May 27, 2005

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova head coach Jay Wright today announced the elevation of two staff members to new positions. Assistant coach Brett Gunning has been promoted to associate head coach while Patrick Chambers moves from coordinator of basketball operations to the role of assistant coach.

Gunning, 32, began his coaching career as a student assistant at Villanova in 1990 and continued it at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Upon graduation from UNLV in 1994, he joined Wright's first staff at Hofstra University. He served alongside Wright for seven seasons before coming to Villanova with Wright in 2001. Over the past four seasons he has handled a wide range of duties in his role as an assistant coach, including recruiting, on-court teaching and oversight of the student-athletes' academic progress.

"Brett Gunning has emerged as one of the top assistant coaches in the country," states Wright. "He has been the foundation of our staff at Hofstra University and here at Villanova. We are really excited about his elevation. He brings great knowledge, leadership and experience to the position."

Chambers, 34, came to Villanova in 2004 after serving as an assistant coach at Episcopal Academy and a special assistant for men's basketball at his alma mater, Philadelphia University. In 2004-05 Chambers directed the operations of the basketball office, including the Villanova Basketball Camps and team travel.

"In one year at Villanova Pat Chambers has distinguished himself as an outstanding young collegiate basketball coach," says Wright. "He brings enthusiasm, passion and knowledge to our program. We all think that working alongside Brett and (assistant coach) Ed Pinckney, Pat has the potential to be another great Villanova assistant coach."

The promotion of Gunning and Chambers comes after the departure of former associate head coach Fred Hill in April. There remains one post yet to be filled, the position of coordinator of basketball operations.