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{{Short description|American basketball commentator and former coach}} {{Short description|American basketball coach and commentator}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox basketball biography {{Infobox basketball biography
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| image_size = | image_size =
| caption = Van Gundy with the ] in 2006 | caption = Van Gundy with the ] in 2006
| team = ]
| position = Lead assistant coach
| league = ]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|1|19|}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|1|19|}}
| birth_place = ], U.S. | birth_place = ], U.S.
| high_school = Brockport Central<br />(]) | high_school = Brockport Central<br />(])
⚫ | college = * ] (1981–1982)
| college =
⚫ * ] (1981–1982)
* ] (1982–1983) * ] (1982–1983)
* ] (1983–1985) * ] (1983–1985)
| career_position = ] | career_position = ]
| coach_start = 1985 | coach_start = 1985
| coach_end = 2007 | coach_end = 2007, 2024–present
| cyears1 = 1985–1986 | cyears1 = 1985–1986
| cteam1 = ] | cteam1 = ]
Line 28: Line 30:
| cyears6 = {{nbay|2003|start}}–{{nbay|2006|end}} | cyears6 = {{nbay|2003|start}}–{{nbay|2006|end}}
| cteam6 = ] | cteam6 = ]
| cteam7 = ] (senior consultant)
⚫ | highlights =
| cyears7 = {{nbay|2023|start}}–{{nbay|2023|end}}
'''As coach:'''
| cteam8 = ] (lead assistant)
⚫ * ] (])
| cyears8 = {{nbay|2024|start}}–present
| medaltemplates =
⚫ | highlights = '''As coach:'''
⚫ {{MedalSport|Men's ]}}
⚫ * ] (])
'''As senior consultant:'''
* ] (])
⚫ | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's ]}}
{{MedalSport|Head Coach for {{bk|USA}}}} {{MedalSport|Head Coach for {{bk|USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|]}} {{MedalCompetition|]}}
{{MedalGold|]|}} {{MedalGold|]|}}
}} }}
'''Jeffrey William Van Gundy''' (born January 19, 1962) is an American commentator for ] and former ] coach. He served as head coach of the ] and the ] of the ] (NBA). During his tenure on the Knicks, he led the team to the ], where they ultimately lost to the ]. '''Jeffrey William Van Gundy''' (born January 19, 1962) is an American ] coach and former commentator who is currently the top deputy coach for the ]. Van Gundy previously served as head coach of the ] and the ] of the ] (NBA). During his tenure with the Knicks, he led the team to the ] which was their first finals appearance since 1994. They ultimately fell to the ]. Van Gundy won an ] in 2024 with the ] where he served as a senior consultant in the front office.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Van Gundy was born in ], and lived in ] until 1977.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gilmore |first=Eric |date=April 28, 2001 |title=From the archives: The Van Gundys love this game |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2009/06/04/from-the-archives-the-van-gundys-love-this-game/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=East Bay Times |language=en-US}}</ref> His family moved to Brockport, New York while Van Gundy was still in high school, and he attended and played basketball at ].<ref name=":0" />
Van Gundy was born in ], and grew up in the town of ].<ref></ref> He is the son of a basketball coach, Bill Van Gundy, the former head coach at ] and at ].<ref>, usatoday.com; accessed January 4, 2016.</ref> Jeff's elder brother, ], later became head coach of the NBA's ], ], and the ], and is the former head coach and director of basketball operations for the ].<ref></ref>


He is the son of basketball coach Bill Van Gundy, the former head coach at ] and at ],<ref>, usatoday.com; accessed January 4, 2016.</ref> and the younger brother of former NBA coach ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-26 |title=ESPN fires ex-NBA coach, legendary brother slams broadcaster |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/espn-fires-ex-nba-coach-legendary-brother-slams-broadcaster/articleshow/110427729.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
⚫ As a high-school ], Van Gundy was a two-time All Greater Rochester selection in 1979 and 1980, leading Brockport Central to the Class AA finals. He continued his basketball playing career at ], where he earned All-American honors, while leading the Golden Flyers to an NCAA Division III Tournament berth in 1984. He remains the Nazareth career leader in free throw percentage, at 86.8%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hoop Dream : a Q & A with Jeff Van Gundy|url=https://www2.naz.edu/stories/hoop-dreams|website=Nazareth College|publisher=Nazareth College}}</ref>


Van Gundy attended ], where he was a classmate with ], before transferring to ], and ultimately graduating from New York's ], in 1985.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/21/sports/from-a-scouting-assignment-at-age-10-van-gundy-has-risen-to-the-top.html|title=From a Scouting Assignment at Age 10, Van Gundy Has Risen to the Top|website=The New York Times|date=April 21, 1997 |last1=Berkow |first1=Ira }}</ref> As a high school ], Van Gundy was a two-time All Greater Rochester selection in 1979 and 1980, leading Brockport to the Class AA finals. Van Gundy attended ] before transferring to ], and ultimately graduating from New York's ] in 1985.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/21/sports/from-a-scouting-assignment-at-age-10-van-gundy-has-risen-to-the-top.html|title=From a Scouting Assignment at Age 10, Van Gundy Has Risen to the Top|website=The New York Times|date=April 21, 1997 |last1=Berkow |first1=Ira }}</ref>

