Many of you guys really doubted that Van Gundy could win without Yao. He would stick to the dump-it-into-post offense. I really thought that this time without Yao would really challenge him as a coach. He would really need to look at his players, make them play to the best of their ability and incorporate somewhat of a new offense without Yao. JVG has done quite admirably. Without Yao, the Rockets have won seven of their last 10 and are at 20-12 for the season. I predicted that if the Rockets can learn how to play without Yao, that they would be even better as a team when he comes back because they would no longer be relying solely on him for offense. I hope this article hasn't been posted already, but... Rockets's New Style of Play
Articles like these are more annoying than not. Anyone who suggests that this is a "new JVG" cannot be taken seriously. The philosphy has always been the same - he has just been often mislabelled and misunderstood. Calling a coach stubborn for sticking to a style that was based on his what he had to work tells me that the writer does not know what he/she is talking about. This article is just another one of those stereotype laced ones. This Dennis Silva does not get it. That said, Kudos to JVG for sticking to his principles, and kudos to those who get him.
yup, he's th same coach. it just amazes me how much people misrepresent JVG. he is a VERY good coach and if he wins a championship he will no doubt be considered a great one.
Are you kidding??? I wouldn't bet on it! But with players like:- Yao, McGrady, Mutombo, Battier and Wells giving their expertize to the running of the game , JVG will have an easy time of it!!
As probably his biggest supporter, I wouldn't call him great just yet. But what I have ALWAYS loved about Coach even here in NYC is the team is always prepared. I love that everyone knows their assignments. I love the cohesion on defense. Sure he is limited offensively. But I rather win a title 90-85 than 120-115. No team gets an easy shot. No team gets an easy win. And I truly see the team becoming mentally stronger as times goes on. Its that NYC grit, baby!
I have never cared for him much and thought that his defense was overated because of his slow down style. But this year we're not exactly playing slow down and yet lead the league in defense. So i'll give him credit for right now......that being said, lets see if he can get us out the first round be4 calling him a badass coach.........
JVG does not know how to win without TMAC. He let Yao shoot 30 jumpers a game. JVG sucks. TMAC is JVG's daddy on how to play offense.
Can't give him credit for now and be ready to take it away when EVENTUALLY...JUST MAYBE we have a bad loss before the playoffs. And he is a badass coach. Just not a great one just yet.
JVG is a great Defensive Architect. Coaching also has a people's part of it- there are times, I feel he does not do well in that area. Sure he is a damn good coach- I will reserve the greatness calibre to Phil Jackson- not just the rings etc- but this guy is a genius. JVG has to get rings before I can say he is reached the same level. Coaching- is just not how you come up with schemes for star players- but how strong you make the weakest link? Can you sincerely say that about JVG. I dont think so- atleast not yet. Luther is the work in progress- if he turns out to be a stud in 1-2 years- sure I will give credit to JVG.
I think there a basically two types of coach. One can adjust his system and strategies to suit his players talents and abilities, the other needs his players to fit his system. JVG fits into the latter, which is not a bad thing but it requires alot more work to find the players to fit the system. It's taken a while but JVG now has the right mix of players; tough, intelligent, unselfish workers. He has no time or patience for players who can't grasp his system, nor does he have the time or patience to pat rookies on the back. You have to be ready to contribute and you have to be a professional. Offensively, Having T-Mac on the floor is a huge plus for him, because he creates offense, it all flows through him. He struggles mightily without T-Mac on the floor and needs to find a way for his players to score in crunch time besides dumping it to Yao because teams are figuring that one out and we end up settling for long contested jumpers. So making adjustments is probably his biggest weakness, with a full strength squad these problems really should not present themselves. But i will say this, our role players, deke especially are stepping up tremendously, even beyond what he expected, and for that he should be thankful. If Juwan and Deke were to be playing the way we've been accustomed to, we wouldn't all be in such a jolly mood lately. JVG is a good coach, i think he can win a title with this crew and he deserves it, because i don't think there is a harder working coach in the league. He has his drawbacks, but there are only a few coaches i'd rather have than him.
but how strong you make the weakest link? Can you sincerely say that about JVG. I dont think so- atleast not yet. Luther is the work in progress- luther has exceeded expectations. Who would ever think hayes would be a major contributor? howard playing like a mad man deke thinks hes 23 again
I agree. And JVG does make adjustments, although sometimes he is rather slow at it. That is the only thing I am worried about him because when the playoffs comes, it is all about adjustments. I have no doubt JVG will come up with an excellent game plan (like the Mavs series two years ago), but when the opponents change their strategies, will him react quick enough? I have my doubt.
Absolutely- Luther is doing well. Not sure what the expectations were. Hayes was definitely had the signs of being reasonable the first 2 weeks he played. He is not exactly a Major contributor- but complements Yao well. I have my own opinion of Juwan- the Player. Deke's rebounding has nothing to do with JVG. He is a hall of famer- and we just assumed at 44 he is done- apparently JVG now learnt something new- and so did we all!
I would agree that JVG is a good coach. I'm not sure his accomplishments really support a stronger statement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqYOcB9X2jA&mode=related&search= Have you guys seen this before? JVG actually appears to be happy! Was this earlier this season? It sure gives me the creeps...
