Title
Recognizing and honoring the achievements of the La Salle University men's basketball team for their accomplishments during the 2012-13 season.
Body
WHEREAS, The La Salle University Explorers finished the 2012-13 season ranked #24 in the final USA Today/Coaches' Poll after the team posted a 24-10 record; and,
WHEREAS, The Explorers team is led by nine-year head coach Dr. John Giannini. His team won a share of the Big 5 title with Temple after compiling a 3-1 City Series record and Dr. Giannini was recently named the Philadelphia Big 5 Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, The Explorers knocked off three nationally-ranked teams during the 2012-13 season, including #9 Butler, #19 VCU and #12 Kansas State. They also notched a program-record 11 Atlantic 10 wins.
WHEREAS, The Explorers' 24-10 record was its best since 1990; and,
WHEREAS, Ramon Galloway, La Salle's senior guard, was named First Team All-Atlantic 10, First Team All-District, selected to play in Reese's College All-Star Game at Final Four, and participated in the 2013 College Slam Dunk Championship; and,
WHEREAS, Tyreek Duren, La Salle's junior guard, was named Second Team All-Atlantic 10, Second Team All-District; and,
WHEREAS, La Salle won three games in the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament in a span of five days; and,
WHEREAS, La Salle fought its way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1955; and,
WHEREAS, The team contributed to the national lexicon by introducing the phrase Southwest Philly Floater to the country; and,
WHEREAS, La Salle's NCAA graduation rate of 91% for all student-athletes is among the best in the nation and the Academic Progress Rate has improved each season for the men's basketball team under Dr. Giannini and 100% of seniors recruited by the head coach have graduated; and
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the La Salle University men's basketball team for its achievements during the 2012-13 season.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to La Salle University as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End