Here’s a bold statement: La Salle’s basketball future might just hinge on two seemingly simple concepts—rebounding and depth. But don’t let their simplicity fool you. Under first-year coach Darris Nichols, these elements are the cornerstone of a strategy that could redefine the Explorers’ success. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about grabbing boards or having a deep bench; it’s about cultivating a culture of toughness and grit, traits synonymous with Philadelphia’s basketball identity.
Nichols isn’t downplaying the importance of offense or defense. Far from it. But he’s doubling down on something more fundamental. Each practice, his team competes for a chain emblazoned with the phrase ‘Rebound that jawn,’ a nod to Philly’s unique slang for an unnamed object—in this case, a basketball. It’s a symbol of the relentless effort Nichols demands, a mindset he believes will set La Salle apart in the competitive Atlantic 10 (A-10) league.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a team built on rebounding and depth truly compete in a league known for its high-octane offenses and star players? Nichols thinks so, and he’s got a plan. ‘Rebounding travels,’ he asserts. ‘If you rebound at a high level, you’re always in the game.’ It’s a strategy rooted in consistency—something Nichols believes is missing from many teams that falter under pressure.
Nichols’ journey to La Salle is as intriguing as his philosophy. A West Virginia alum with coaching stops at Northern Kentucky, Wofford, Louisiana Tech, and Florida, he spent the last four seasons at Radford before landing in Philly. What drew him to La Salle? The potential. After two 20-win seasons in three years, Nichols saw an opportunity to elevate a program that opened a refurbished arena last season and is hungry for its first NCAA tournament berth since 2013.
‘The A-10 is one of the best leagues in the country,’ Nichols said. ‘But what really sold me was the shared vision I felt with the administration—[athletic director] Ash Puri, [president] Dan Allen—everyone was aligned on putting La Salle back on the map.’
The Nichols Era is just beginning, but the blueprint is clear. Rebounding will be the foundation, but depth is the secret weapon. Nichols has intentionally built a roster that avoids reliance on a few stars, opting instead for a balanced attack. ‘When you have depth, you can hold people accountable,’ he explained. ‘Look at the NBA—the best teams play 10, 11 guys. That’s the DNA we’re adopting.’
The roster reflects this approach. Junior guard Eric Acker is the only returning player from last season, but Nichols has brought in familiar faces from his Radford days, like forward Justin Archer and grad transfers Truth Harris and Josiah Harris. These players aren’t just additions; they’re culture carriers, helping newcomers understand Nichols’ expectations.
Speaking of newcomers, Jerome Brewer Jr. stands out. A Camden, N.J., native, Brewer redshirted at McNeese last season but averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds at East Texas A&M two years ago. Nichols calls him the team’s ‘spirit animal,’ a player whose energy sets the tone for practice.
La Salle also added three double-digit scorers from last season: forward Noah Collier (William & Mary), guard Josué Grullon (Tennessee-Martin), and guard Jaeden Marshall (Niagara). While it’s tough to predict how this almost entirely new team will gel, Nichols’ emphasis on depth and toughness could make them a dark horse in the A-10.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Jaden Johnson, a player Nichols recruited to Radford but who initially chose Old Dominion, is now an Explorer. Johnson averaged 8.6 points and 3.7 assists as a freshman and could be a breakout star this season. ‘He’s learned what it means to be a point guard,’ Nichols said. ‘It’s not a position—it’s a mentality.’
Mark your calendars: Nichols’ debut at La Salle begins Nov. 5 against Coppin State at Glaser Arena. The nonconference highlight? A Nov. 19 showdown with Villanova as part of the Big 5 schedule.
Bottom line: La Salle’s energy and grit under Nichols could make them a force to be reckoned with. If they can pair their rebounding prowess with consistent offense, the Explorers might just surprise everyone. But the question remains: Can rebounding and depth truly carry a team to greatness? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
