LaSalle shuns Palestra for status quo

Explorers turn downExplorers turn downat three-year package La Salle University, which just moved to the Atlantic-10 Conference, will not be moving its home basketball games to the Palestra this season. The University offered La Salle a three-year deal to play on the Penn men's basketball team's home court. But the Explorers decided to continue playing their games at the Civic Center, located across Spruce Street from the Palestra and Franklin Field, according to Penn Athletic Director Steve Bilsky. "I thought it was a fair deal and so did they," Bilsky said. "We'd love to have them, but they have to decide what they want." La Salle decided to continue the status quo instead of coming to the Palestra. "The home floor was open for one more year at a reasonable rate, so we chose that option," said La Salle Athletic Director Robert Mullen. "It was just a matter of timing." La Salle trustees will be meeting this fall to discuss the possibility of renovating La Salle's on-campus arena, Haven Hall, by increasing the capacity from 1,000 to 4,000 seats. Proposals for a 6,000 seat expansion and possibly for a new arena are also being considered by the trustees, Mullen said. Of the Big 5 schools, La Salle is the only school that does not play its home games on campus. "It was okay when all the schools went to the Palestra to play," La Salle basketball coach William "Speedy" Morris said. "It's just not fair to our students anymore." According to Mullen, having the basketball games on campus would be a great attribute for student life. But if the trustees do not approve the renovation proposal, La Salle will be looking for a place to play and will re-enter negotiations with the University in the spring, he added. Penn basketball coach Fran Dunphy said he was disappointed La Salle decided to wait another year before making a commitment. "We all hoped they'd come back, whether to play doubleheaders with us or just on their own at the Palestra," Dunphy said. "From a fan's perspective, which I am, it would be great for college basketball and the entire City of Philadelphia. Although Morris would like to move on-campus he said he enjoys playing in the Palestra. "I'm a Palestra guy and I love it when you have 3,000 fans that sound like 30,000," he said.