⚫ At Nazareth, Van Gundy led the Golden Flyers to an NCAA Division III Tournament berth in 1984. He remains the Nazareth career leader in free throw percentage, at 86.8%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hoop Dream : a Q & A with Jeff Van Gundy|url=https://www2.naz.edu/stories/hoop-dreams|website=Nazareth University}}</ref>


==Coaching career== ==Coaching career==


===Early career=== ===Early career===
Van Gundy began his basketball coaching career during the 1985–86 season, at ], in ]. The following year, he became a graduate assistant under head coach ], at ], helping the ] advance to ]. In his second season with the Friars, he was promoted to assistant coach under ]. The next season, Van Gundy became an assistant coach under ], at ]. Van Gundy began his basketball coaching career during the 1985–86 season, at ], in ].<ref name=":0" /> The following year, he became a graduate assistant under head coach ], at ], helping the ] advance to ]. In his second season with the Friars, he was promoted to assistant coach under ]. The next season, Van Gundy became an assistant coach under ], at ].


===New York Knicks=== ===New York Knicks===
On July 28, 1989, Van Gundy became an assistant coach for the ]. He spent the next six-and-a-half seasons providing support to Knicks head coaches ] (1989–1990), ] (1990–1991), ] (1991–1995), and ] (1995–1996). During his tenure as an assistant coach, the Knicks won three ] titles, never finished lower than third in the division, and qualified for the playoffs every year. The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1993, and the ] versus the ] in 1994.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103003921/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/jeff_van_gundy/ |date=2007-11-03 }}, NBA.com; accessed January 4, 2016.</ref> On July 28, 1989, Van Gundy became an assistant coach for the ]. He spent the next six-and-a-half seasons providing support to Knicks head coaches ] (1989–1990), ] (1990–1991), ] (1991–1995), and ] (1995–1996). During his tenure as an assistant coach, the Knicks won three ] titles, never finished lower than third in the division, and qualified for the playoffs every year. The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals in 1993, and the ] versus the ] in 1994.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103003921/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/jeff_van_gundy/ |date=2007-11-03 }}, NBA.com; accessed January 4, 2016.</ref>


On March 8, 1996, Van Gundy was named head coach of the ], taking over the reins from Don Nelson.<ref></ref> In his second game as head coach, he notably led the Knicks to a 32–point blowout win over the ]-led ], who had eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs four times since 1989.<ref></ref> However, Van Gundy was unable to change that trend in the postseason, as the Knicks fell to Chicago in the ]. On March 8, 1996, the Knicks named Van Gundy their next head coach, taking over the reins from Don Nelson.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=MacMullan |first=Jackie |date=March 18, 1996 |title=Van's the Man Relieved to Be Rid of Don Nelson, the Knicks Blew Away the Bulls for their New Coach, Jeff Van Gundy |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1996/03/18/211008/vans-the-man-relieved-to-be-rid-of-don-nelson-the-knicks-blew-away-the-bulls-for-their-new-coach-jeff-van-gundy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712183856/https://www.si.com/vault/1996/03/18/211008/vans-the-man-relieved-to-be-rid-of-don-nelson-the-knicks-blew-away-the-bulls-for-their-new-coach-jeff-van-gundy |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> In his second game as head coach, he notably led the Knicks to a 32-point blowout win over the ]-led ], who had eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs four times since 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armour |first=Terry |date=March 11, 1996 |title=New York Nightmare: Knicks 104, Bulls 72 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/03/11/new-york-nightmare-knicks-104-bulls-72/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731012546/https://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-03-11/sports/9603110067_1_jordan-jumper-bulls-jeff-van-gundy |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> However, Van Gundy was unable to change that trend in the postseason, as the Knicks fell to Chicago in the ].


