released a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Lefty Driesell,” Krzyzewski said. “He lit up every room he walked into, and I loved any time I was able to spend with him. As a coach, Lefty was the ultimate winner. He led some of the greatest players and teams in the storied history of the Atlantic Coast Conference while he was at Maryland. He and his late wife Joyce served as splendid examples for all of us and their impact on not only basketball, but everyone they touched, was immeasurable. While they are now both gone from this world, they forever remain. We wish the best to Lefty’s family as they mourn and celebrate a genuinely great man.”
Our thoughts are with Driesell’s family and loved ones.