Pop is one scary Mofo

[whitey]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that this guy used to be a counterintelligence agent. Is that true? A Suns fan on another board said that if there were a terrorist attack at a Spurs game, Pop would go Bruce Willis in Diehard and single-handedly defeat the enemy. :lol

Wanna know why D’Antoni never gets a tech? It’s ‘cause the refs find him more amusing than threatening. He’s like Chaplain in the The Great Dictator. Don’t tell me you’ve never burst out laughing watching his red-faced antics. Dude is hilarious. I'm sure the refs agree.

Pop, on the other hand, is downright frightening. A wink or a nod from Pop and the refs will smarten up right quick.

I also like Pop’s post-game comments. He gives proper respect to Nash and the Suns, unlike a certain Phil Jackson who just blames the “scrubs” under his power, trying to prop up his own ego.

Still, I’d really hate to play for this tough-as-nails motherfucker.

I don’t even think Phoenix NEEDS a coach. D’antoni himself has said as much. He lets Nash make almost all of the decisions (without the almost, Phoenix would undoubtedly be a better team). His role is basically to say “stay on the glass!” and “run, run, run!” Part of that is false modesty, but at the same time I think he’s basically telling the truth.

Now Pop on the other hand, this guy’s drawing up plans like he’s about to invade North Korea.

Question: which method do you think is more effective? A laid back couch who turns into a freak during game time, or a brutal tactician who becomes laid back during game time but who you know might strap you to a waterboard afterwards?

Or does it matter much at all?

Personally I think it’s mostly just a matter of talent and focus by the players. Either style will work provided the coach does the basic job on matchups. Honest opinion: I think the most effective means of "coaching" is encouragement and support, not punishment. Studies would seem to confirm this (see Alfie Kohn). Positive reinforcement has proved more effective in the long run than negative. The Spurs have INCREDIBLE talent. Is it possible they would do even better if Pop toned down the USMC stuff?

Still, I’d like to learn more aboutPop. I tried Wiki but it was like one paragraph long. What do Spurs fans think of their coach?

Thanks in advance.

[BIG IRISH]

....Still, I’d like to learn more about this Pops. I tried Wiki but it was like one paragraph long. What do Spurs fans think of their coach?

Thanks in advance.

Depends if the Spurs win or not.
Greatest fault IMO, hesistant to change when it is evident the Game Plan
is not working, or to counter the moves of the other coach which are working.

[Mr. Peabody]

Pop is just riding the wave of the great system Bob Hill installed during his highly successful stint as coach here in SA. Pop has been under criticism lately for not instructing the Spurs, Manu in particular, to make more of the shots that they take. I think last night's series-changing loss was the final straw. It's obvious that Pop does not have an answer for D'Antoni's decision to put KT on Duncan, which essentially rendered Duncan ineffective during the game. Now that Hill is available, I don't expect Pop to be back with the team next season.

[FromWayDowntown]

It's "Pop," not "Pops."

I don't know why, but hearing people call the man "Pops" really drives me crazy.

[whitey]

It's "Pop," not "Pops."

I don't know why, but hearing people call the man "Pops" really drives me crazy.

LOL sorry, that would drive me nuts too. I'll go back and edit the orginal.

[AnkleBreaker21]

i dont think pop yells enough, he needs to fuckin yell right in manu's face

[whitey]

Depends if the Spurs win or not.
Greatest fault IMO, hesistant to change when it is evident the Game Plan
is not working, or to counter the moves of the other coach which are working.

That seems to be the main complaint by fans for most coaches. If you the read the Suns boards after game 1, you'll see unbridled fury at coach D not adjusting and keeping Kurt in the game. Hindsight is 20/20, but I honestly believe some fans would make better (assistant) coaches than some currently practicing. Surely Pop must be better at adjusts than D'antoni (meaning in-game). How could anyone be worse?