In his first full season as head coach, the Knicks tied for the third-best record in franchise history, at 57–25.<ref name="franchise">{{cite web|title=New York Knickerbockers Franchise Index|publisher=Basketball-Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/|access-date=March 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100424040233/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/| archive-date= 24 April 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In the regular season finale, the Knicks defeated the 69–12 ] in Chicago, preventing them from posting two consecutive 70-win seasons in a row, and tying the best home record in NBA history.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Clifton|title=When a Knick Victory Is Not Just a Victory|work=The New York Times|date=April 20, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/20/sports/when-a-knick-victory-is-not-just-a-victory.html|access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref> Van Gundy created a memorable scene in the ] series between the New York Knicks and the ]. When the Heat's 6'10" (2.08 m), 240&nbsp;lb. (109&nbsp;kg) center ],<ref></ref> and the Knicks' 6'7" (2.01 m),<ref></ref> 250&nbsp;lb. (113&nbsp;kg) power forward ],<ref></ref> engaged in a bench-clearing brawl, Van Gundy unsuccessfully tried to break the fight up. Most memorably, the 5'9" (1.75 m), 165&nbsp;lb. (75&nbsp;kg) Van Gundy<ref></ref> fell to the floor, and clung to Mourning's leg.<ref>, nytimes.com, May 3, 1998.</ref> Suspensions were handed down for the brawl, but the Knicks held on to win the series 3-2 and moved on to play the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. In his first full season as head coach, the Knicks tied for the third-best record in franchise history, at 57–25.<ref name="franchise">{{cite web|title=New York Knickerbockers Franchise Index|publisher=Basketball-Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/|access-date=March 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100424040233/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/| archive-date= 24 April 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> In the regular season finale, the Knicks defeated the 69–12 ] in Chicago, preventing them from posting two consecutive 70-win seasons in a row, and tying the best home record in NBA history.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Clifton|title=When a Knick Victory Is Not Just a Victory|work=The New York Times|date=April 20, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/20/sports/when-a-knick-victory-is-not-just-a-victory.html|access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref> Van Gundy was involved in a memorable scene in the ] series between the New York Knicks and the ]. When the Heat's center ] and the Knicks' power forward ] engaged in a bench-clearing brawl, Van Gundy unsuccessfully tried to break the fight up. In the process, he fell to the floor and clung to Mourning's leg.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wise |first=Mike |date=1998-05-03 |title=THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; In Aftermath of Fight, Van Gundy Becomes the Little Big Coach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/03/sports/the-nba-playoffs-in-aftermath-of-fight-van-gundy-becomes-the-little-big-coach.html |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


In the ]–shortened 1998–99 season, the Knicks struggled with injuries (namely to all-star ]) and finished 27–23 to finish as the eighth seed for the playoffs (they had to win six of their remaining eight games just to qualify).<ref></ref> In the first round of the ], the Knicks defied expectations and defeated the Heat in five games, avenging the previous season's playoff loss and becoming just the second 8th seed to defeat the number one seed in the playoffs. The win propelled an ] for the Knicks, as they swept the Hawks in the semifinals, and defeated the Pacers in six games, to advance to the ]. Without Ewing, they were no match in the Finals against the ], and lost the series in five games. The Knicks were the first eighth-seeded team in NBA history to reach the NBA Finals. In the ]-shortened 1998–99 season, the Knicks struggled with injuries (namely to all-star ]) and finished 27–23 to finish as the eighth seed for the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Selena |date=1999-12-12 |title=PRO BASKETBALL; Sprewell Carries On, Even With Ewing In |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/sports/pro-basketball-sprewell-carries-on-even-with-ewing-in.html |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In the first round of the ], the Knicks ] the Heat in five games, avenging the previous season's playoff loss and becoming just the second 8th seed to defeat the number one seed in the playoffs. The win propelled an ] for the Knicks, as they swept the Hawks in the semifinals, and defeated the Pacers in six games, to advance to the ]. Without Ewing, they were overmatched in the Finals against the ], and lost the series in five games. The Knicks were the first eighth-seeded team in NBA history to reach the NBA Finals.


The Knicks followed up their Finals run with a 50–32 season, and advanced to the ], where they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers. Until the 2013 playoffs, this was the last time the Knicks won a playoff series. The Knicks followed up their Finals run with a 50–32 season, and advanced to the ], where they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers. Until the 2013 playoffs, this was the last time the Knicks won a playoff series.


In a 2001 game between the Spurs and Knicks, ] elbowed ]. While talking to the referee, Camby lost control and tried to punch Ferry. Camby missed and hit Van Gundy instead, who said he learned his lesson about trying to break up fights between players.<ref>, abcnews.go.com; accessed January 4, 2016.</ref> The Knicks finished 48–34, but lost in the ] to the ]. In a 2001 game between the Spurs and Knicks, ] elbowed ]. While talking to the referee, Camby lost control and tried to punch Ferry. Camby missed and hit Van Gundy instead, who said he learned his lesson about trying to break up fights between players.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2001 |title=Van Gundy on Losing End of Camby Collision |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=99942&page=1 |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> The Knicks finished 48–34, but lost in the ] to the ].


