The Gola Standard

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Rich O'Donnell and Dennis Grove host the only alumni produced La Salle Men's Basketball podcast.

Dennis and Rich


    • Mar 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 90 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Gola Standard podcast is an absolute gem for any La Salle Alumni or basketball enthusiast. Having been fortunate enough to sit in front of Rich and Dennis in the Tom Gola Arena for several years, I was ecstatic to discover that they had started a podcast. The excitement and energy they bring to their live game commentary is unparalleled, and I couldn't wait to see if it translated into their podcast as well.

    One of the best aspects of The Gola Standard podcast is the depth of knowledge that both Rich and Dennis bring to the table. As longtime commentators for La Salle basketball games, they have a deep understanding of the sport and its intricacies. They provide insightful analysis and break down plays in a way that even casual fans can understand. It's clear that they are passionate about the game, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the heartfelt nature with which Rich and Dennis approach each episode. They not only discuss the ins and outs of basketball but also share personal stories and experiences related to their time at La Salle. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to their commentary and makes listening to them feel like catching up with old friends.

    Additionally, the humor that Rich and Dennis inject into each episode is a welcome touch. It's evident that they enjoy bantering with each other, cracking jokes, and keeping things lighthearted. This helps create an enjoyable listening experience where you can both learn something new about basketball while also having a good laugh.

    Of course, no podcast is without its flaws. One aspect that could be improved upon is the production quality of The Gola Standard podcast. There are moments where the sound quality dips or background noise becomes distracting. While this doesn't detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the podcast, it would definitely elevate it further if these issues were addressed.

    In conclusion, The Gola Standard podcast is a must-listen for any La Salle Alumni or basketball fan. Rich and Dennis bring a wealth of knowledge, heartfelt storytelling, and humor to each episode. Despite some minor issues with production quality, the podcast remains a top-tier choice for anyone seeking insightful analysis and entertaining commentary on the sport they love. With each passing year, Rich and Dennis continue to elevate their podcast, ensuring that it remains at the top of my weekly listening list.



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    Latest episodes from The Gola Standard

    Episode 89: Welcome to Philly, Darris Nichols

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 20:22


    Radford Head Coach Darris Nichols has been announced as the next Head Coach of La Salle Basketball. Rich, Dennis, and Tom Gola 2.0 (@TG2point0) break down the breaking news.

    Episode 88: Fran And The Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 58:11


    Big 5 legend Fran Dunphy wins the final home game of his career against rival Saint Joe's. We are joined by UMass fan and #SearchSZN host @CurryHicksSage to discuss head coaching candidates and preview the A10 tournament.

    Episode 87: The Next Head Coach Is…

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 82:10


    Who will be the next coach of the La Salle Explorers? We do a deep dive with Tom Gola 2.0 (@TG2point0) to figure out Fran Dunphy's successor. We also discuss the new revenue sharing policy which enables direct NIL compensation from colleges to athletes. How will La Salle handle this change?

    Episode 86: Fran Dunphy To Retire As Head Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 38:09


    La Salle Head Coach Fran Dunphy will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024/25 basketball season. We are joined by Richie Tarr and Bron Holland to discuss Dunphy's legacy and impact he had on La Salle University.

    Episode 85: It's Mailbag Time!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 57:12


    Dennis and Rich answer questions from the listeners. We also talk about the second half of the A10 schedule.

    Episode 84: Snow Day In Amherst

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 48:08


    Two tough road loses and a big home win have La Salle in the middle of the pack of the Atlantic 10. Will they be above .500 when the week is over? Dennis and Rich also talk about their road trip to UMass.

    Episode 83: Buzzer-Beating Bank Shot Beats Bonnies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 35:08


    The Explorers get a dramatic Q1 win against the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies in western New York and Rich and Dennis were in the building. It's a great day to be an Explorer.

    Episode 82: A10 Preview w/ 3BidLeaguePod

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 60:24


    The boyz are joined by Tyler and Matt of the 3 Bid League Podcast to discuss the Atlantic 10 season. We also preview La Salle's first conference game against powerhouse Dayton. Happy New Year!

    Episode 81: Big 5 Bummer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 43:23


    The Explorers experience a major setback at Wells Fargo Center. Dennis and Rich also preview next weekend's game in Chapel Hill.

