NEIL DOUGH

If there is ever a fight, or a tussle, even an argument in an NBA game, I still look for Jeff Van Gundy’s bald head to be sliding on the court holding onto Mourning’s leg. That is an image that’ll be stuck in my head for a long time, as will the quote from Stan the former “Master of Panic” Van Gundy about the BCS.

Has anyone ever summed up the stupidity of that situation so eloquently? These two brothers of basketball have me excited for a Lebron James-less finals, and I didn’t think that was possible. Jeff Van Gundy is the best color commentator sitting on an NBA sideline today.

If the Charlotte Bobcats were playing the Spurs (the most boring team of all time) for the title, I would still watch every minute if I knew Van Gundy was gonna be yelling into a mic. Watching the Nuggets get a Nancy Botwin style spanking from L.A., I can’t even tell you the number of times he had me cracking up. He has his own cult following, and certainly doesn’t need me kissing his you know what, but I have to get my opinions out there.

I do not want to hear boring statistics the whole game (Doug Collins). I don’t want to listen to whiny criticism (Bill Walton). If the game isn’t a nail-biter, then give me funny, funny, and more funny. Jeff Van Gundy alongside Mark Jackson provide non-stop ear action. Not to mention, when they aren’t being hilarious, the incredible insight that comes along with 30 plus years of combined NBA experience.

I can’t wait to watch and listen to Jeff calling the game while his brother is coaching.

Speaking of his brother…Stan Van Gundy, or as I like to call him “The quote-a-minute man”, has slowly but surely made a name for himself amongst the elite NBA coaches. I can’t remember seeing a better job of coaching than what I saw against the Cavs. He had his team ready to play (or come back) every night. He had the perfect game plan every night, and he actually talks to his team during time outs. (Mike Brown—you getting all this?).

How can you not root for this guy? After being called out by the Diesel, he coached his team back to beat the Celtics, and did the impossible by beating the Cleveland King James’. His antics on the sidelines during the game, and during the time outs are sometimes more entertaining than the game itself.

You can bet all the money you won by picking the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup (is that thing over yet?) that he will have his Magic ready to play against Kobe and the Lakers.

Game one is tomorrow night. I’m ready, the Van Gundi is ready (are ready? not sure), the question is…are you ready? I’m just kidding. I’m really not that corny. Thanks for reading.