Just 19 games into the 2001–02 season, Van Gundy resigned from the Knicks' head coach position.<ref></ref> The move was unexpected, as the Knicks were on a winning streak, and coming off a 14–point victory against the ].<ref></ref> Just 19 games into the 2001–02 season, Van Gundy resigned from the Knicks' head coach position.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2001 |title=Van Gundy unexpectedly resigns from Knicks |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/1208/1292090.html |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=ESPN}}</ref> The move was unexpected, as the Knicks were on a winning streak, and coming off a 14-point victory against the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Broussard |first=Chris |date=2001-12-09 |title=PRO BASKETBALL; Resigning After 19 Games, Van Gundy Shocks the Knicks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/09/sports/pro-basketball-resigning-after-19-games-van-gundy-shocks-the-knicks.html |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


===Houston Rockets=== ===Houston Rockets===
On June 10, 2003, Van Gundy was named head coach of the ], replacing ].<ref></ref> In his first season as the team's head coach, the Rockets finished with a 45–37 record, and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the ]. On June 10, 2003, Van Gundy was named head coach of the ], replacing ].<ref>{{cite news |title=PRO BASKETBALL; Van Gundy Accepts Job As Coach of the Rockets (Published 2003) |work=The New York Times |date=June 10, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128190458/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/10/sports/pro-basketball-van-gundy-accepts-job-as-coach-of-the-rockets.html |archive-date=2022-11-28 |url-status=live |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/10/sports/pro-basketball-van-gundy-accepts-job-as-coach-of-the-rockets.html |last1=Broussard |first1=Chris }}</ref> In his first season as the team's head coach, the Rockets finished with a 45–37 record, and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the ].


In his second season with the Rockets, Van Gundy guided the team, led by the ] / ] duo, to a 51–31 record, which was their first season with more than 50 wins in eight years. The Rockets once again lost in the first round of the playoffs, this time to the ]. In his second season with the Rockets, Van Gundy guided the team, led by ] and ], to a 51–31 record, which was their first season with more than 50 wins since 1996–97. The Rockets once again lost in the first round of the playoffs, this time to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004–05 Houston Rockets Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2005.html |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


McGrady and Yao missed a combined 70 games due to injury in the 2005–06 season, and Van Gundy did not make the playoffs for the first time in his NBA head coaching career. In May 2005, Van Gundy was fined $100,000 by the NBA, for accusing referees of targeting Houston Rockets center ]. Van Gundy blamed ] owner ] for causing the referees' alleged bias. This is the largest fine handed down to a coach in NBA history.<ref>, nytimes.com, May 3, 2005; accessed January 4, 2016.</ref> McGrady and Yao missed a combined 70 games due to injury in the 2005–06 season, and Van Gundy did not make the playoffs for the first time in his NBA head coaching career. In May 2005, Van Gundy was fined $100,000 by the NBA, for accusing referees of targeting Houston Rockets center Yao Ming. Van Gundy blamed ] owner ] for causing the referees' alleged bias. This is the largest fine handed down to a coach in NBA history.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Robbins |first=Liz |date=2005-05-03 |title=Van Gundy Runs Afoul of League and Pays a Price |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/03/sports/basketball/van-gundy-runs-afoul-of-league-and-pays-a-price.html |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


The injuries and disappointments continued for the Rockets into the following season, with injuries limiting Yao to just 48 games played, and McGrady also not fully recovered from his injuries. The Rockets went on a late season run, on the back of a resurgence from McGrady, but another first round playoff loss, this time to the ], sealed Van Gundy's fate as the team's head coach. At the conclusion of their decisive Game 7 loss in the first round of the playoffs, Van Gundy was fired, and then replaced by ]. The injuries and disappointments continued for the Rockets into the following season, with injuries limiting Yao to just 48 games played, and McGrady also not fully recovered from his injuries. The Rockets went on a late season run, on the back of a resurgence from McGrady, but another first round playoff loss, this time to the ], sealed Van Gundy's fate as the team's head coach. At the conclusion of their decisive Game 7 loss in the first round of the playoffs, Van Gundy was fired, and then replaced by ].


===National team career=== ===National team career===
In July 2017, it was announced that Van Gundy would be the head coach of the senior ] at the ] tournament, and in the ] for the ] in China. USA head coach ] would then resume coaching the team at the World Cup, and at the ], should they qualify for either. Team USA became Van Gundy's first coaching job since leaving the Rockets in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usab.com/basketball/staff/v/van-gundy-jeff.aspx|title=Jeff Van Gundy|publisher=USA Basketball|date=July 5, 2017|access-date=July 30, 2017}}</ref> In July 2017, it was announced that Van Gundy would be the head coach of the senior ] at the ] tournament, and in the ] for the ] in China. USA head coach ] would then resume coaching the team at the World Cup, and at the ], should they qualify for either. Team USA became Van Gundy's first coaching job since leaving the Rockets in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usab.com/basketball/staff/v/van-gundy-jeff.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730151307/https://www.usab.com/basketball/staff/v/van-gundy-jeff.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 30, 2017|title=Jeff Van Gundy|publisher=USA Basketball|date=July 5, 2017|access-date=July 30, 2017}}</ref>


