That my friends is why Battier is the perfect politician. He said a positive statement about his current coach, however there is nothing discussing whom the best coach he's played for is. For all we know, Jeff could be the best coach he's played for. Or it could be Hubbie. Maybe Coack K. Or even one of his middle school coaches. That is all up in the air. But Tactician says a lot. It says that Jeff Van Gundy has a high IQ for a coach. He's a smart guy. And that is something that nobody will dispute. Talk to anyone in the Rockets organization. Talk to anyone in the media. Jeff Van Gundy is a guru of coaching. A capable one. Battier, if you run for office in Houston, you've got my vote
I know there's a lot of JVG haters on these boards....but I really started believing in the way he coaches after the first round series Dallas in 05'. Nobody gave us a chance but we took the first two games in Dallas and wound up losing in 7 games. I think he prepares his teams to their fullest potential and I really like our chances this year.
I don't know why anyone would question Van Gundy's motivational skills based on this comment. Perhaps Shane was asked about in-game tactics and he responded. Besides, does anyone actually think the Rockets look unmotivated to you? They guys have some mental lapses like every team, they are human, but these guys seem more motivated and happy to be in the NBA than just about every other team out there. From Chuck bodying up on bigger guys every game to Deke dragging his ancient body around for 30+ mpg with Yao out, to Yao being completely dedicated to improvment, to Shane flying all over the place, to McGrady absolutely carrying the team, these are the most motivated guys out there in the League. Anyone thinks Van Gundy has some sort of motivational deficit should watch some tapes of Cato and Mo Taylor during the Rudy years.
