Don't know if this has been posted: JVG was on this morning's show Sports Radio 610- His comments as I remember them: 1. Cato has worked hard but still needs to improve his conditioning. He likes Cato with Yao because of the toughness and defense of Cato and he doesn't demand the ball. 2. His goal is to surround Steve and Cato with tough players and shooters. 3. Doesn't expect Steve to pressure the ball full court but to be tough in the half court. He said Steve has made the most progress defensively of any guard he's coached. 4. He said he really liked this team and their success would depend on their willingness to remain committed to imporvement and intensity. And being able to handle the ups and downs of the season on an even keel and remaining focused on improving. It seemed he was more relaxed and understood his team alot more than 3 weeks ago. He did say that he thought the team would surprise this year. And that he has be nervous about starting the season with 10 of 16 on the road ever since he first saw their schedule.
I'm glad to hear Van Gundy say that about Francis's defense. That is something I have really noticed so far this preseason. You don't see Steve losing track of his man anymore. And you see him rotating nicely to help on defense if there is a double down in the post. The change has been quite dramatic, and he has improved way more than I ever expected he could based on his first few seasons. If he could turn himself into an upper tier defensive guard (or at least above average), he would have the complete package.
Losing his man on a back door cut has been one of Steve's biggest problems on D. I've only seen it acouple of times this preseason but over all his defence has been better and hopefully continues to progress.
Steve might be an MVP candidate if he plays D and takes care cuts the TO's way down. There's nothing stopping him after that.
If memory serves....JVG said the lineup that started the last Pre-season game would be the starting lineup for the season. Francis Mobley Jackson Cato Yao With Taylor being the 6th man off the bench.
Just out of curiousity, is Mo still hurt and if he is when is he due back? I like the lineup, with EP and AG backing up the 2,3 and I hope they will use Cato, Yao, and Taylor only for the 4,5 spots until Eggie gets back. Amaechi just hasn't impressed me... IMHO Braggs is probably a better option than Meech.
If you missed it (like I did) or if you're out of town, the whole interview will be going up on their website later on today or tomorrow. Click on "Audio Vault" in the upper right corner. http://www.sportsradio610.com/
Sorry, he said Steve and Yao He also said he would be playing MoT tonight and might as well get him going, why wait
I think he means steve is getting defensive. Here is the actual exchange VG: You gotta get on the ball SF: I was on the ball VG: no you weren't SF: Man i swear to MJ I was on the ball VG: You didn't have a hand in his face either SF: I had both hands in my face, u didn't see Hopefully he's not this kind of defensive but become bruce bowen and doug Christie type of Defense. (raises hand in the hair and does a faux UT longhorns sign to signal my undying love for my wife that follows me like a bad case of herpes)
Ya'll are correct. I like the fact that JVG and his asst coaches are getting Steve to defend. Dominating the ball and scoring 30 pts a night may look good, but giving that up on the defensive end makes us lose many a ball game.
Andre Miller should be a nice litmus test for Steve's defense tonight. I don't think anyone needs a reminder of those damnable Clippers games last season.
It's good to hear that SF is playing defense JVG style. SF and Cat are one of the, if not quickest backcourt in the league, they could create so many headaches for other teams, plus it doesn't hurt to have a 7'6" Chinese guy blocking the middle. Go Rockets!