Van Gundy went on to guide the US to the gold medal at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, and also to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.<ref></ref> Van Gundy went on to guide the US to the gold medal at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, and also to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2018 |title=After accomplishing their World Cup mission, the USA sigh in relief |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/americas-qualifiers/news/after-accomplishing-their-world-cup-mission-the-usa-sigh-in-relief |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=FIBA.basketball |language=en}}</ref>

===Front office career===
On October 14, 2023, the ] announced that Van Gundy had joined the team as a senior consultant to the basketball operations division.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-14 |title=Celtics hire Jeff Van Gundy as senior consultant.|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38660110/boston-celtics-hire-jeff-van-gundy-senior-consultant |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The Celtics defeated the ] in the 2024 NBA Finals, giving Van Gundy his first NBA Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/clippers/2024/06/18/jeff-van-gundy-to-become-la-clippers-assistant-coach/74133983007/|title=Report: Jeff Van Gundy returning to coaching as LA Clippers assistant|website=USA TODAY|last=Gardner|first=Steve|date=June 18, 2024|access-date=June 18, 2024}}</ref>

===Los Angeles Clippers===
On June 18, 2024, the ] hired Van Gundy to serve as lead assistant under head coach ], his first NBA coaching job in any capacity since 2007.


==Broadcasting career== ==Broadcasting career==
Following his firing from the ] in 2007, Van Gundy was a guest analyst for ]'s broadcast of the ]-] game in San Antonio, Texas, and he has since been a regular broadcast member for ESPN.<ref></ref> He now calls games as a ] with play-by-play announcer ] and ], including the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/05/mike-breen-abc-espn-broadcaster-nba-finals-play-by-play-jeff-van-gundy-mark-jackson|title=Mike Breen knows he can't control Jeff Van Gundy, and ABC's 'point guard' doesn't want to|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|last=Joseph|first=Adi|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref> Following his firing from the ] in 2007, Van Gundy was a guest analyst for ]'s broadcast of the ]–] game in San Antonio, Texas. Soon after, he became a regular broadcast member for ESPN.

He called games as a ] with play-by-play announcer ] and ], including the ] 15 times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/05/mike-breen-abc-espn-broadcaster-nba-finals-play-by-play-jeff-van-gundy-mark-jackson|title=Mike Breen knows he can't control Jeff Van Gundy, and ABC's 'point guard' doesn't want to|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|last=Joseph|first=Adi|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Marchand |first=Andrew |title=One year after Jeff Van Gundy's dismissal, ESPN's NBA broadcasts are worse off |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5507823/2024/05/21/espn-nba-broadcast-mike-breen-doris-burke-jj-redick/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> He missed Game 1 of the ] due to ] protocols, leaving behind ], Mark Jackson, and ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Contes|first=Brandon|date=June 2, 2022|title=Jeff Van Gundy and Adrian Wojnarowski to miss Game 1 of the NBA Finals between Celtics and Warriors after positive COVID tests|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/jeff-van-gundy-nba-finals-covid.html|work=Awful Announcing|location= |access-date=June 5, 2022}}</ref>


In June 2023, Van Gundy was let go by ESPN amid a wave of layoffs at the network.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=Alex |title=ESPN lays off about 20 on-air personalities including NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/30/espn-lays-off-on-air-talent-including-jeff-van-gundy-and-jalen-rose.html |website=CNBC |access-date=30 June 2023 |language=en |date=30 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Deitsch |first=Richard |date=June 30, 2023 |title=ESPN cuts NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4655971/2023/06/30/jeff-van-gundy-jalen-rose-espn-layoffs/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Life outside basketball==
Jeff Van Gundy was an executive board member of ], a ] and non-profit organization in Houston, that provides educational, job-training, and mentoring services to boys and girls aged 10–18.


==Personal life==
Van Gundy's older brother is ].
Van Gundy's older brother is ], who is a former head coach of the NBA's ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Pistons Name Stan Van Gundy Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations |url=https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/detroit-pistons-name-stan-van-gundy-head-coach-and-president-basketball-operations |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=www.nba.com |language=en}}</ref>


