Jeff Van Gundy will arrive in Houston today to see what is waiting for him if the Rockets can close the deal to make him their coach. The Rockets' recruiting effort will take him around town, with contract negotiations to follow. But while Van Gundy checks out his offer, the Rockets have decided what they want.

"We made our minds up," said Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson, who returned to Houston Wednesday night from the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago. "Nothing is done until he looks at the situation and sees what he thinks about our operation, the city and franchise. It's kind of like recruiting now. I told Mike Dunleavy's agent (Warren LeGarie) this is our next step. We'll show him (Van Gundy) the arena, Westside, our operations.

"I like the way it's going. But it takes two to tango. Just us wanting him won't get the job done."

Rockets officials and Van Gundy's agent, Jim Ornstein, began contract negotiations Wednesday, although they are not expected to be completed until Friday at the earliest, sources familiar with the talks said.