Van Gundy takes over as Rockets coach

The former Knicks coach replaces Rudy Tomjanovich.
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets will introduce their new coach today at their new arena. It won't be a surprise.
Jeff Van Gundy will join team owner Leslie Alexander and general manager Carroll Dawson at a news conference near the Rockets' new downtown home, which is under construction.
Van Gundy told Dawson on Monday he was ready to succeed Rudy Tomjanovich as the Rockets' coach, pending his agent completing contract negotiations.
On Tuesday, Dawson was getting ready to sign assistant coaches and preparing for the NBA draft.
"My reaction is very excited," Dawson said. "We had a lot of competition for this guy. Everybody who had an opening was trying to get him, so we feel very fortunate.
"I'm going to start signing whoever he wants as assistants, then we've got to get ready for the draft. We don't have a first-round pick, but we have people coming in to work out."
Ewing possible
Among the names mentioned for an assistant coaching position is former Knicks star Patrick Ewing, now an assistant with the Washington Wizards. Van Gundy coached Ewing with the Knicks.
"He's [Van Gundy] mentioned that, but I think there's a lot of competition for Patrick," Dawson said. "Patrick might be in the same position that Jeff was under because he's under contract. I don't know if we can talk to him.
"That's going to be up to the coach."
The Rockets have agreed to give the Knicks a second-round draft pick as compensation for Van Gundy, who is under contract through July 31.
Former Rockets and current Knicks forward Othella Harrington suggested the Rockets get ready for a disciplined coach who gives extreme attention to detail.
"He's a guy who's going to work constantly to improve the team and the organization," Harrington said. "He's a very intense guy. There are no questions about his ability to coach and to win and there's no question about him wanting to win."