University of Virginia Library

Irish Luck

Dick DiBiaso's unexpected departure from
the University coaching ranks is an
unfortunate occurrence.

To many students and Charlottesville
residents, Coach DiBiaso was simply the first
year basketball mentor who possessed a low
boiling point and an unrestrained desire to
argue with referees at the cost of numerous
technical fouls and an occasional ejection.

However, inside Virginia's athletic circles,
Coach DiBiaso was a definite asset. He was
most valuable to head coach Bill Gibson as a
varsity assistant, first-year coach, and
topnotch recruiter. Coach DiBiaso worked
tirelessly in the latter field, which eventually
became a strong point, during his five-year
stay at the University.

Coach DiBiaso's move to South Bend is
understandable. At Notre Dame he will be
joining a first-class basketball program and his
longtime friend and new head coach Dick
"Digger" Phelps.

As Virginia steps into the new basketball
era he helped create, we will miss Mr.
DiBiaso's colorful antics and his coaching and
recruiting ability. We echo Athletic Director
Gene Corrigan who praised Coach DiBiaso,
saying "We are sorry to see him leave. He has
been a fine young man and a fine coach and
we wish him well at Notre Dame."