Just so people know where I'm coming from. I used to be from New York (family in Houston)... watched the Knicks for nearly two decades. And from Stu Jackson to Pat Riley or Rick Pitino to Don Nelson... the only one that stands out in my mind that truly captured, and i mean CAPTURED, the hearts of New Yorks, not for his pizzazz but, for this work ethic and blue collar attitude, is Jeff Van Gundy. JVG will earn the respect of the city of the Houston. Perhaps he's not all that sexy and doesn't have the glamour of a Larry Brown, but one thing I feel confident on is that JVG will give 110% each and every night. And more importantly, he will demand 110% from his players every night. Moreover, JVG is a VERY VERY VERY smart coach. I can't emphasize this enough. His family eats, lives, drinks, basketball. From his father to his brothers... it's the HOUSE OF VAN GUNDY we're talking about here. Not to say our players aren't intelligent (though they do make their fair share of bonehead plays , but Van Gundy is truly the BRAIN that will make everything click for the Rockets. I can't think of a better rising star in a coach for a rising star of a team. The future is bright... JVG TO HOUSTON!!!! theSAGE
Well said Sage. I'm not a native New Yorker and I've actually hated the Knicks for many years. However, I have lived here for years now and was here for part of the Van Gundy era. It's amazing how much respect Van Gundy had from his players and the fans. The guy was relentless and bleeds basketball. Maybe Dunleavy is better, but I don't think any Dunleavy or any coach for that matter will work harder than Van Gundy will for his team. It's tough to predict how a coach will do, but I don't think anyone worked as hard as Van Gundy did when he was coach of the Knicks.
One thing that rather irks me is the media's suggestion that JVG is "scheming" to wait out one year to consider any Laker opening that might arise. First off, I would think the Lakers wouldn't be that stupid to sleight, a man, who is arguably one of the most successful, if not, THE most successful coach in the history of the NBA, in Phil Jackson. Secondly, I know of NO love-fest or courting ritual between Laker management and JVG to remotely indicate the Lakers will be eyeing him, this same time, next season. Thirdly, I believe JVG to be a man of integrity who, in honoring an interview request, is SINCERELY interested in that position. JVG's approach to this whole job interviewing process has been heads and shoulders more professional than what Brown has done. 1. JVG honored the Cavs interviews but took care NOT to mislead peoples (in contrast to the media) about his decision-making. 2. JVG quickly rejected New Orleans request for an interview. 3. JVG reached a quick mutual understanding with the 76ers that it wasnt a good fit. 4. JVG has been very patient with the Rocket coaching selection process. Regardless of the outcome, JVG has treated each of his potential suitors with respect and dignity. Those principles are very defining traits about JVG that shouldn't be overlooked. The greatest irony is that while JVG has all the makings of a great coach, he is not fit to be part of "management." JVG does NOT screw people over. It's not his style. In New York, he was constantly getting screwed... by the media, by Nellie, by Cablevision, and in recent memory, by his GM. Protecting himself by leaving a bad situation is a right ALL of us working people have. There is nothing malicious about it. So, if the remaining concerns are whether or not JVG is quick to jump ship, then rest assured... unless Rocket management starts screwing him over and browbeating him, JVG is about as loyal a coach as you're gonna find. theSAGE
Another non-native New Yorker here (Manhattan). I just have to say "ditto" and validate what munco posted. I was also here for part of the Van Gundy era, and New Yorkers simply loved JVG's scrappy work ethic and no-nonsense attitude. I would have no problem whatsoever with Van Gundy being our next coach.