On May 8, 2011, Van Gundy received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, from his alma mater, ], during the college's 84th Annual Commencement Ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.naz.edu/features/documents/commencement-2011-program.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930205624/http://www.naz.edu/features/documents/commencement-2011-program.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> On May 8, 2011, Van Gundy received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, from his alma mater, ], during the college's 84th Annual Commencement Ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.naz.edu/features/documents/commencement-2011-program.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930205624/http://www.naz.edu/features/documents/commencement-2011-program.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==NBA head coaching record== ==NBA head coaching record==
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| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1995}} | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1995}}
| 23||13||10||{{Winning percentage|13|10}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in ]||8||4||4||{{Winning percentage|4|4}} | 23||13||10||{{Winning percentage|13|10}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in ]||8||4||4||{{Winning percentage|4|4}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ] | style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ]
|- |-
| style="text-align:left;"|] | style="text-align:left;"|]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1996}} | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1996}}
| 82||57||25||{{Winning percentage|57|25}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Atlantic||10||6||4||{{Winning percentage|6|4}} | 82||57||25||{{Winning percentage|57|25}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Atlantic||10||6||4||{{Winning percentage|6|4}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ] | style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ]
|- |-
| style="text-align:left;"|] | style="text-align:left;"|]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1997}} | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1997}}
| 82||43||39||{{Winning percentage|43|39}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Atlantic||10||4||6||{{Winning percentage|4|6}} | 82||43||39||{{Winning percentage|43|39}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Atlantic||10||4||6||{{Winning percentage|4|6}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ] | style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ]
|- |-
| style="text-align:left;"|] | style="text-align:left;"|]
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| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1999|trunc=y}} | style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1999|trunc=y}}
| 82||50||32||{{Winning percentage|50|32}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Atlantic||16||9||7||{{Winning percentage|9|7}} | 82||50||32||{{Winning percentage|50|32}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Atlantic||16||9||7||{{Winning percentage|9|7}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ] | style="text-align:center;"|Lost in ]
|- |-
| style="text-align:left;"|] | style="text-align:left;"|]
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==External links== ==External links==
* at basketballreference.com * at basketballreference.com
* at usab.com * at usab.com


{{Los Angeles Clippers current roster}}
{{navboxes|list= {{navboxes|list=
{{New York Knicks coach navbox}} {{New York Knicks coach navbox}}
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] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] <!-- Played at Menlo College in California when it was still classified as a junior college --> ] <!-- Played at Menlo College in California when it was still classified as a junior college -->
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Latest revision as of 20:55, 11 December 2024

American basketball coach and commentator

Jeff Van Gundy
Van Gundy with the Houston Rockets in 2006
Los Angeles Clippers
PositionLead assistant coach
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (1962-01-19) January 19, 1962 (age 62)
Hemet, California, U.S.
Career information
High schoolBrockport Central
(Brockport, New York)
College
PositionPoint guard
Coaching career1985–2007, 2024–present
Career history
As coach:
1985–1986McQuaid Jesuit HS
1986–1988Providence (assistant)
1988–1989Rutgers (assistant)
1989–1996New York Knicks (assistant)
1996–2001New York Knicks
2003–2007Houston Rockets
2023–2024Boston Celtics (senior consultant)
2024–presentLos Angeles Clippers (lead assistant)
Career highlights and awards
As coach:

As senior consultant:

Medals
Men's basketball
Head Coach for  United States
FIBA AmeriCup
Gold medal – first place 2017 Argentina

Jeffrey William Van Gundy (born January 19, 1962) is an American basketball coach and former commentator who is currently the top deputy coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. Van Gundy previously served as head coach of the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his tenure with the Knicks, he led the team to the 1999 NBA Finals which was their first finals appearance since 1994. They ultimately fell to the San Antonio Spurs. Van Gundy won an NBA championship in 2024 with the Boston Celtics where he served as a senior consultant in the front office.

Early life

Van Gundy was born in Hemet, California, and lived in Martinez, California until 1977. His family moved to Brockport, New York while Van Gundy was still in high school, and he attended and played basketball at Brockport High School.

He is the son of basketball coach Bill Van Gundy, the former head coach at SUNY Brockport and at Genesee Community College, and the younger brother of former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy.

As a high school point guard, Van Gundy was a two-time All Greater Rochester selection in 1979 and 1980, leading Brockport to the Class AA finals. Van Gundy attended Yale University before transferring to Menlo College, and ultimately graduating from New York's Nazareth University in 1985.

At Nazareth, Van Gundy led the Golden Flyers to an NCAA Division III Tournament berth in 1984. He remains the Nazareth career leader in free throw percentage, at 86.8%.

Coaching career

Early career

Van Gundy began his basketball coaching career during the 1985–86 season, at McQuaid Jesuit High School, in Rochester, New York. The following year, he became a graduate assistant under head coach Rick Pitino, at Providence College, helping the Providence Friars advance to the Final Four. In his second season with the Friars, he was promoted to assistant coach under Gordon Chiesa. The next season, Van Gundy became an assistant coach under Bob Wenzel, at Rutgers.

New York Knicks

On July 28, 1989, Van Gundy became an assistant coach for the New York Knicks. He spent the next six-and-a-half seasons providing support to Knicks head coaches Stu Jackson (1989–1990), John MacLeod (1990–1991), Pat Riley (1991–1995), and Don Nelson (1995–1996). During his tenure as an assistant coach, the Knicks won three Atlantic Division titles, never finished lower than third in the division, and qualified for the playoffs every year. The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals in 1993, and the NBA Finals versus the Houston Rockets in 1994.

