Morning Jolt: Nets going after Van Gundy?
Friday, April 2
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov showing early signs of building a new and improved Nets. Once he's approved in two weeks to become the Nets owner, Prokhorov can start spending his mountain of rubles on a new coach. Then he'll get out of the way and let his basketball people show how smart they are in building the Nets back into the kind of team that ruled the East in 2002 and 2003. Jeff Van Gundy tops [Rod] Thorn's short list, but the ex-Knick coach has been sending out signals that he's very content verbally sparring with Mark Jackson and Mike Breen on ABC telecasts. But just wait 'til he gets wined and dined by Prokhorov and offered a four-year deal at big dollars. (New York Daily News)Comment
A reason to believe in the Pirates
There are the Ps -- pitching and potential -- to give Pirates fans cause for reason to believe 99-loss seasons are a thing of the past, and there is also chemistry brewing from an organizational emphasis on the future. There have been strong signs of some of that togetherness forming this spring, even beyond the standard seasonal optimism. "You go back to last year, and all the trades that happened and everything else, and this group never had a chance to start fresh," catcher Ryan Doumit said. "Well, this one does, and we're looking forward to it. I like what I see. I really do." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazeette)Comment
Why hasn't Kellen Clemens signed?
Admittedly comfortable with the mere prospect of a job, and not disappointed with the way he has been treated -- and tendered -- by the Jets, No. 2 quarterback Kellen Clemens has yet to sign a contract. "There's no real rush," Clemens told The Star-Ledger on why he hasn't signed yet. "At the advice of my agent, we just kind of hung out. I haven't missed any workouts. I'm preparing like I'm going to be a Jet. But you leave the door cracked in case something comes up." Clemens, of course, had eyes on the starting gig heading into last season before Mark Sanchez won the job in training camp. It's a different story this time around. (The Star-Ledger)Comment
Must-See Photo
Juninho (No. 19) of the Los Angeles Galaxy is tackled by Jonathan Bornstein (No. 13) and Blair Gavin (No. 18) of Chivas USA during the first half of their MLS soccer match last night in Carson, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
With so many people comparing Butler to Gene Hackman's Hickory squad in 'Hoosiers,' here is the coach's motivational speech from the 1986 hit movie.
Game To Watch
Hawks at Cavs, 8 p.m. ET
SI Vault: More Montreal Canadiens
This Day in Sports
- 1977 -- The Montreal Canadiens set an NHL record by winning 34 straight home games.
- 1980 -- Wayne Gretzky becomes 1st teenager to score 50 goals in a season
- 1984 -- John Thompson became the first black coach to lead his team to the NCAA college basketball championship.
- 2003 -- Texas' Alex Rodriguez becomes the youngest player to hit 300 home runs. He beat Jimmie Foxx's record by 79 days.