You bring up a very impt point munco, and this statement is NOT to be discounted. It's EASY to put up a dollar value on things like salary, bonuses and options. It's NOT as easy to put a dollar value on the intangible assets of a coach. This point you brought up makes me think of another thing too. JVG, like his mentor, Pat Riley, is a STELLAR MOTIVATOR and COMMUNICATOR. Interestingly, the man who probably had the BEST opportunity to distinguish himself as a coach and as a front runner in the Rockets coaching vacancy failed in his 1,2,3,4 weeks at the helm. Not to take cheap shots at Larry Smith (although I probably will , but there's a lot of parellels one can make btw Larry Smith and JVG. Both were abruptly handed the reins of coaching sometime during the regular season. One went on to take their team deep into the playoffs, the other did not. One was able to win the hearts of the city and the players, the other was not. If you want to talk about performing under pressure... JVG is absolutely incredible. I don't know what's so special about Diet Coke, but whatever it is that he is drinking, he has the grit and the toughness of a five star general. Check this out too! Another little known fact is that it was up till the DAY JVG took his Knicks to the finals was there ANY lull, I repeat, ANY lull, in all the persistant talk of who would be JVG's replacement. i.e. JVG had to earn respect from DAY one and climb a MOUNTAIN of naysayers, critics, and cyphers to gain the benefit of popular opinion. Popular opinion was a BIG reason why the Knicks went on to sign JVG and not some HIGH PROFILE coach for the subsequent year. Yet, think about this from JVG's perspective. How crappy must it be to have EVERYBODY counting the days to your firing??? How much pressure is that? To be under the microscopic scrutiny of every free-speaking critic in New York? For those of you who want to see more "mental toughness" in Houston... there is no better epitome of mental toughness than in JVG. Go ROX!!!! theSAGE
Here's another reason why Van Gundy is smart. He PASSED on the Cavs... Think about it. First year in Cleveland, and JVG would have been on every ESPN clip surrounding the "development of LeBron James." Yet inasmuch as it's probably a good thing that Cav fans can now bask in "pie in the sky" dreams... those visions of the future remain just -- "pie in the sky." JVG can't fight his desire to win and to win big. Though he 'says' he is open to rebuilding situations, fact is, by nature, it's not really him. Look at Pat Riley, Van Gundy's mentor, for instance. Though he had his glory days with the Heat when the Heat were a playoff contending team, what has happenend in the aftermath of those years? You can sense every shred of Riley's impatience (and ineffectiveness too) with rebuilding the Miami Heat. If I were to make a conjecture, I'd say JVG is one of those "closet competitors" at heart. Even as a sportscaster for TNT, I read somewhere that he can't resist "coaching" from the sidelines even though he's no longer a coach. No matter who we are, or what we do, it's hard to fight one's roots. And JVG's roots boils down to: 1. Hard work 2. Respect 3. Teamwork 4. Passion 5. Winning Where Brown was stupid to pick $$$ over the Rockets, JVG is smart to keep applying for this job. The coaches who want real glory (and not simply $$$) will maintain interest in this opening for as long as this opening persists. Les and CD know that, and that's why their strategy of patience is a GOOD thing. JVG will be an excellent fit for Houston. theSAGE
Nobody has come close to describing the many ways JVG fits well with the Rockets franchise. Could the Sage = JVG?
