Gunning leaves 'Nova for NBA

Villanova assistant coach Brett Gunning will leave the team to take a job with the Houston Rockets of the NBA, according to a press release issued by Villanova University today.

Gunning, who was named associate head coach in 2005, arrived with head coach Jay Wright to Villanova in 2001. Gunning had also served under Wright at Hofstra, and was an undergraduate at Villanova from 1990 to 1992 while Wright assisted head coach Rollie Massimino.

Gunning will join the Rockets as director of player development.

"It's always been a dream of mine to coach in the NBA and this was an exciting opportunity that I couldn't pass up," said Gunning. "It wasn't an easy decision to leave Villanova, but I will always be grateful for the time spent here and the many great people I got to know."

Wright cited Gunning as a key component of the program's recent success. Gunning helped recruit and develop former Villanova stars Kyle Lowry, Allan Ray, and Randy Foye.

"Brett has been an integral part of our Villanova basketball family over the last seven years and an important part of our success," said Wright.

"He is one of the game's bright young coaches and made a great impact on our program. We will miss him, but it's always exciting when a member of our staff has the chance to pursue their dream, and this opportunity in Houston allows Brett to do that. He'll always be a Wildcat to us, though."