More than anything, those who have worked with Van Gundy said things would change almost as soon as Van Gundy blows a whistle. "Right away, it's going to be different," said Rice, who played for Van Gundy for one season before he was traded to the Rockets. "Jeff has a very different approach to the game, different from Rudy (Tomjanovich), a very aggressive approach. "The defense will be much better. Practice will be totally different. There won't be any slacking off. Anytime you have a young team like ours, discipline and direction (are) very important. Jeff will change things. He will be very demanding, but the players will want that." This statement from Glen Rice says it all about what Van Gundys' philosiphy is on playing hard nosed defense.The Rockets will go from 3rd in the leauge in defense to possibily subplanting San Antonio as #1. Everybody is hatin on Van Gundy but to me it would be a great fit for Houston.He will bring out the best in Steve Francis as a defender and make Yao a fearsome center for years to come.Rudy was kind of a laid back type of coach and didnt want to ruffle any feathers, but to me I think it was time for Rudy to step down as coach. THE ROCKETS WILL BE NUMBER ONE IN THE NBA IN DEFENSE
I hope they are also in the top 10 in scoring. I don't want to be watching games where both teams score in the 70's.
We were already #5 in the league in defense (FG%). I can't imagine us getting much better than that. However, I would love to see us force more TOs and break a little bit more. This team works too hard for their baskets.
Couldn't agree more. I am wondering whether Van Gundy will make Rox plays more entertaining bball? KH
As long as we are scoring at least one more point than our opponents, I don't care if both teams score in the 50's.
#5 opp FG% aside I would love for us to Stop dribble penetration esp by PGs Run out with a hand up to shooters Find a way to slow down the monster PFs in the west Stop being ripped to shreads by pick n rolls (sorry Rudy you had no clue) Generally more intensity from our players, especially after they get beat on the first or second dribble or step
may i add one more thing, when they used the inside-out play, no one could ever figure out that offense.. pass to yao inside.. wait for double or triple team.. pass outside to steve, then swing it to grif, pass to posey/cat, swing to the weak side and hit the three with cat/jposey. man, when they use that play, it always works.. i just wonder why they do that play less than five times a game or so when its proven effective each and everytime they use it???
When they get the ball out of the worse decision makers hands, then the to's will go down. When all the excess dribble clinics stop , the to's will go down also. 28th in to's and about the same in forced to's.
