New York Knicks: Rick Pitino Endorses Frank Vogel
College basketball legend and former NBA coach Rick Pitino endorsed Frank Vogel for the New York Knicks’ head coaching vacancy.
Over the course of six seasons as head coach of the Indiana Pacers, Frank Vogel has become synonymous with defensive proficiency. At 42 years old, Vogel already has a career win percentage of .580, two Eastern Conference Finals appearances, and a 56-win season, and he’s built that success on the strength of his defensive prowess.
Vogel’s mentor believes that he can continue to build upon that success, regardless of which team he’s coaching next season.
Pacers team president Larry Bird shocked the masses when he confirmed the report that he didn’t know what would come of Vogel’s contract situation. His current deal will expire in June, and the Pacers have yet to discuss an extension—a sign that he could be moving on to greener pastures in 2016-17.
According to Fred Kerber of The New York Post, legendary coach Rick Pitino believes that Vogel can move on and thrive as the next head coach of the New York Knicks.
"“Frank would be a perfect fit anywhere. He is so adaptable, so even keel. Frank never gets too high, never gets too low,” said Pitino, head coach at Louisville. “Frank could coach anywhere. He could coach Sacramento. He could coach New York.“He’s a basketball junkie who puts everything he has into the game. He’s been around the block and he’s adaptable to any situation.”"
If Vogel is let go by the Pacers, New York would be a perfect destination.
Background information is required here. Vogel was a player and student manager for Pitino’s Kentucky Wildcats in the mid-1990s, and spent five years as his head video coordinator with the Boston Celtics.
Pitino gave Vogel his first coaching job when he promoted him to assistant coach in 2001.
Over the past six seasons, Vogel has earned the universal respect of his peers. He’s turned the Pacers into a defensive powerhouse, with the team cracking the Top 10 in scoring defense in five consecutive seasons—a fact that includes a 2014-15 campaign during which Paul George played just six games.
For what it’s worth, Indiana was No. 1 in points allowed per 100 possessions in both 2012-13 and 2013-14.
Thus, those who are surprised by Bird’s indecision on Vogel’s future with the team aren’t alone. Rather than viewing it as an indictment of Vogel, it should be taken for what it is.
Bird wants the Pacers to be of a more offensive-minded mentality, and Vogel is all about controlling the pace of the game through team defense.
As it pertains to the Knicks, Vogel has a very interesting history with the Triangle Offense. He hired Brian Shaw to the position of assistant coach in 2011, citing a desire to work with someone who had a close personal and basketball relationship with Phil Jackson.
With David West at the elbow and Roy Hibbert working the low block, Shaw and Vogel infused a number of Triangle principles into Indiana’s offense.
Between Vogel’s infatuation with Jackson’s legacy, and his willingness to implement aspects of the Triangle Offense, it’s easy to see why Pitino used the word, “Adaptable.” Vogel is a student of the game, and has commanded the respect of his players and peers every step of the way.
More knicks: Five reasons the New York Knicks need to hire Frank Vogel
If ever there were a coaching candidate who needed to be hired, it’s Frank Vogel with the New York Knicks. Rick Pitino seems to agree.