[whitey]

i dont think pop yells enough, he needs to fuckin yell right in manu's face

You see, this is the question I'm posing. Does that really help? I guess it depends on the individual player's disposition. What I DO know, however, is that multiple studies have proved that positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment.

[DarrinS]

Pop is just riding the wave of the great system Bob Hill installed during his highly successful stint as coach here in SA. Pop has been under criticism lately for not instructing the Spurs, Manu in particular, to make more of the shots that they take. I think last night's series-changing loss was the final straw. It's obvious that Pop does not have an answer for D'Antoni's decision to put KT on Duncan, which essentially rendered Duncan ineffective during the game. Now that Hill is available, I don't expect Pop to be back with the team next season.


Sarcasm forum.

[AFE7FATMAN]

Pop is just riding the wave of the great system Bob Hill installed during his highly successful stint as coach here in SA. Pop has been under criticism lately for not instructing the Spurs, Manu in particular, to make more of the shots that they take. I think last night's series-changing loss was the final straw. It's obvious that Pop does not have an answer for D'Antoni's decision to put KT on Duncan, which essentially rendered Duncan ineffective during the game. Now that Hill is available, I don't expect Pop to be back with the team next season.

I don't know if this is sarcasm or not, posted at the same time as Darrin ,but there is some truth in it.

You are about to get flamed by the numerous Bob Hill Haters in SA.

[FromWayDowntown]

LOL sorry, that would drive me nuts too. I'll go back and edit the orginal.

:tu

more later.

Peabody owns . . . .

[DarrinS]

Pop is an even scarier mofo when you meet him in person. I guess he used to have really bad acne as a kid.

[nkdlunch]

you can't win a war without a great general. have a good early summer sun fans.

[DarrinS]

I don't know if this is sarcasm or not, posted at the same time as Darrin ,but there is some truth in it.

You are about to get flamed by the numerous Bob Hill Haters in SA.


http://www.aaftankmuseum.com/Flame%20Thrower.jpghttp://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060104/hill_85276.jpg

[AFE7FATMAN]

you can't win a war without a great general. have a good early summer sun fans.

Speaking of Generals, where in the BAYOU is the little general. :lol

[AnkleBreaker21]

You see, this is the question I'm posing. Does that really help? I guess it depends on the individual player's disposition. What I DO know, however, is that multiple studies have proved that positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment.
well i dont know if it helps, but manu looks like he is smoking some of my weed :lol

[Dex]

One time in second grade I spilled my milk. I'm still waiting to get out of Pop's doghouse.

[AFE7FATMAN]

Pop is an even scarier mofo when you meet him in person. I guess he used to have really bad acne as a kid.

Give him a friggin break. Haven't you noticed he is trying to correct the scar's
from his childhood. He has had laser treatments, botox etc and it has made a great difference. But nobody talk's about it, because that would make him Vain :rolleyes

If you want I can PM you the name of the doctor in the Methodist Building, the Doc has a big mouth.

[AFE7FATMAN]

He is married to the Daughter of Hank Egan for about 30 years, Erin.

[Kobulingam]

When Parker has a good game yet makes a few mistakes Pop yells at him like the world is ending. When Manu goes for 0-10 and has 5 turnovers, Pop doesn't yell.

[whitey]

you can't win a war without a great general

I'm not trying to disparage Pop at all. I was just posing a philosophical question and asking for Spurs' fans opinions on your coach. Still, in reply to your quote, Zapata once said that "A strong people needs no leader". I agree. Paradoxically, I think that's the ultimate goal of a leader: to ensure that he or she is no longer needed.