What Great News! http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/1936533 Houston, I am Coming... theSAGE
Our Future Assistants on the Bench - Tom Thibodeau, Steve Clifford, Greg Britteham, and Andy Greer. Tom Thibodeau Tom Thibodeau College - Salem State '81 Tom Thibodeau's resume and reputation as one of the NBA's most respected young coaching talents continue to grow. Now in his fifth year on the Knicks' staff and his 11th overall NBA coaching season, Thibodeau joined the Knicks on July 8, 1996. "Working with the Knicks has been a great learning experience and has helped me grow professionally. It's great to be part of an organization so committed to winning," says the 42-year old Thibodeau. "The players are terrific to be around." "With the departure of Brendan Malone, Tom will take on added responsibilities in the fields of individual player development and game planning," says head coach Jeff Van Gundy. "Tom is as good as anyone in working with individual players, and the time he spends and the dedication he exhibits are unparalleled. He's just terrific." For the past two summers, Tom has served as head coach for the Knicks' entry in the Shaw's Boston Summer League. Over the summers of 1996 (at Doral Arrowwood) and 1997 (at Los Angeles), he piloted New York's Summer League entries along with fellow assistant coach Jeff Nix. In February 2000, Tom joined the rest of the Knicks' coaches on the staff of the Eastern Conference All-Stars at NBA All-Star 2000 in Oakland. Thibodeau joined the Knicks after spending two years (1994-95 and 1995-96) with the Philadelphia 76ers as an assistant coach under John Lucas. Tom entered the NBA with a two-year stint (1989-90 and 1990-91) as an assistant coach with the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves under head coach Bill Musselman. After spending the 1991-92 campaign as an advance scout for the Seattle SuperSonics, he joined the San Antonio Spurs for two seasons as an assistant coach (1992-93 and 1993-94) under Jerry Tarkanian and Lucas. Thibodeau's coaching career began in 1981 as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Salem State College. After three years as an assistant, he became head coach in 1984-85. From there, Tom went to Harvard University for four years as an assistant coach (1985-86 through 1988-89), prior to joining the Timberwolves. Born on January 17, 1958, the New Britain, Conn., native was a hoop letterman at Salem State College, leading the Vikings to three NCAA Tournament appearances and earning the school's Most Outstanding Player honors in 1981. Tom's college heroics earned him induction into the New Britain Hall of Fame in March 1998. Single, Tom is the holder of a bachelor of science degree and a master's in counseling from Salem State College. He lives in Stamford, Conn. ...more to follow theSAGE
Greg Brittenham College - Nebraska-Kearney '80 The NBA season is a grueling marathon that lasts as long as eight months, a seemingly endless string of back-to-backs, four-games-in-five-nights, time zone changes, cross-country flights and 24-hour room service. The athletes who can survive the marathon and conquer it are not merely the most talented, but must also be the best-conditioned. And for a decade now, it is a responsibility the Knicks have entrusted to Greg Brittenham. "From the start, our goal has always been to be the best-conditioned team in the NBA," says the 41-year old Brittenham. "My philosophy revolves around being a better athlete." Greg is currently in his tenth year overall with the Knicks and sixth as an assistant coach. Along with stressing such traits as strength, power, speed, quickness, agility, coordination and nutrition in his programs, he also takes a more functional approach toward athletic development. "In an attempt to further enhance the athleticism of our players, we're moving more from a traditional approach to training over the last few years to more functional methods," says Brittenham. "And while still early, the results have been very positive." These methods include less time spent on conventional equipment, and more time developing such traits as dynamic balance, coordination and body control, all within a basketball context. "As a player develops these athletic components, they can take their basketball skills to the next level," says Greg, a member of the staff for both Knicks Eastern Conference Championship teams of the 1990s. "Any program is only as good as the effort put forth by the players, and the support received from the coaches and staff. I have been fortunate to have been affiliated with hard-working players and have gotten tremendous support, and this combination can only help lead to our becoming the best-conditioned team in the