Bonner & Prendie Grad Ashley Howard Named Head Men's Basketball Coach At La Salle University
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - Two-time first-team All-Catholic selection Ashley Howard, a 1999 graduate of Bonner & Prendie, has been named the 19th head coach of La Salle University's school's storied men's basketball program.
Howard, who most recently served for the past five seasons as the top assistant coach to Jay Wright at Villanova University, will begin his tenure immediately. Howard was formally introduced on Monday, April 9, at a press conference in Founders' Hall on La Salle University's West Campus.
"As a former assistant coach here, we know firsthand that Ashley Howard is an exceptional coaching talent who has a deep understanding of both La Salle's basketball tradition and its important student-focused mission," said Bill Bradshaw, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation for La Salle University. "This is a university that holds character, integrity and commitment to that mission in the highest esteem, and our men's basketball coach has the unique responsibility of reflecting that on and off the court. We have every confidence that Ash will do that – and more – in leading this program. He is a high-energy leader with a tremendous basketball pedigree as well as a strong track record of recruiting, developing and mentoring high-quality student-athletes. His experience, especially in the past five years, reflects that Ash knows how to win. We are delighted to welcome him home to La Salle University."
Howard accepts this new role after five seasons as the top assistant coach to Jay Wright at Villanova University. During his tenure there, Howard was instrumental in helping the Wildcats win two NCAA National Championships and setting a new NCAA record for the most wins in a four-year span. Prior to Villanova, Howard earned a decade's worth of college coaching experience, beginning his career as a student assistant coach at his alma mater, Drexel University, in 2002. In 2004, Howard was hired as an assistant at La Salle University, under Coach John Giannini, and spent four years with the Explorers before returning to Drexel in 2008 as an assistant coach to James "Bruiser" Flint. Howard was part of a staff that led the Dragons to consecutive 20-win seasons, including a school record 29 victories in 2011-12.
Howard is a former standout basketball star at Drexel University, graduating in 2004 with a degree in Communications. Before that he starred at Monsignor Bonner High School in Lansdowne, Delaware County where he still holds the single-game scoring record. He is married to Ariana Casanovas and has a daughter, Journey.
Full La Salle Press Release