Quotes from Jeff Van Gundy

Stop the nonsense about 'student-athlete.'

There is a goodness about Yao that is unique, that never left him through all the pain and injuries and disappointments that accompanied his unprecedented accomplishments and successes.

Manu Ginobili - I like to watch him. I would pay to watch him play the game. He will try things that will drive a coach crazy, like a full-court bounce pass, but he has such a flair for the game. I love his energy and his spirit and his unpredictability.

Whenever you are coaching, you are trying to get the most balanced team that you can: balance between defense, offense, and rebounding.

If your best offensive players go down, all you can do is hang on.

Often, organizations don't know how good they have it with a player or coach.

I think Jeff Hornacek is a very, very good basketball coach and an outstanding person.

When I'd watch myself coaching, I'd say, 'Man, I look bad,' but I never felt I didn't have a sense of humor with the team. Maybe I was too over-the-top serious.

Your best players have to unite and inspire the group... otherwise, they'll divide the group

You need your best players to play their best when their best is needed

Everyone wants to focus on what Ben Simmons can't do, which is shoot and try to rush him into being a range shooter. I think Simmons in Philadelphia has done a good job in focusing what he does great versus what he doesn't do as well.

I think coaches should get the same amount of credit in victory that they get in defeat.

Don't worry about being cool. Worry about being the best

When you get a draft pick right, you should be given full credit.

While a guy may not be totally happy, he can be effective and do well for the team.

Everyone's system in the NBA makes sense. It all comes down to the quality of player and the quality of execution.