During the Rockets very first TNT telecast (against the Mavericks), and Yao Ming's best game ever as a pro, I distinctcly remember this line from Van Gundy when Yao Ming dunked over Bradley: "I am in complete awe right now... I am shocked... That move just made me come to my feet, I am that blown away." Now, I had always respected Van Gundy for what he did in NY, but never particularly liked him much or anything. In fact, I thought he would get lost as a broadcaster behind Marv and Fratello... But, when he said those words, something just struck me. Ever since then, whenever Yao made some great move, I could hear those words. It wasn't normal for a national broadcaster to show that sort of emotion, and you have to remember that back then, a lot of people were still criticizing the Rockets for picking Yao Ming at all (this was right after the Pucker up game). I just think its prophetic that Van Gundy will now be coaching this team after all is said and done. In fact, being a guy who feels his life is intertwined with this team, I get this funny feeling that all along, somehow, I always knew that Jeff would eventually be with this team... like it was predetermined, even back in November. Anybody else feel the same way?
Perhaps not that early. However, I was writing in this forum in March that I 'predicted' JVG would be the coach to replace RT this year.
I don't know about "predetermined," but I do remember sitting in my living room, watching that game, and managing to hear Van Gundy say that over my own screams after Yao threw down that dunk. ("Throw it down, big man!") I knew all along that Van Gundy like this team--especially Yao--and it gives me goose bumps to think of what level he is capable of taking this team to. Should be an interesting season, guys...
Also, don't forget that Van Gundy was originally slated to work out Yao Ming for the NBA when he first came to the US. Van Gundy's chance was rejected by the NY Knicks citing "conflict of interest" or something. All the NY papers mention this now and get a kick out of the fact that now Van Gundy can work out Yao Ming all he wants. It should be a very interesting year.
I think Van Gundy has sold himself through the media all year, especially when the team looked like it was in trouble. Remember when there was a controversy over how Yao was being used? The Chronicle had an article about it, and guess who was quoted?
I still have that game on tape Nick, even though the Rockets lost, just because of Yao's performance and I brought up the same thing. Van Gundy was one of the few people that showed Yao respect and gave him credit early in his career, along with Bill Walton. Van Gundy is going to have a lot of fun getting this team to play together.
No. I'm not pyschic. I don't have those special talents and abilities. But it is pretty neat to think about it. Destiny!
