La Salle University head men’s basketball coach Dr. John Giannini has announced that former Explorer D.J. Peterson has been added to his staff as video coordinator. Peterson, who most recently served as an assistant coach at Crown College (Minn.), replaces John Ball, who recently accepted an assistant coaching position at Harcum College.
“D.J. embodied unselfish, smart play during his career at La Salle,” Giannini said. “He is committed to winning so his desire to pursue a career in coaching is something I expected. He has gained valuable experience as a Division II and Division III assistant. He will be a great asset to our staff in game preparation as well as a great role model and mentor to our players.”
Peterson was a four-year letterwinner at La Salle from 2011-15, appearing in 129 games during his career. As a sophomore, he started 18 contests and helped the Explorers earn an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament.
During the NCAA Tournament run, Peterson started all four games and averaged 25.5 minutes per contest. His defensive prowess helped La Salle hold Ole Miss guard Marshall Henderson to 8-for-21 shooting, including 4-for-15 from three-point range, in a 76-74 win that sent the team to the Sweet 16.
“I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity that Coach Giannini has given me to come back to La Salle,” Peterson said. “I look forward to working with him, the team and the rest of the staff.”
Following his playing career, Peterson joined the coaching staff at New Mexico Highlands where he served as an assistant coach under head coach Craig Snow. The Cowboys improved their win total by 10 games from the prior year in 2015-16 and recorded their first winning season since 2010-11.
Peterson becomes the third former La Salle men’s basketball player to join Giannini’s current staff, along with assistant coaches Sean Neal (2003-07) and Donnie Carr (1996-2000).