NBA." Under Brittenham, the Knicks' physical development has become a year-round effort. During the summer months, Greg travels throughout the country to supervise each player's off-season training program. In past years, he presided over the annual "Knicks LaJolla Conditioning Camp", an intensive, entirely voluntary program in California, which included most of the Knicks players. Activities at the camp included running the hills from the beaches to the cliffs of LaJolla, running on the track and in sand, and plyometric and speed development. "When dealing with the conditioning of your players, you have to have great trust in the person in charge, and make sure the conditioning program you have is the best one possible," says head coach Jeff Van Gundy. "In Greg, we simply have the best person in the League handling our program." Brittenham is currently working on a new videotape series centering on the development of the total athlete. Teaming with assistant coach Mark McKown of the Utah Jazz, Greg's new video series -- FUNctional Fitness for Kids b
Andy Greer College - SUNY Brockport '85 Following nearly two decades in the college coaching ranks, Andy Greer joins the Knicks this season as an assistant coach/scout. Named to the Knicks’ staff on August 6, 2001, Greer takes over many of the advance scouting responsibilities held by Steve Clifford, who was promoted to the bench this season. “I’m very excited about being part of the Knicks’ organization,” says Greer, 39. “I’m really looking forward to learning about the NBA, and working with such a fine staff.” While spearheading the team’s advance scouting duties, Greer will be constantly on the move, observing the Knicks’ upcoming opponents. “One of the most important things for an advance scout, if he wants to be really successful, is to be a self-starter, since he’s out on his own so much,” said former head coach Jeff Van Gundy upon Greer’s appointment. “Jeff Nix really set the standard for the advance scouting position in this League, and Steve Clifford did a great job last year in following Nixer. Andy Greer has that same sort of dedication and knowledge that this position requires.” Prior to joining the Knicks, Greer served as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois University for four years under Brian Hammel (1997-98 through 2000-01). When Hammel resigned on December 6, 2000, Greer was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season, with a 4-17 mark. Greer was given his first chance at leading his own team in 1993-94, when he was named the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s head coach and assistant director of athletics. It took him just two short years to turn a struggling program around. In Andy’s third season at the helm, the Mariners had their first winning season in six years with a 16-12 record and an appearance in the ECAC Metro NY/NJ Championship Game. The following year, they posted a 19-7 record, good for an at-large berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament. In four seasons at the Merchant Marine Academy, Greer posted a 51-52 overall record. Starting his coaching career at Genesee Community College in 1983-84 as an assistant to Jeff Van Gundy’s father Bill, Greer moved on after two seasons to Mansfield and Brandeis Universities for a two-year tenure at each. Then came a one-year stint (1989-90) as an assistant to Mike Jarvis at Boston University. Greer then spent three seasons (1990-91 through 1992-93) under George Raveling at the University of Southern California, serving as part of a staff that led the Trojans to three consecutive winning seasons, a combined record of 61-28, two NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT berth. From 1994 through 1997, Andy served as the director of the Knicks Summer Basketball Camp. Greer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from SUNY-Brockport, where he was a teammate of Jeff Van Gundy for one season, and earned his masters in Education from Mansfield in 1987. He is also a graduate of Manhattan’s York Prep. Born in Manhattan on August 6, 1962, Andy and his Lesley make their home in Aurora, Ill. with their son, Zachary (5) and two daughters, Haley (3) and new arrival Blake (May 1, 2001). Andy’s younger brother Larry is an assistant coach at Boston University. enjoy theSAGE
Sage, Well-formulated arguments. And yes, you must be Van Gundy or president of Van Gundy's fan club. Nevertheless, I have to agree, I hope Gundy is chosen. I love his energy and passion to be the best.
Sir President of the Van Gundy Club: Do you think his assistants are still going to go with him? I think they are probably coaching some other teams right now.... Sincerely, Wondering Member of the Van Gundy Club.