Authoritarian personalities necessitate dependence by underlings. Oh hell, it's just basketball.
:lol

Good luck guys. :)

[AFE7FATMAN]

Manu is a S T A R

Tony is just a kid that pop created :lol












Manu won't put up with it
and Tony just blow's it off

[GrandeDavid]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that this guy used to be a counterintelligence agent. Is that true? A Suns fan on another board said that if there were a terrorist attack at a Spurs game, Pop would go Bruce Willis in Diehard and single-handedly defeat the enemy. :lol

Wanna know why D’Antoni never gets a tech? It’s ‘cause the refs find him more amusing than threatening. He’s like Chaplain in the The Great Dictator. Don’t tell me you’ve never burst out laughing watching his red-faced antics. Dude is hilarious. I'm sure the refs agree.

Pop, on the other hand, is downright frightening. A wink or a nod from Pop and the refs will smarten up right quick.

I also like Pop’s post-game comments. He gives proper respect to Nash and the Suns, unlike a certain Phil Jackson who just blames the “scrubs” under his power, trying to prop up his own ego.

Still, I’d really hate to play for this tough-as-nails motherfucker.

I don’t even think Phoenix NEEDS a coach. D’antoni himself has said as much. He lets Nash make almost all of the decisions (without the almost, Phoenix would undoubtedly be a better team). His role is basically to say “stay on the glass!” and “run, run, run!” Part of that is false modesty, but at the same time I think he’s basically telling the truth.

Now Pop on the other hand, this guy’s drawing up plans like he’s about to invade North Korea.

Question: which method do you think is more effective? A laid back couch who turns into a freak during game time, or a brutal tactician who becomes laid back during game time but who you know might strap you to a waterboard afterwards?

Or does it matter much at all?

Personally I think it’s mostly just a matter of talent and focus by the players. Either style will work provided the coach does the basic job on matchups. Honest opinion: I think the most effective means of "coaching" is encouragement and support, not punishment. Studies would seem to confirm this (see Alfie Kohn). Positive reinforcement has proved more effective in the long run than negative. The Spurs have INCREDIBLE talent. Is it possible they would do even better if Pop toned down the USMC stuff?

Still, I’d like to learn more aboutPop. I tried Wiki but it was like one paragraph long. What do Spurs fans think of their coach?

Thanks in advance.

He lives two houses down from my parents. He's a very nice, down to earth guy. Likes to talk college hoops, international politics.

[BIG IRISH]

College - Air Force Academy
Has led the Spurs to three NBA Championships since he took over in 1995 as the team’s head coach (1999, 2003 and 2005) … one of two active coaches with multiple NBA Championships (Phil Jackson has nine) …

named the 2003 NBA Coach of the Year … three times has led San Antonio to the NBA’s best regular season record (1998-99, 2000-01 and 2002-03) … enters the 2005-06 season with a career mark of 455-233 …

his career winning percentage of .661 ties him for fifth in NBA history with Pat Riley, and is the second among active coaches to Phil Jackson …

has served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball’s Men’s Senior Team from 2002-2004 (at the 2002 World Basketball Championship, the 2003 FIBA America Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the 2004 Olympic Games)...

posted his 300th career win in Los Angeles on January 5, 2003 as the Spurs beat the Clippers 94-86 … did so in his 476th career game, making him the ninth fastest coach in NBA history to reach the 300 win mark …

has been named the NBA Coach of the Month six times in his career (4/99, 3/01, 3/02, 1/03, 3/03 and 12/03) … playoff career winning percentage of .627 (53-34) is the fifth best in NBA history …

the Spurs all-time leader in both regular season and playoff wins …

a 1970 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in Soviet Studies … played four seasons at the Air Force Academy … as a senior was the team’s captain and leading scorer … following his graduation in 1970 served his five-year military commitment … during that time toured Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces Team …

selected to represent the U.S. on the national A.A.U. Team touring the Soviet Union … in 1972 was the captain of the Armed Forces team, which won the A.A.U. Championship … earned an invitation to the 1972 U.S. Olympic Team Training Camp …

AND IF MEMORY SERVES WAS THE LAST CUT from the team by Larry Brown :lol


in 1973 returned to the Air Force Academy as an assistant coach … spent six years at Air Force during which time he obtained his master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Sciences from the University of Denver

