A tireless worker with an unshakeable competitive acumen, Jim Driggs is entering his fifth season as the head coach of the Allegheny men’s basketball program, having taken over the reigns in April 2010. Becoming the 17th head coach in the school’s illustrious 117-year history, Driggs’ appointment ushered in a new era for the Gators.
In his first season with the Gators, the team improved dramatically throughout the season. One of the highlights in a campaign filled with encouraging building blocks was a loss to nationally-ranked No. 1 Wooster on a 25-foot buzzer-beater. His second campaign was plagued by injuries, although the team flashed proof of tangible progress against a powerful conferene slate. One of the bright spots in Driggs’ early tenure with the Blue and Gold was the emergence of James Ness, who developed into a two-time All-Conference selection under Driggs’ tutelage.
Last season, the Gators struggled to a 6-19 record, but 12 of the losses were by eight or fewer points, including a trio of overtime setbacks. Allegheny led the conference in blocked shots (4.2) and assists (13.8) per game, while also ranking among the conference leaders in assist to turnover ratio (1.1). 2014 graduate Ryan Stanko became the 26th player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau, while fellow classmate D’Andre Corbin paced the conference in assists (144).
Devone McLeod, a 2013 Allegheny graduate, put together one of the top careers in program history under Driggs’ tutelage, as the guard graduated with 1,269 points, ninth most for a Gator all time. McLeod, a two-time All-NCAC selection, led the conference in scoring as a senior in 2012-13, averaging 17.0 points. In 2012-13, Driggs’ squad led the NCAC with a .465 field goal percentage, while finishing second in the league with 198 three-point field goals, and third in scoring offense (70.7 pts/gm).
Driggs, who has strong ties to the NCAA Division III basketball community, came to Allegheny after spending three seasons as an assistant coach in the University Athletic Association (UAA) at the University of Rochester.
Driggs has a deep history at the Division III level both as a player and coach. He played four years at Hamilton College in addition to spending six years as an assistant coach before stepping into his first head coaching role. During his time with Rochester, Driggs was instrumental in the Yellowjackets’ recent success as the squad advanced to the NCAA Tournament twice, including the Sweet 16 in 2008. Rochester was a constant presence in the D3hoops national polls during his tenure and spent over six weeks as the nation’s top ranked team.
Additionally, Driggs helped guide a number of individual players to outstanding seasons. The Yellowjackets produced six All-UAA honorees, three All-East Region players, a pair of All-Americans in Jon Onyiriuka and Mike Chmielowiec, and two UAA Rookie of the Year winners in Nathan Novosel and John Dibartolomeo.
Driggs possesses a unique combination of a bright basketball mind, an up-beat energetic personality, and an intense and focused competitive drive. An outstanding educator, recruiter, and motivator, players have taken to his vision and unbridled enthusiasm, and his positive methods have enabled Driggs to develop talent across diverse backgrounds and skill-sets.
Prior to his work with the Rochester program, Driggs served as an assistant coach at Eastern Connecticut State University in the Little East Conference (LEC) for two seasons and at Union College for one year. At Eastern Connecticut, Driggs was responsible for recruiting, player development and running the school’s summer basketball camp.
A product of demanding coaches, Driggs has used his experience to help shape his effectiveness as a teacher. And while the will to win drives his focus, he emanates certain maxims that can’t be ignored such as an insatiable work ethic, high expectations, and an intense and thorough emphasis on preparation.
Driggs, a native of Fairfield, Conn., and graduate of St. Joseph High School, lettered four years and as a senior captain won the State Championship under legendary coach Vito Montelli. He went on to be a four-year starter for Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., helping the Continentals advance to the NCAA Tournament three times and reach the Sweet 16 twice. A two-year captain, he was a two-time All-UCAA selection while leading the nation in assists in 2000-01. Driggs went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in government in 2001 and his master’s degree in higher education leadership from Rochester in June 2010.
Jim, his wife Colleen, and their children Jack and Maggie, reside in Meadville.