Dear SLA, By my understanding, with but one exception (which off the top of my head, I believe to be Steve Clifford), this team of assistant coaches has already been fired/politely let go from the Knicks organization. This bit of info came out, I believe, just after the end of the regular season. Two years ago, upon Van Gundy's departure, these four remained on the Knicks payroll to work for Don Chaney. But for reasons of 'loyalties', they appear to be following their old leader in Van Gundy in this entire "job hunting" process. That's how loyal these folks are to JVG. Consequently, to the dismay of Knick fans, Don Chaney will have to find replacement assistants in the off-season. A few weeks ago, I heard that when Van Gundy was having discussions with Gund's Cavs, Van Gundy's entire coaching staff was invited to check things out in Cleveland. Fact or fiction, I don't know. But suffice it to say, I'd be very surprised if all three, if not, all four of these wonderful assistant coaches didn't join the Van Gundy parade into Houston. Lastly, from a "personal incentive" perspective, I don't see any reason why these assistants wouldn't want to come to Houston. The situation with the Knicks is pretty bad. And Layden Jr. is not proving to be anywhere near as prescient as Layden Sr. A jump to Houston could be a meaningful springboard to ever greater ambitions as I'm sure you know how popular EVERYBODY on the bench gets once a team captures those rings. As far as these assistants going onto coaching other teams, is it possible? Sure. Is it probable. Probably not (and I'm talking < 1%). Given the oversupply of 1st, 2nd, and even 3rd tier coaches out there, more recognizable names, etc., it doesn't seem likely any of these four are well "seasoned" to take the reins at any team. Moreover, if you look at their profiles, you'll see that they're each very focused and specialized in what they do. Anecdotally, the only times I've seem an assistant make that nice jump is when the old coach suddenly resigns (e.g. RudyT and Larry Smith, VanGundy and Nellie, etc.). Yet even then, its up to the "temp coach" to prove he's/she's full-time material. That's why, to this day, I remain very surprised how Larry Smith just let things fall apart last season. I mean, if ever there was his chance to shine and earn his big bucks... a few more wins here and into the playoffs, and who knows? Maybe we'd be looking at Larry Smith for 3 more years. Sincerely, theSAGE -President of the Van Gundy Club -Lackey of the CC.net Club -And staunch supporter of the "Maxim Girls for SLA" Club
I remember watching the spurs vs Knicks series where the Knicks were the big time underdogs. I don't quite remember what they were ranked but they were ranked pretty low. The knicks had an injured Ewing, a lazy Marcus Camby, a loose cannon Sprewell (that just came from Golden State) and their star Allan Houston. They also traded away Oakley, next to Ewing he had the playoff experience. What Van Gundy did was amazing, he turned the entire team around in one season and lead them to the NBA finals. Considering that the Knicks were full of head cases and that their talent was actually limited (Ewing being injured), Van Gundy is one damn good coach. If anybody can control Mobley or Francis, its Van Gundy. He had Sprewell under control and I am sure he can put a nail through Francis and Mobley's head. When he first announced the Mavs vs Rockets game and got a glimpse of Yao. He went crazy! There were times where he got out of his seat because he was dumbfounded by Yao's skills. He will make sure that the offense runs through Yao. When Van Gundy took charge of NY, Houston and Sprewell each had about 5-6 years experience. The same situation is in Houston (Francis and Mobley) but he now has Yao Ming (who will listen to his superiors). He has a chance of starting a dynasty. Also, maybe he is the one that can finally get through EG. Afterall, he got through Marcus Camby. Why not EG? Brown is gone, Silas is gone and Carlilse is probably going else where. Van Gundy is our man.
Any chance Mr. Mean still has a job in Houston next year, under JVG (or anyone else for that matter)? Would a new coach keep him around? Personally, I hope so. Does anyone know if he's still under contract?
Normally, when a new incoming head coach comes to town, he cleans house and brings his own squad of assistants. New York runs a bit differently given all the "crony capitalism" going on there. In the case of Larry Smith, I would highly doubt it if he remained as an assisant. JVG doesn't need him. And JVG has his own cast of characters who want their own sovereignty as assistant coaches. That's why it was really unfortunate for Larry Smith that: 1. he happenned to be the assistant to RudyT 2. he didn't make a name for himself in the short time he DID coach the Rox. I also highly doubt JVG bringing in Ewing to be an assistant. Washington is another one of those "crony capitalism" franchises where once Michael Jordan left, everybody he hired is systematically getting cleaned out. Inasmuch as JVG has great respect for Ewing, I'm not so sure Ewing is that great of a communicator, much less, a coach. I think Ewing is just plain bored. After the NBA, even with all the $$$, what more can a age old 7 footer do? If JVG brings his old squad over here, everything will be just peachy. (the Strength conditioning coach will do wonders for Yao and EG, you just wait and see!) theSAGE