… in 1979, he was named the head coach at Pomona-Pitzer in Claremont, California … spent the next eight seasons at Pomona … during the 1985-86 season led the team to its first conference championship in 68 years and to a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament … while at Pomona was an active member of the school’s academic community, working as an associate professor, chairing the college’s Student Life committee, serving on the Women’s Commission and even—for one year—living in a dorm with his family … moved to the NBA in July of 1988, joining the Spurs as an assistant coach as a member of Larry Brown’s staff

… spent the next four seasons in San Antonio for a Spurs team that won a pair of Midwest Division titles … in the summer of 1992 was named an assistant coach on Don Nelson’s staff with Golden State …

spent the next two seasons with the Warriors … named the Spurs executive vice president of basketball operations/general manager on May 31, 1994 … served as GM for eight full seasons before turning the job over to R.C. Buford on July 1, 2002 …

named the Spurs head coach in December of 1996 … a very active member of the San Antonio community … in 1991 teamed with Frank Martin to create the Spurs/Pizza Hut Drug-Free Youth Basketball League

… today the league plays at 75 locations in and around San Antonio … over 20,000 boys and girls—ages 7 to 16—played in the league in 2003-04 (Spurs guard Devin Brown and Silver Stars guard Tai Dillard both played in the Spurs Drug-Free League while growing up in San Antonio)

… prior to each game, each participant takes the Drug-Free League pledge, promising to remain drug and alcohol free while showing good sportsmanship and fair play … in February of 1992,

President Bush awarded a Daily Point of Light Award to the Spurs Drug-Free League … in addition is involved in several other charities including Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives, the Kids Sports Network and the San Antonio Food Bank … he and his wife of 29 years, Erin, have been blessed with two children.http://www.nba.com/coachfile/gregg_popovich/

[ALVAREZ6]

CIA isn't Counter Intelligence...

[whitey]

He lives two houses down from my parents. He's a very nice, down to earth guy. Likes to talk college hoops, international politics.

interesting. Thanks. Pretty much what I expected. He and Nash should get together and talk politics, though something tells me they won't agree :lol

[whitey]

CIA isn't Counter Intelligence...

I beg to differ. If there's ever been a case for "counter" intelligence, it's the CIA. :lol

[whitey]

Thanks Irish.

[judaspriestess]

Question: which method do you think is more effective? A laid back couch who turns into a freak during game time, or a brutal tactician who becomes laid back during game time but who you know might strap you to a waterboard afterwards?



Laid back COUCH?

[SpursFanFirst]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that this guy used to be a counterintelligence agent. Is that true? A Suns fan on another board said that if there were a terrorist attack at a Spurs game, Pop would go Bruce Willis in Diehard and single-handedly defeat the enemy. :lol

Wanna know why D’Antoni never gets a tech? It’s ‘cause the refs find him more amusing than threatening. He’s like Chaplain in the The Great Dictator. Don’t tell me you’ve never burst out laughing watching his red-faced antics. Dude is hilarious. I'm sure the refs agree.

Pop, on the other hand, is downright frightening. A wink or a nod from Pop and the refs will smarten up right quick.

I also like Pop’s post-game comments. He gives proper respect to Nash and the Suns, unlike a certain Phil Jackson who just blames the “scrubs” under his power, trying to prop up his own ego.

Still, I’d really hate to play for this tough-as-nails motherfucker.

I don’t even think Phoenix NEEDS a coach. D’antoni himself has said as much. He lets Nash make almost all of the decisions (without the almost, Phoenix would undoubtedly be a better team). His role is basically to say “stay on the glass!” and “run, run, run!” Part of that is false modesty, but at the same time I think he’s basically telling the truth.

Now Pop on the other hand, this guy’s drawing up plans like he’s about to invade North Korea.

