Actually, I do know for a fact that he did decline to do regular interviews with KILT, the Rockets flagship station and has only done one or two since he was hired including one the day he took over.
Not to mention the single time he consented to a long interview (> 10 minutes), it was between six and seven in the freaking AM.
Emphasis on "MAY." IMHO, excelling at defense schemes while at the same time not having a clue about the offensive side of the ball is hardly "great."
I really do not know, but.... Van Gundy does not seem to prepare the team well for big games, but -oh well... Blame Steve! During the Jime Gray interview last nite - Van Gundy was so non Chalant that he did not seem concerned about a playoff game.
Not prepare well? Lose by a point to one of the best teams in the league? On their home court? Hold the Lakers to 9 points in the 3rd? Gee, you're right.
Just listened to it ... to me it confirms that JVG is all talk. Talk talk talk talk talk talk talk. NO EXCUSES, right? They asked about the late season swoon, and what did Gundy say? "We had a tough schedule" ... "Yao didn't play well" ... Did he say anything about the coaching at the end of the year? Of course not. No excuses, right Gundy? Hah. On Francis: "Even though his numbers are down, he's WON more" ... WTF? Won more than what? Did he mean to say "won 2 more than last year, with a better Yao" ? They won the same amount in 2001. I like how he says "we'll find out who enjoys the work and the prep, the 'serious' approach ... " At least he admits his brother is a better coach than him.
Nice of you to just give us only two choices. Neither is better. But being "overconfident" when you aren't that good is a bad mindset. That's the distinction that ZRB was trying to make. Bringing your players back to reality is what this team needed before JVG arrived. Whether or not JVG is going overboard is another story. Which is not the case, IMO. I just think that's it an inability for Francis to learn. Think about it...if he never learns, of course he'll always be afraid of making a mistake. He's inherently "mistake prone" under *softie* Rudy and *meanie* JVG. Notice a trend? Lets get to the root causes here.
that is not surprising . . . seems he can't wait to get back up there or something his interview . . when I heard them were so biting and acidic . . . .like he wanted nothing to do with the houston media. then I hear this one. . . i was wonder what kind of beers were they drinking Rocket River
LOL! *Thanks* Almu for the post! JVG keeps a low profile here in Houston - and (IMO) local sports media offers quantity but NOT quality hoops coverage. The interview is about 20 minutes. JVG was guarded in the interview - clearly doing a favor for Mike Francesca back in NYC - but few observations could be gleaned. -- Yao's energy level is a concern and an important detemining factor in team performance. --He needs to play 35-38 minutes and stay out of foul trouble. --Ming's early success against Lackers was somewhat due to scheduling anomolies - last regular season game against Lackers was more of what we should expect from Shaq - intensity and pushing Yao really far off the block. --Rocket's can use high pick and roll against Lackers - Yao's medium range j is somewhat effective (i read - 'inconsistent'). --But effectiveness of high pick roll depends on SF hitting j off dribble - which JVG acknowledges he's been weak on (my take - it flat out sucks - injuries asside - so don't start!). --JJ has been a lifesaver for the team and has performed far above expectations, in performance, consistency and minutes. --MJ will get minutes against Lackers - he can match up on D against Fish and Glove. --Players are all saying the 'right thing' - but truth comes out on floor - - IMO he was clearly referencing SF, Cat, Yao, MO & Cato - incumbents who play bulk of minutes (vs. incuments who play little - so don't start here either) NOT Spoon, MJ, JJ who were brought in. --Getting the team to buy in to his philosophy and finding out who is willing to do the work and preparation - is still a work in process. --His veiled take on Western Conference 'I wouldn't bet against Spurs' - 'Parker - Duncan is best big - point - combo in league.' --JVG on East - 'Indiana can play with anybody'
