James Madison Hires Driesell; Penders to Texas

Charles (Lefty) Driesell, who built a national basketball power at Maryland before resigning in the wake of Len Bias’ cocaine-induced death, was hired Wednesday as coach at James Madison University.

Driesell succeeds John Thurston, who resigned in midseason.

Officials at James Madison, a small college in Harrisonburg, Va., cited nationally for its academic quality, praised Driesell for his commitment to education. President Ronald Carrier and Athletic Director Dean Ehlers noted that 43 of Driesell’s 51 Maryland players graduated.