Question: which method do you think is more effective? A laid back couch who turns into a freak during game time, or a brutal tactician who becomes laid back during game time but who you know might strap you to a waterboard afterwards?

Or does it matter much at all?

Personally I think it’s mostly just a matter of talent and focus by the players. Either style will work provided the coach does the basic job on matchups. Honest opinion: I think the most effective means of "coaching" is encouragement and support, not punishment. Studies would seem to confirm this (see Alfie Kohn). Positive reinforcement has proved more effective in the long run than negative. The Spurs have INCREDIBLE talent. Is it possible they would do even better if Pop toned down the USMC stuff?

Still, I’d like to learn more aboutPop. I tried Wiki but it was like one paragraph long. What do Spurs fans think of their coach?

Thanks in advance.

I just found this online...

"Really, the only thing on my mind at that point was I wanted to be in counterintelligence and do whatever that meant," the San Antonio Spurs coach says.

Air Force grad Popovich still flies under radar
By Greg Boeck, USA TODAY

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — When Gregg Popovich graduated from the Air Force Academy with a degree in Soviet studies in 1970, he wanted to match wits with the Russians, not opposing coaches.
At the time, basketball was an avocation, not a vocation.
He never made it to the Cold War as a spy, however. A general who knew of his basketball background at the Air Force Academy — he was the team's leading scorer and captain as a senior — assigned him to the U.S. Armed Forces team that was touring Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Two years later, he captained the U.S. Armed Forces team that won the AAU championship and in 1973 returned to the Academy as an assistant coach.


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/2005-06-14-popovich-air-force_x.htm

There's more to this article, but this answers your question.

[Spursfan101]

i dont think pop yells enough, he needs to fuckin yell right in manu's face

Hell yeah! Back in 03' Pop was always getting in Manu's face and Manu got the message and played spectacular. Now? Now Pop hardly says anything and Manu has played like shit.

[jmard5]

But the thing is, players want to play for him. Players AND coaches respect him. And that is a huge factor.

Was it not also Pop's suggestion to have the players' families join them in their charter jet? True, he may be a disciplinarian when it comes to basketball, but he sure knows how to value family relationship.

[ShoogarBear]

If Pop when shooters go, so was CIA.

[Quasar]

If Pop when shooters go, so was CIA.I remember seeing that somewhere, but can't seem to recall.

Ducks? :drunk

[Gaddabout]

Wanna know why D’Antoni never gets a tech? It’s ‘cause the refs find him more amusing than threatening. He’s like Chaplain in the The Great Dictator. Don’t tell me you’ve never burst out laughing watching his red-faced antics. Dude is hilarious. I'm sure the refs agree.

The refs see him more like Foghorn Leghorn. Part Cotton Fitzsimmons, part 7-year-old boy.


I don’t even think Phoenix NEEDS a coach. D’antoni himself has said as much. He lets Nash make almost all of the decisions (without the almost, Phoenix would undoubtedly be a better team). His role is basically to say “stay on the glass!” and “run, run, run!” Part of that is false modesty, but at the same time I think he’s basically telling the truth.

Since the Suns are the consensus NBA vote for most difficult team to prepare for (because the Suns don't run plays), I fail to see why D'Antoni letting Nash run free form somehow makes D'Antoni less of a coach. If Nellie had done more of that in Dallas, the Mavs might have raised a trophy by now. They didn't know what they had.

The Suns also have one of the most respected staffs in basketball. Iavaroni is the current hot candidate for job openings, and Alvin Gentry is up there. Dan D'Antoni is directly credited for the growth of Barbosa.

[SpurYank]

I always believe that Pop will get the team where it's talent will take it. He is a master tactician and strategist, regardless of what you read here from our fickle fans. Without Pop, we don't make the playoffs. The Suns, on the other hand, make the playoffs because they have a talented team and a coach who wouldn't dare get in their way, and I am only repeating what D'Antoni said recently.

