Oct. 5, 2007

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Doug West, who starred at Villanova as a player in the late 1980s, is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach, it was announced today. West replaces Ed Pinckney, who accepted an assistant coaching position with the National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves last month.

"We are thrilled to have another member of the Villanova basketball alumni family join our staff," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Doug is a great addition to our staff because of his experience in the NBA and, most importantly, for the pride he takes in being a part of the Villanova basketball program."

West, a native of Altoona, Pa., ranks fourth on the Wildcats' all-time scoring list with 2,037 points and is one of only seven players in program history to score more than 2,000 points. Villanova posted an 80-59 record in his four seasons from 1985-89, highlighted by a trip to the Elite Eight of the 1988 NCAA Tournament. Wright served as an assistant coach on that squad.

Following graduation West was a second round draft choice of the Timberwolves. The 6-6 guard played nine seasons in the Twin Cities before finishing up his pro career with the Vancouver Grizzlies in 2001. Over the course of his pro career, he scored 6,216 points. In the years since his playing career ended, West has served in several capacities at the high school level and spent the 2006-07 season assisting the Duquesne women's basketball program.

"I'm excited about this opportunity," stated West. "It's something I have thought about for a long time. I have watched this team up close and from afar. I bleed blue and white and this is a chance for me to contribute in another way. I am very happy to be here."