On March 8, 1996, the Knicks named Van Gundy their next head coach, taking over the reins from Don Nelson. In his second game as head coach, he notably led the Knicks to a 32-point blowout win over the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls, who had eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs four times since 1989. However, Van Gundy was unable to change that trend in the postseason, as the Knicks fell to Chicago in the conference semifinals.

In his first full season as head coach, the Knicks tied for the third-best record in franchise history, at 57–25. In the regular season finale, the Knicks defeated the 69–12 Chicago Bulls in Chicago, preventing them from posting two consecutive 70-win seasons in a row, and tying the best home record in NBA history. Van Gundy was involved in a memorable scene in the 1998 NBA Playoffs series between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. When the Heat's center Alonzo Mourning and the Knicks' power forward Larry Johnson engaged in a bench-clearing brawl, Van Gundy unsuccessfully tried to break the fight up. In the process, he fell to the floor and clung to Mourning's leg.

In the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, the Knicks struggled with injuries (namely to all-star Patrick Ewing) and finished 27–23 to finish as the eighth seed for the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, the Knicks upset the Heat in five games, avenging the previous season's playoff loss and becoming just the second 8th seed to defeat the number one seed in the playoffs. The win propelled an improbable run for the Knicks, as they swept the Hawks in the semifinals, and defeated the Pacers in six games, to advance to the NBA Finals. Without Ewing, they were overmatched in the Finals against the Spurs, and lost the series in five games. The Knicks were the first eighth-seeded team in NBA history to reach the NBA Finals.

The Knicks followed up their Finals run with a 50–32 season, and advanced to the Conference finals, where they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers. Until the 2013 playoffs, this was the last time the Knicks won a playoff series.

In a 2001 game between the Spurs and Knicks, Danny Ferry elbowed Marcus Camby. While talking to the referee, Camby lost control and tried to punch Ferry. Camby missed and hit Van Gundy instead, who said he learned his lesson about trying to break up fights between players. The Knicks finished 48–34, but lost in the first round to the Raptors.

Just 19 games into the 2001–02 season, Van Gundy resigned from the Knicks' head coach position. The move was unexpected, as the Knicks were on a winning streak, and coming off a 14-point victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Houston Rockets

On June 10, 2003, Van Gundy was named head coach of the Houston Rockets, replacing Rudy Tomjanovich. In his first season as the team's head coach, the Rockets finished with a 45–37 record, and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his second season with the Rockets, Van Gundy guided the team, led by Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, to a 51–31 record, which was their first season with more than 50 wins since 1996–97. The Rockets once again lost in the first round of the playoffs, this time to the Dallas Mavericks.

McGrady and Yao missed a combined 70 games due to injury in the 2005–06 season, and Van Gundy did not make the playoffs for the first time in his NBA head coaching career. In May 2005, Van Gundy was fined $100,000 by the NBA, for accusing referees of targeting Houston Rockets center Yao Ming. Van Gundy blamed Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for causing the referees' alleged bias. This is the largest fine handed down to a coach in NBA history.

The injuries and disappointments continued for the Rockets into the following season, with injuries limiting Yao to just 48 games played, and McGrady also not fully recovered from his injuries. The Rockets went on a late season run, on the back of a resurgence from McGrady, but another first round playoff loss, this time to the Utah Jazz, sealed Van Gundy's fate as the team's head coach. At the conclusion of their decisive Game 7 loss in the first round of the playoffs, Van Gundy was fired, and then replaced by Rick Adelman.

National team career

In July 2017, it was announced that Van Gundy would be the head coach of the senior United States national team at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup tournament, and in the qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China. USA head coach Gregg Popovich would then resume coaching the team at the World Cup, and at the 2020 Summer Olympics, should they qualify for either. Team USA became Van Gundy's first coaching job since leaving the Rockets in 2007.

Van Gundy went on to guide the US to the gold medal at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, and also to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Front office career

On October 14, 2023, the Boston Celtics announced that Van Gundy had joined the team as a senior consultant to the basketball operations division. The Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, giving Van Gundy his first NBA Championship.

Los Angeles Clippers

On June 18, 2024, the Los Angeles Clippers hired Van Gundy to serve as lead assistant under head coach Tyronn Lue, his first NBA coaching job in any capacity since 2007.

Broadcasting career

Following his firing from the Houston Rockets in 2007, Van Gundy was a guest analyst for ESPN's broadcast of the Phoenix Suns–San Antonio Spurs game in San Antonio, Texas. Soon after, he became a regular broadcast member for ESPN.

He called games as a color commentator with play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and Mark Jackson, including the NBA Finals 15 times. He missed Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals due to COVID-19 protocols, leaving behind Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, and Lisa Salters.

In June 2023, Van Gundy was let go by ESPN amid a wave of layoffs at the network.

Personal life

Van Gundy's older brother is Stan Van Gundy, who is a former head coach of the NBA's Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detroit Pistons.

On May 8, 2011, Van Gundy received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, from his alma mater, Nazareth University, during the college's 84th Annual Commencement Ceremony.

