Griff Aldrich has been appointed as the new head men's basketball coach at Pepperdine University, as announced by Athletic Director Tanner Gardner. Aldrich, previously the associate head coach at the University of Virginia, brings a strong track record of program turnarounds, highlighted by four NCAA Tournament appearances during his coaching career. His philosophy centers on character, leadership, and the development of student-athletes, aiming to foster a sustainable basketball culture at Pepperdine. Aldrich expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to build a championship-caliber program in Malibu, joining a community that values faith and excellence.

By the Numbers
  • Aldrich achieved a 30-6 record at Virginia, a 15-game improvement from the previous season.
  • He led Longwood to its third consecutive 20-win season and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances from 2021 to 2023.
  • Aldrich was named Big South Coach of the Year in 2022 after Longwood's first-ever NCAA berth with a 26-7 record.
State of Play
  • Aldrich arrives at Pepperdine after a successful senior coaching tenure, aiming to build upon the program's prior successes.
  • Aldrich's leadership is expected to transition Pepperdine to a new competitive level in the upcoming season.
  • The Waves are set to move into a new arena, the Mountain at Mullin Park, enhancing their competitive edge.
What's Next

A formal press conference introducing Aldrich is scheduled for April 7, signaling the start of a new chapter for Pepperdine basketball. Attention will focus on Aldrich's strategic direction for the team's recruitment and development throughout the next season.

Bottom Line

Griff Aldrich's appointment marks a pivotal moment for Pepperdine Men's Basketball, with expectations for renewed success and growth under his proven leadership. The community anticipates a strong commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, aligned with the university's mission of faith and excellence.