La Salle College Grad Coaches Gwynedd Mercy University to Championship Game

Darnell 'Speedy' Artis leads Griffins to title match, also playing with Harlem Globetrotters this weekend

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Gwynedd Mercy University will host the Atlantic East Conference Men's Basketball Championship Game on Saturday, February 28 as the No. 2 Griffins take on No. 4 Neumann University. The winner will receive an automatic qualifier into the 2026 NCAA DIII Men's Basketball Championship. The championship appearance marks a standout first season for head coach Darnell 'Speedy' Artis, a Gwynedd Mercy University alum, graduate of La Salle College High School, and Harlem Globetrotter.

Why it matters

Artis' success in his first year as head coach highlights the pipeline of local talent that Gwynedd Mercy University is able to attract, as well as the program's ability to develop players and compete at a high level in Division III athletics. The Griffins' championship appearance also brings increased visibility and excitement to the school's sports programs.

The details

Artis was named the new head coach of the Gwynedd Mercy University men's basketball team in June 2025 after a successful playing career with the Harlem Globetrotters. In his inaugural season, he has led the Griffins to the Atlantic East Conference title game, where they will face off against Neumann University on February 28. The winner will earn an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship.

  • Gwynedd Mercy University will host the Atlantic East Conference Men's Basketball Championship Game on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00pm.
  • Artis and the Harlem Globetrotters will be in Philadelphia this weekend as part of their '100 Year Tour'.

The players

Darnell 'Speedy' Artis

The head coach of the Gwynedd Mercy University men's basketball team, a Gwynedd Mercy University alum and graduate of La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor. He is also a member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Gwynedd Mercy University

A private Catholic university located in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. The school's men's basketball team, the Griffins, are competing in the Atlantic East Conference championship game on February 28.

Neumann University

A private Catholic university located in Aston, Pennsylvania. The school's men's basketball team, the Knights, are facing off against Gwynedd Mercy University in the Atlantic East Conference championship game on February 28.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of the February 28 championship game between Gwynedd Mercy University and Neumann University will receive an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship.

The takeaway

Darnell 'Speedy' Artis' success in his first season as head coach of the Gwynedd Mercy University men's basketball team demonstrates the program's ability to attract and develop local talent, as well as its competitiveness in Division III athletics. The Griffins' championship appearance brings increased visibility and excitement to the school's sports programs.