Bruiser Flint humble as he sets Drexel record for career wins

Bruiser Flint has carved out a very successful career with the Dragons.
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James “Bruiser” Flint heard the talk. He knew the record was coming. But he’s a basketball coach, and coaches are focused in the moment.

Flint, the highly successful men’s basketball coach at Drexel, became the all-time winningest coach in school history when the Dragons defeated Elon, 71-64, Monday night in the opening round of the NIT Season Tip-Off at Rutgers University.

Now in his 13th season, Flint earned his 214th victory at Drexel and the 300th of his career, passing Sam Cozen for the No. 1 position in school history.

“I was teasing the guys afterward in the locker room that they made it hard on me,” Flint told Metro in a telephone interview.

Flint never set out to achieve personal records. It just happened because of his hard work, desire and dedication to the Drexel program. He has won CAA Coach of the Year four times since accepting the head coaching position in 2001.

“Honestly, I don’t even think about things like this stuff,” Flint said. “I’m on to the next game. I’m happy to have the record, but until recently, I didn’t even know who held the record. I just don’t think that way. The guys on the team and students on campus were talking about it so you knew the record was coming. I wouldn’t be where I am without all the great players, staff, coaches and everyone associated with Drexel through the years that I’ve been here.

“We have great kids who graduate and we’ve done a great job in that respect. We take so much pride in our program and this is a representation of that work.”

Flint is so popular in the area and throughout the country. Even if he downplayed the record-setting win, his phone began to light up soon after beating Elon.

“I was on to the next game, and everybody was calling, texting, congratulating me,” Flint said. “I heard from so many former players, staff members, friends. It was great. It’s always nice to hear from people.”