PHILADELPHIA, PA - La Salle University men's basketball coach Dr. John Giannini has announced the addition of Ashley Howard to the men's basketball coaching staff.

"I am extremely happy to have Ashley as part of our staff. I am very impressed with his knowledge of the game as a young coach, his ability to teach, his enthusiasm and energy and the relationship that he has had with the players and coaches that he has worked with." said Coach Giannini.

The former Drexel stand-out most recently served as the Assistant Director of Eastern Invitational Basketball.

The Philadelphia native and Monsignor Bonner graduate had his collegiate career cut short when he was diagnosed his a heart condition after his sophomore season with the Dragons. In his final season at Drexel he averaged 8.9 points per game with just under five assists.

Howard stayed on the Drexel staff for three seasons as a student assistant for Bruiser Flint and earned his Bachelor's in Communications in May of 2004.

"I feel that he is a high-quality individual who will bring a lot of things to our staff and who has an outstanding future in the coaching profession." added Giannini.

Howard joins his former Drexel coach Steve Seymour, Horace "Pappy" Owens and Director of Basketball Operations Harris Adler who were named to Giannini's staff last month.