Known as one of the most dynamic recruiters in the country, Ashley Howard has the storied La Salle University men's basketball program on an upward trajectory heading into his third season as head coach in 2020.
The Explorers put together their first winning season since the 2016-17 season, and had a number of noteworthy highlights. Getting key performances from different players each night, La Salle defeated three opponents in three days to win the Gulf Coast Showcase in Florida. Each of those three teams that the Explorers beat would go on to win at least 20 games -- South Alabama (20), Murray State (23), and Wright State (25).
Later in the season, La Salle won four of its final six contests against Atlantic 10 foes, and closed the regular season with a one-point victory over Big 5 rival Saint Joseph's. Unfortunately, the Explorers, along with the rest of college basketball, saw their season cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over two-plus years, Howard has revamped the La Salle roster by focusing on talented student-athletes from the East Coast. Nine players hail from within a one-hour radius of La Salle's campus, with three more calling the nation's capital of Washington, D.C. home.
Prior to his arrival at La Salle, Howard spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Villanova, helping the Wildcats to a pair of National Championships. During his time with the Wildcats, Howard was involved in all aspects of the program including on-court teaching, player development and recruiting. He was instrumental in helping the team set a new NCAA record for the most wins in a four-year span.
The Philadelphia native recruited future NBA Draft Picks Mikal Bridges (10th Overall, Phoenix Suns), Jalen Brunson (33rd Overall, Dallas Mavericks), Donte DiVincenzo (17th Overall, Milwaukee Bucks) and Omari Spellman (30th Overall, Atlanta Hawks). He was also a member of the coaching staff that developed Josh Hart into the National Player of the Year in 2016 and a first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Prior to Villanova, Howard accrued a decade's worth of college coaching experience at three different stops. He began his coaching career as a student assistant coach at his alma mater, Drexel University, in 2002 after injury cut short his playing career for the Dragons.
In 2004, following graduation, Howard was hired as an assistant coach at La Salle by Dr. John Giannini. He spent four years with the Explorers before returning to Drexel in 2008 as an assistant coach to James "Bruiser" Flint. He was part of a staff that led the Dragons to consecutive 20-win seasons, including a school record 29 victories in 2011-12.
In 2012-13, Howard served as an assistant on Chris Mack's staff at Xavier University before landing back in his hometown with Villanova.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be named the head coach at La Salle University," Howard said after he was hired in April 2018. "I chose to coach at La Salle early in my career because of its incredible tradition in the Big 5, its dedication to athletic excellence and its commitment to its student-athletes. To have the opportunity to return to campus and lead this storied basketball program – a program defined by greats such as Gola, Durrett, Brooks, Simmons and Butler – is one for which I'm deeply appreciative."
Howard, who graduated from Drexel in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in communications, is the son of Maurice Howard and Diane Coleman. Maurice played college basketball at the University of Maryland and was a second round draft choice of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.
Before that he starred at Monsignor Bonner High School in Lansdowne, Delaware County, where he scored 41 points in a game and averaged 23.8 points per game as a senior. He is married to Ariana Casanovas and has a daughter, Journey, and a son, Ace.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT ASHLEY HOWARD...
Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright
"Ashley is an outstanding coach who made a great impact on our program and University in his five years with us. His passion for mentoring young men and teaching skill has been invaluable in our team's development. La Salle has made a terrific selection and all of us at Villanova are thrilled for Ashley, Ariana and Journey as they embark on this new phase of Ash's career."
La Salle Men's Basketball Alum & Former NBA Player Lionel Simmons
"The hire is well deserved. Ashley put in his dues, he's a Philly guy and he deserves a shot. I think he's going to help us a lot. We have had some tough years as of late. The alumni are excited about the new hire and looking forward to Ashley turning us around. He's been involved in Philadelphia basketball forever, he brings a work ethic and an enthusiasm that can get the players motivated. That's going to be his main focus, to get the guys motivated and heading in the right direction."
Louisville Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Mack
"I'm very happy to hear La Salle's hiring of my good friend Ashley Howard. Ash paid his dues as an assistant coach for many years. His latest experience as part of two National Championships will serve him well. He will do great things at La Salle!"
Former Villanova Standout & 2018 National Player of the Year Jalen Brunson
"Coach Ash helped me grow as a player and as a person. His ability to teach players the game of basketball and encourage them makes him very unique. Being coached by a great person makes relationships last a lifetime."
