Griff Aldrich has been appointed as the new head men鈥檚 basketball coach at Pepperdine University, marking a significant leadership change for the Waves program. Previously an associate head coach at Virginia, Aldrich is recognized for his success in program turnarounds, with appearances in the NCAA Tournament at multiple schools, including Longwood and UMBC. His leadership is anticipated to usher in a new era of competitive excellence at Pepperdine, as defined by both university officials and Aldrich himself. With a background that combines rigorous coaching and business acumen, he aims to align the basketball program with Pepperdine鈥檚 values of faith and academic integrity.

By the Numbers
  • Aldrich led Virginia to a 30-6 record, marking a 15-win improvement from the previous season.
  • During his tenure at Longwood, he achieved three consecutive 20-win seasons and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
State of Play
  • Aldrich is the 14th head coach in Pepperdine men鈥檚 basketball history, succeeding in a program with 13 NCAA Tournament appearances.
  • He brings extensive experience, including a notable turnaround at UMBC, which historically defeated a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
What's Next

An introductory press conference for Aldrich is scheduled for April 7, providing an opportunity for media to engage with the new coach. His immediate focus will be building the program at the forthcoming Mountain at Mullin Park, reinforcing the foundation for future success.

Bottom Line

The hiring of Griff Aldrich signals a strategic move by Pepperdine to bolster its men's basketball program, driven by his proven track record of success and character. His leadership is expected to foster a competitive environment that resonates with the university鈥檚 mission, potentially leading to greater achievements in upcoming seasons.