    Episode 80: Big 5 Championship Bound w/ Matt Martucci

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 51:19


    La Salle beats Temple at Glaser Arena! The Explorers are set to play the Saint Joseph's Hawks for the Big 5 Championship on Saturday. We talked with Hawks play-by-play guy Matt Martucci about the big game at Wells Fargo Center.

    Episode 79: Daytona Recap w/ Bron Holland

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 52:12


    We are joined by La Salle's finest, Bron Holland, to discuss the Explorer's 1-2 record in Daytona. We also preview the massive game on November 30 as Temple visits Glaser Arena for a spot in the Big 5 Championship.

    Episode 78: Undefeated Explorers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 55:33


    We are joined by Tom Gola 2.0 to discuss La Salle's great start in non-conference play. Will the Explorers continue the winning streak in Daytona?

    Episode 77: Home Sweet Home

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 33:02


    La Salle wins their first ever game at John Glaser Arena. Dennis and Rich talk about the sights and sounds from the momentous evening.

    Episode 76: Glaser Arena Countdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 46:10


    Rich and Dennis talk about the grand opening of John Glaser Arena on November 4. We also list our three road trips on the calendar for this season.

    Episode 75: Private Tour of Glaser Arena

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 45:17


    Rich and Dennis get a VIP tour of John Glaser Arena. We also discuss the new look roster and the non-conference schedule.

    Episode 74: Portal Talk w/ Ashwin and John

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 43:50


    We are joined by Ashwin Puri and John Cox to talk about the world of NIL and the challenges of the transfer portal.

    Episode 73: A10 Tourney Preview w/ Richie Tarr

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 44:08


    La Salle alum, 1000 point scorer & MAAC MVP Richie Tarr joins us to talk about the Explorer's postseason in Brooklyn.

    Episode 72: Farewell Gola Arena w/ Bron Holland

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 63:07


    We are joined by Bron Holland, La Salle Basketball Alum, to say goodbye to the iconic Tom Gola Arena. We also talk about the big matchup in Chicago.

    Episode 71: Explorers Win Third in a Row

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 59:20


    POW! Dennis and Rich recap the excitement from the past few games. We also talk about the final home game at Tom Gola Arena prior to renovation.

    Episode 70: Matt Martucci

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 68:12


    Rich and Dennis talk about the upcoming games against Rhody and Saint Joe's, and are joined by college basketball play-by-play announcer Matt Martucci.

    Episode 69: Dayton Preview w/ Sully

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 53:19


    The 16th ranked Dayton Flyers will visit Tom Gola Arena on Tuesday. Will the Explorers pull off the upset?

    Episode 68: UMass Preview w/ Curry Hicks Sage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 56:23


    Rich and Dennis are joined by Curry Hicks Sage, a UMass superfan and college basketball insider. We discuss the upcoming matchup in Amherst as well as recap La Salle's last two games.

    Episode 67: Atlantic 10 Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 55:28


    Rich and Dennis are joined by Tom Gola 2.0 to discuss the conference portion of the schedule. Will La Salle get to 20 wins?

    Episode 66: Andrés The Giant

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 44:42


    La Salle goes 2-0 thanks to sharpshooter Andrés Marrero. Dennis and Rich also talk about the big weekend matchup in Coral Gables.

    Episode 65: Bedlam at the Big 5 Classic

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 55:11


    The Explorers played two thrilling games in a row and we were in person to see them both. Rich and Dennis also review the Inaugural Big 5 Classic and the future of the Big 5.

    Episode 64: 600 Wins for Dunphy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 51:59


    Fran Dunphy gets his 600th win! The Boyz talk about the Duke road trip and review the Explorers' performance thus far. We also discuss the two big games coming up: at Temple and “The Big 5 Classic”

    Episode 63: Welcome to the Big 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 43:22


    La Salle defeats Drexel in a Big 5 thriller. Rich and Dennis talk about the first game of the season and prepare for homecoming against Northeastern.

    Episode 62: Season Preview w/ Tom Gola 2.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 59:58


    College basketball is back! We talk with esteemed La Salle hoops aficionado ‘Tom Gola 2.0' about the upcoming season.

    Episode 61: Fran Dunphy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 36:19


    Frantastic! College basketball legend and La Salle Head Coach Fran Dunphy talks with Dennis & Rich about the Explorers.

    Episode 60: Ashwin Puri

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2023 41:30


    Dennis and Rich spend some time with Ashwin Puri, La Salle's Vice President for Athletics & Recreation. Topics span from his career to arena renovation plans.

