Meet the expert

Brett Gunning is currently in his fifth season as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets. Over the past three seasons, he helped head coach Mike D'Antoni coordinate the Rockets offensive scheme. Over that span, Houston won over 70% of its games and recorded the best offensive rating in the league according to NBA.com.

Gunning originally joined the Rockets in 2008 as the team’s director of player development. In that role, he was responsible for improving player performance through on-court, one-on-one skill development and the use of video analysis. He was later named an assistant coach for Houston prior to the 2011-12 season before leaving to serve in that same role with Orlando for three seasons from 2012-13 through 2014-15.

Prior to his first stint with the Rockets, Gunning spent seven seasons (2001-08) as a member of the coaching staff at Villanova University under Jay Wright. During his time with the Wildcats, Gunning played a vital role in recruiting and developing a unit that secured four straight NCAA Tournament berths and made three trips to the Sweet 16. He was named associate coach in 2005 and was recognized following the 2007-08 season as one of the top 25 assistants in the nation by Rivals.com. Gunning’s responsibilities with Villanova included on-court teaching, recruiting and scouting.

Gunning was also a member of Wright’s staff at Hofstra University for seven seasons from 1994-2001. He was a part of a staff that turned Hofstra into an American East powerhouse, posting a 72-22 (.766) record from 1998-2001. Gunning, who assisted with recruiting, individual instruction, scouting and film analysis at Hofstra, was also instrumental in the development of the Pride players.

A native of Broomall, Penn., Gunning graduated from Malvern Prep in 1990 and spent two years as a team manager during his undergraduate studies at Villanova, before accompanying former Wildcats Head Coach Rollie Massimino to UNLV in 1992. He then served as a student assistant for two years with the Runnin’ Rebels, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1994.