NBA head coaching record

Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
New York 1995–96 23 13 10 .565 2nd in Atlantic 8 4 4 .500 Lost in Conference semifinals
New York 1996–97 82 57 25 .695 2nd in Atlantic 10 6 4 .600 Lost in Conference semifinals
New York 1997–98 82 43 39 .524 2nd in Atlantic 10 4 6 .400 Lost in Conference semifinals
New York 1998–99 50 27 23 .540 4th in Atlantic 20 12 8 .600 Lost in NBA Finals
New York 1999–00 82 50 32 .610 2nd in Atlantic 16 9 7 .563 Lost in Conference finals
New York 2000–01 82 48 34 .585 3rd in Atlantic 5 2 3 .400 Lost in first round
New York 2001–02 19 10 9 .526 (resigned) — — — — —
Houston 2003–04 82 45 37 .549 5th in Midwest 5 1 4 .200 Lost in first round
Houston 2004–05 82 51 31 .622 3rd in Southwest 7 3 4 .429 Lost in first round
Houston 2005–06 82 34 48 .415 5th in Southwest — — — — Missed playoffs
Houston 2006–07 82 52 30 .634 3rd in Southwest 7 3 4 .429 Lost in first round
Career 748 430 318 .575   88 44 44 .500  

References

  1. ^ Gilmore, Eric (April 28, 2001). "From the archives: The Van Gundys love this game". East Bay Times. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  2. Coaching Van Gundy brothers honor their proud father, usatoday.com; accessed January 4, 2016.
  3. "ESPN fires ex-NBA coach, legendary brother slams broadcaster". The Economic Times. May 26, 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  4. Berkow, Ira (April 21, 1997). "From a Scouting Assignment at Age 10, Van Gundy Has Risen to the Top". The New York Times.
  5. "Hoop Dream : a Q & A with Jeff Van Gundy". Nazareth University.
  6. Jeff Van Gundy profile Archived 2007-11-03 at the Wayback Machine, NBA.com; accessed January 4, 2016.
  7. MacMullan, Jackie (March 18, 1996). "Van's the Man Relieved to Be Rid of Don Nelson, the Knicks Blew Away the Bulls for their New Coach, Jeff Van Gundy". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018.
  8. Armour, Terry (March 11, 1996). "New York Nightmare: Knicks 104, Bulls 72". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  9. "New York Knickerbockers Franchise Index". Basketball-Reference. Archived from the original on April 24, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  10. Brown, Clifton (April 20, 1997). "When a Knick Victory Is Not Just a Victory". The New York Times. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  11. Wise, Mike (May 3, 1998). "THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; In Aftermath of Fight, Van Gundy Becomes the Little Big Coach". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  12. Roberts, Selena (December 12, 1999). "PRO BASKETBALL; Sprewell Carries On, Even With Ewing In". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  13. "Van Gundy on Losing End of Camby Collision". ABC News. January 16, 2001. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  14. "Van Gundy unexpectedly resigns from Knicks". ESPN. December 9, 2001. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  15. Broussard, Chris (December 9, 2001). "PRO BASKETBALL; Resigning After 19 Games, Van Gundy Shocks the Knicks". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  16. Broussard, Chris (June 10, 2003). "PRO BASKETBALL; Van Gundy Accepts Job As Coach of the Rockets (Published 2003)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022.
  17. "2004–05 Houston Rockets Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  18. Robbins, Liz (May 3, 2005). "Van Gundy Runs Afoul of League and Pays a Price". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  19. "Jeff Van Gundy". USA Basketball. July 5, 2017. Archived from the original on July 30, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  20. "After accomplishing their World Cup mission, the USA sigh in relief". FIBA.basketball. June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  21. "Celtics hire Jeff Van Gundy as senior consultant". ESPN.com. October 14, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  22. Gardner, Steve (June 18, 2024). "Report: Jeff Van Gundy returning to coaching as LA Clippers assistant". USA TODAY. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  23. Joseph, Adi (May 31, 2017). "Mike Breen knows he can't control Jeff Van Gundy, and ABC's 'point guard' doesn't want to". USA Today. Gannett Company. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  24. Marchand, Andrew. "One year after Jeff Van Gundy's dismissal, ESPN's NBA broadcasts are worse off". The New York Times. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  25. Contes, Brandon (June 2, 2022). "Jeff Van Gundy and Adrian Wojnarowski to miss Game 1 of the NBA Finals between Celtics and Warriors after positive COVID tests". Awful Announcing. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  26. Sherman, Alex (June 30, 2023). "ESPN lays off about 20 on-air personalities including NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose". CNBC. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  27. Deitsch, Richard (June 30, 2023). "ESPN cuts NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose". The New York Times. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  28. "Detroit Pistons Name Stan Van Gundy Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations". www.nba.com. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  29. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

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