[austinfan]

interesting. Thanks. Pretty much what I expected. He and Nash should get together and talk politics, though something tells me they won't agree :lol

You'd be surprised. Someone posted on here that Popovich contributed the maximum amount to John Edwards in the last election cycle.

And here I will reaffirm my lasting crush on Pop--he, Manu and TD are my favorite Spurs because they're smart, humble, gracious to other teams, focused on winning and not on "personality issues" and all the other crapola that often accompanies a team.

Popovich isn't as authoritarian as he appears--his whole basketball philosophy is about the team as the most important element of the game (that and defense), not one leader laying down the law. Yes, he may have some outbursts here and there, but he wouldn't get the devotion he does from his players if he were a tyrant.

[MadDog73]

… one of two active coaches with multiple NBA Championships (Phil Jackson has nine) …

his career winning percentage of .661 ties him for fifth in NBA history with Pat Riley, and is the second among active coaches to Phil Jackson …

playoff career winning percentage of .627 (53-34) is the fifth best in NBA history …

the Spurs all-time leader in both regular season and playoff wins …




Nuff fucking said. Pop haters can all go root for Dallas...

[nkdlunch]

He and Nash should get together and talk politics, though something tells me they won't agree :lol

that's where u wrong. Pop is smart and educated, they would agree on a lot of things.

[Cry Havoc]

Sarcasm forum.

Dude, didn't you know your name is supposed to be spelled, D-e-r-o-n? :lol

[Shelly]

If Pop when shooters go, so was CIA.

:rollin

Was there ever a translation for this?

[LilMissSPURfect]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that this guy used to be a counterintelligence agent. Is that true? A Suns fan on another board said that if there were a terrorist attack at a Spurs game, Pop would go Bruce Willis in Diehard and single-handedly defeat the enemy. :lol

Wanna know why D’Antoni never gets a tech? It’s ‘cause the refs find him more amusing than threatening. He’s like Chaplain in the The Great Dictator. Don’t tell me you’ve never burst out laughing watching his red-faced antics. Dude is hilarious. I'm sure the refs agree.

Pop, on the other hand, is downright frightening. A wink or a nod from Pop and the refs will smarten up right quick.

I also like Pop’s post-game comments. He gives proper respect to Nash and the Suns, unlike a certain Phil Jackson who just blames the “scrubs” under his power, trying to prop up his own ego.

Still, I’d really hate to play for this tough-as-nails motherfucker.

I don’t even think Phoenix NEEDS a coach. D’antoni himself has said as much. He lets Nash make almost all of the decisions (without the almost, Phoenix would undoubtedly be a better team). His role is basically to say “stay on the glass!” and “run, run, run!” Part of that is false modesty, but at the same time I think he’s basically telling the truth.

Now Pop on the other hand, this guy’s drawing up plans like he’s about to invade North Korea.

Question: which method do you think is more effective? A laid back couch who turns into a freak during game time, or a brutal tactician who becomes laid back during game time but who you know might strap you to a waterboard afterwards?

Or does it matter much at all?

Personally I think it’s mostly just a matter of talent and focus by the players. Either style will work provided the coach does the basic job on matchups. Honest opinion: I think the most effective means of "coaching" is encouragement and support, not punishment. Studies would seem to confirm this (see Alfie Kohn). Positive reinforcement has proved more effective in the long run than negative. The Spurs have INCREDIBLE talent. Is it possible they would do even better if Pop toned down the USMC stuff?

Still, I’d like to learn more aboutPop. I tried Wiki but it was like one paragraph long. What do Spurs fans think of their coach?

Thanks in advance.



which style you like depends on the RESULTS you're looking for

[ShoogarBear]

I remember seeing that somewhere, but can't seem to recall.

Ducks? :drunk
:rollin

Was there ever a translation for this? http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6243&

[ShoogarBear]

Damn, Shelly, you were even part of the original conversation.