Link: http://blogs.chron.com/nba/2006/09/and_now_a_word_from_jvg.html Jonathan Feigen September 18, 2006 8:57 PM And now a word from ... JVG? By now, if you've watched sports, news or weather in Houston, you've seen the Rockets' television commercial, the one with the Jeff Van Gundy voiceover pledging a team you will love and zooming in on Yao Ming's left eye, which apparently contains exhilarating basketball highlights. In a speech taken from a radio interview, Van Gundy basically says the Rockets owe us one and to "bet on us to come back." When I heard it, I found myself picturing the Rockets' marketing people high-fiving their way around Toyota Center's fourth floor upon hearing Van Gundy saying precisely the sort of thing they would have written in a script. It's perfect for a ticket come-on commercial. But I wonder if they caught the irony that the reason it works is because Van Gundy so rarely offers the company line. It works only because coming from him it does not sound like coachspeak or sales spiel because he has so often said the last thing they wanted to hear. Like or dislike what Van Gundy often says, agree or disagree, you know he means it. So now, all those times the bosses upstairs cringed has paid off. They can only hope he is as right this time as he was then.
I think it has something to do with him being asked to lighten up when criticizing/praising the team and the organization. They may have even planned it to some extent.
Where can I see the commercial again. It doesn't come up when you go to rockets.com because they got the season and miniplan ticket ads instead. I want to see it again
I'll go ahead and say it. I am and always have been a JVG fan. Do I think he has made some boneheaded and stubborn moves that have hurt the team? Yeah, but I think he wants to win more than any other coach in the league and will do anything in his powers to make sure that the team is prepared. Does he have the ability to coach an NBA championship team? I don't know, but I know that he wont fall short because of lack of effort. Eventually, if JVG can't get the job done, it will be time to show him the door, but that time hasn't arrived yet. I think this team will have a lot of passion and excitement over the course of this upcoming season. Barring injuries, I think this team will remind you of the one that we fell in love with a couple of seasons ago. The main difference will be that we have added some youth and athleticism to the team. This will ensure that the guys still have enough left in the tank come playoff time. I am sure that a lof of fellow Clutch Fans will be quick to point out that this team is unproven -- but they will prove themselves. Give JVG and the new guys a chance and I thin we'll all be happy. I don't think you can deny that several players over the past couple of years have said that JVG is the best coach they have ever played for.
Well said my friend The passion you mention is exactly why I like JVG, this season will be different, we will be proud of our team at the end of the season
that commercial got me pumped. weather you like jvg or not, ur a rocket fan and that hsa to get you pumped to see this season. on a side note... if we were to replace JVG, next summer would be the time. adelman and brown are both on the market.
Nope, sorry, the only thing the spot "gets me pumped" for is the imminent dismissal of Mister Van Gundy. It also reminds me of why many people (including myself) haven't given Le$ their dollars during this era. The usual batch of highlights with a voiceover by Gene and Jim would've been much more effective.
what did JVG do to you? not liking him is one thing... throwing in a series of posts in a row crying about him in the off-season is a whole new level... i came out of trollville to say relax - it's the offseason... there will be plenty to gripe about in a few months... hopefully not too much though...
JVG has a supernatural power to make people hate him for not legitimate reason, other than he is an unattractive man and he doesnt put on a happy face for the photo op
Who hates Mister Van Gundy? He is an average to slightly-above NBA head coach, has never won anything in his career at any level, and doesn't have any particular connection or affinity for the city. He is adequately qualified and suited for any of a dozen NBA teams. The Rockets deserve better.
He is an average to slightly-above NBA head coach, has never won anything in his career at any level, and doesn't have any particular connection or affinity for the city. He is adequately qualified and suited for any of a dozen NBA teams. The Rockets deserve better. average to slightly above average eh? adequately qualified? point proven. JVG and his VOODOO magic strike again!!!!
I know what you mean, I'm surprised Lenny Wilkins or trying to steal away George Karl wasn't mentioned.
