The Van Gundys Done Good - Jimmy_Fairplay's Blog

Jimmy_Fairplay's Blog

The Van Gundys Done Good

Posted on June 11, 2009 at 09:41 AM.

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I don't know how Bill and Cindy Van Gundy raised their boys, but clearly they did something right. Their oldest boy, Stan, has taken (and continues to take) his fair share of criticism and ridicule from just about all corners, including his unceremonious dumping in Miami, questions about his coaching ability and even snide comments about his resemblance to Ron Jeremy and Paul Bearer. Hell, even I took a cheap shot at him in my NBA Live 09 Finals Simulation.

However, after reading yesterday's terrific piece by Greg Cote in the Miami Herald, I've become an unabashed Stan Van Gundy supporter. His humility, humor and honesty might be unique to the professional sports world, if not for his younger brother Jeff, who has quickly developed into one of the most entertaining and refreshing color commentators in sports broadcasting.

Both men seem to call it as it is and go out of their way to avoid overstating their own abilities. For proof, look no further than this quote from Stan Van Gundy from the Cote piece:

Quote:


	Van Gundy leads the NBA in self-effacement, as when he was asked about a talk he'd had with guard Rafer Alston that seemed to inspire the ex-Heatnik's inspired performance with 20 points -- one of five Magicians with 18-plus. ''I'm a motivational genius, that's what I am,'' said the coach, deadpan. 'I told him, `Play your game.' It took me two days to come up with that!''

That sort of humbleness is nothing new from either Van Gundy, as demonstrated in this 2004 piece from USA Today.

After gaining more insight into Stan Van Gundy, the person, I'm eager to root on the Orlando Magic in Game 4 tonight, as I'm sure Bill and Cindy will be. Good on them.

Comments

# 1 rspencer86 @ Jun 11

Jeff Van Gundy is freaking hilarious. I need to write a book with all of the rule changes he has suggested during his time as broadcaster. The chemistry he and Mark Jackson have is great and leads to some very entertaining discussions during dull points in the game.

Stan Van Gundy is not slouch for comedy, either. That montage ESPN put together several days ago with all of the sound bytes from Stan throughout the playoffs was pure gold.