Chris Walker Assigned to Day-to-Day duties in Gillispie's Absense

    Texas Tech men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie has announced that Chris Walker has been named associate head coach for the Red Raiders after spending the two previous seasons at Villanova.

Walker is the most recent addition to Gillispie's coaching staff, after Gillispie retained Chris Beard, who will enter his 10th season as an assistant for the Red Raiders in 2011-12.

"We are pleased and excited to have Chris Walker join our staff," said Gillispie. "Chris is one of the best people, best recruiters and best coaches that I know."

Walker, 41, helped Villanova to a 46-20 overall record the past two seasons while making back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament. He returned to his alma mater in June 2009 after spending two seasons on the coaching staff at New Mexico.

"From the moment I took the job, he was one of my top targets because he is a relationship builder," noted Gillispie. "He has tremendous relationships not only in Texas but across the country. He develops great relationships within the program and the community and that pays off in so many ways. I think this was a great move for Chris and it's definitely a great move for Texas Tech."

Known as a top-notch recruiter, Walker was instrumental in `Nova signing several of the top prep players in the nation leading up to the 2010-2011 season.

"Although I am leaving my alma mater and great friend Coach Wright, I am thrilled and excited to join Billy Gillispie and the Texas Tech Basketball family," said Walker. "I am humbled by this opportunity and being back in Texas makes it even more special."

Walker had a previous stint with the Wildcats as an assistant in 2000-01, on the staff of former head coach Steve Lappas before joining Lappas at Massachusetts.