    Episode 59: John Glaser Arena

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 48:02


    It's happening! Tom Gola Arena is going to be renovated (and renamed). The Gola Boyz talk about the unveil event and how important this is for our alma mater and Explorers athletics.

    Episode 58: Announcing the Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 37:04


    The Gola Boyz are excited to finally get more details on the arena renovations. We also talk about La Salle's full schedule and the remaining pieces of the roster.

    Episode 57: New AD Announced

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 45:34


    La Salle announces their new athletic director and the Atlantic 10 announces this season's schedule pairings. Also, the Gola Boyz recap their experience at the 21st Annual Friends of Bill Raftery golf outing.

    Episode 56: Kale Beers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 53:10


    POW! The voice of the Explorers, Kale Beers, joins Rich and Dennis to talk about sports broadcasting, his love for basketball and La Salle University.

    Episode 55: Dr. John Giannini

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 59:06


    Dennis and Rich are joined by former La Salle Head Coach Dr. John Giannini to talk about the 2013 Sweet 16 team, among other things. We also talk about the latest news in Explorer Land.

    Episode 54: The Big 5 Is Back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 53:16


    The Big 5 has officially changed. What does the future look like for this Philadelphia tradition? Dennis and Rich also talk about a few off-season developments.

    Episode 53: Brian Baptiste to Miami

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 58:18


    La Salle's Athletic Director, Brian Baptiste, is going to the University of Miami. What does this mean for the arena plans? We also talk about the ending of the Explorer's 2022-23 season and their off-season to come.

    Episode 52: A10 Tournament Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 44:43


    After losing five games in a row, we shift our focus to the Atlantic 10 Tournament. The Gola Boyz breakdown the first round matchup with Rhode Island and talk about the other opponents in the bracket, should they advance.

    Episode 51: Jinx Boyz

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 47:55


    Are we a jinx? La Salle loses on the road to GW after falling to Duquesne. We recap our road trip and talk about the Explorer's final two regular season games.

    Episode 50: Feeling .500

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 48:27


    It took 50 episodes, but we are finally enjoying a .500 Atlantic 10 team in February. What will it take to stay in the middle of the pack by March?

    Episode 49: Fran-tastic Four

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2023 48:08


    La Salle has won four in a row! We break down the big wins from this week and preview the upcoming games. The Gola Boyz are going on a third road trip and we announce the location exclusively on the pod.

    Episode 48: La Salle 2-0 & Mailbag 2.0

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2023 47:50


    The Boyz talk about La Salle's nice wins against GW and Saint Joe's. We also open the mailbag and answer the tough questions from our followers.

    Episode 47: Rhode Trip Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 52:33


    Rich and Dennis unpack the rumors of a new format for Big 5 basketball. We also recap the trip to Rhode Island which resulted in a phone call from one our favorite La Salle alums.

    Episode 46: 1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 33:56


    Rich and Dennis talk about the past three games which included a win against UMass, and a loss against Fordham and Saint Joe's.

    Episode 45: Guard Dogs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 41:21


    La Salle defeats Rhode Island in overtime at Tom Gola Arena. We talk about the stellar effort from the backcourt. We also discuss the troubles with La Salle's broadcast and Sweet 16 celebration.

    Episode 44: The Year of the Gola Boyz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 51:18


    The Boyz recap the win at Howard and the loss at VCU and prepare for the A10 conference home opener against Rhode Island. Dennis and Rich also reminisce about a very eventful 2022.

    Episode 43: The Mailbag Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2022 73:37


    You asked and we answered, it's mailbag time. The Gola Boyz also talk about the Explorers' dismal performances against the Bearcats and the Leopards. Rich offers his "State of The Program" and we shift focus to conference play.

    Episode 42: Coming Up Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 51:03


    A new Tom Gola statue is unveiled and the Explorers lose to Drexel in OT. There's still some problems this team must fix. How will they bounce back against Cincinnati?

    Episode 41: Palestra Boyz

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 59:02


    The Explorers defeat Penn in an overtime thriller. Rich and Dennis discuss the season thus far as well as predict the outcomes of the remaining non-conference games.

    Episode 40: Dunphy vs. Neptune

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2022 47:24


    College basketball is back! Dennis and Rich head to Villanova, PA to watch La Salle play their first game of the 2022/23 season.

    Episode 39: Is It November Yet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 50:38


    We're counting down the days until Villanova hosts La Salle at the Pavilion. The Gola Boyz discuss a variety of current events and present the hottest take in our podcast's history(?)

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