Van Gundy introduced as Rockets new head coach

HOUSTON -- Jeff Van Gundy took over as coach of the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, returning to the sidelines less than two years after abruptly leaving the New York Knicks.

Van Gundy, seated between owner Les Alexander and general manager Carroll Dawson, was formally introduced at the site of Houston's new downtown arena, where the Rockets will play next season.

"This to me was a good fit," Van Gundy said. "I just feel that this was right for me at this time in my life."

The Rockets agreed to give the Knicks a second-round draft pick as compensation for Van Gundy.

Van Gundy succeeds Rudy Tomjanovich, who stepped down last month after 12 years as coach. He won two NBA championships, one against the Knicks in 1994 when Van Gundy was an assistant under Pat Riley.'

The Rockets did not release contract terms but a source within the league told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that Van Gundy signed a four-year deal worth $18 million.

Van Gundy takes over a team that hasn't reached the playoffs in four seasons, but is blessed with two huge building blocks in 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming, runner-up in rookie of the year voting last season, and guard Steve Francis, eager to make the playoffs for the first time in his pro career.

"I think Jeff will take us really far," Alexander said. "We're thrilled, thrilled, thrilled to have him here."

Rockets players welcomed the news of a new coach, but many expressed sadness at the departure of Tomjanovich.

"I am very excited to hear the news about coach Van Gundy joining the Rockets," Yao said in a statement. "I felt very lucky to play for a Hall of Fame coach last year in Rudy Tomjanovich, and I feel lucky to now play for another of the best coaches in the game.

"I am aware of the work that Coach Van Gundy did with Patrick Ewing during the peak of his career, and I think he can bring out the best in me and all of my teammates. I believe Coach Van Gundy can help lead the Rockets to the next level."

The Rockets hoped for that success last season with a healthy Maurice Taylor and Glen Rice and the addition of Yao, the first pick in last year's draft. The Rockets won 15 more games that the previous year, but still missed the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference.

Tomjanovich missed the final 17 games of the season while undergoing treatment for bladder cancer and eventually stepped down as coach on May 23 after working out a settlement of the final two years of his contract.

Yao, who started for the West in the NBA All-Star Game and led NBA rookies in scoring (15.5), blocks (1.74) and double-doubles (27), might get to work with Ewing too.

Ewing, under contract with the Washington Wizards, has been mentioned as a possible assistant to Van Gundy.

After formalizing his staff, Van Gundy will prepare for the NBA draft on June 26. The Rockets don't have a first-round selection.

Van Gundy replaced Don Nelson as Knicks coach in the 1995-96 season and went 248-172. He led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to San Antonio.

He didn't have a losing season before abruptly stepping down with a 10-9 record early in the 2001-2002 season. He left with a 37-32 playoff record as coach.

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