Van Gundy is ready for the challenge: “When it’s hard, it’s worthwhile”
MONTEVIDEO (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - United States are one of the favorites to take home Group C, but their Coach know that it won't be an easy task. Jeff Van Gundy took the reigns of a young team that will b
MONTEVIDEO (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - United States are one of the favorites to take home Group C, but their Coach know that it won't be an easy task. Jeff Van Gundy took the reigns of a young team that will be his first experience in FIBA Basketball.
Van Gundy successfully coached the New York Knicks, a team that he led to the Finals in the 1998/99 Season. They were then conference finalist a year later. He also coached the Houston Rockets and today, at his 55 years of age, he has the chance to coach his own National Team.
As to how he managed the work process, the coach said: “We’ve been together for seven or eight days, and we have a good group of guys. [This] is a team that plays exceptionally hard and passes the ball.”
Despite his experience in the NBA, this is his debut in the FIBA community: “Think this is great preparation for me to figure out, being a rookie in FIBA basketball, what it takes to win a FIBA game. When we put a team in a tournament, we want to play well, we want to win. And we’re not underestimating how hard it’s going to be, but that’s the fun part. When it’s hard, it’s worthwhile.”
USA’s first rivals will be Panama and Van Gundy is ready for the challenge: “I’ve studied them from their previous competitions, from their friendlies this summer. So far really impressed with Luzcando at the Point Guard position and Muñoz, who’s a pretty defender. Levy inside is a great passer. I really like Bishop, he's really composed as an athlete. I like their team. They’re tough, they’re hard-playing. Like all the teams in this tournament. We’ve gotta be ready for what the competition brings.
Playing against Uruguay at their home court is not an easy task: “Batista’s a really good player. A great passer for a big man, exceptional low post moves, and tremendous offense rebounder. But then, you have these guards, Granger, Fitipaldo, Morales and then a Shooter at the 4 spot, and then they come in with Vázquez, who’s a tough competitor. They’ve got a tremendous team and they’ve got all their players together and they’re playing exceptionally well.
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