Seeing the play before it happens

A fine example in last week’s L.A. – Dallas game courtesy former coach Jeff Van Gundy:

With six seconds left in the fourth quarter Sunday, the Lakers led, 91-90, with Lamar Odom at the foul line.

“I don’t like Brandon Bass being matched up against Kobe on the offensive rebound,” Van Gundy said. “Kobe Bryant is a terrific offensive rebounder.”

Bryant promptly rebounded Odom’s miss, was fouled and made two free throws.

Breen, who had never heard an analyst disapprove of a matchup along the free-throw lane, was so surprised that he patted Van Gundy on the back and lauded the prediction.

“He didn’t predict it,” Jackson said after Breen’s comment. “It’s coaching. It’s knowing what you’re talking about.”

(from the NYT)

You have to know the game to appreciate the obscurity and criticality of the point made. But the larger point is that this is the reason former players/coaches are hired as commentators. Cricket would do well to learn.

Watch from the 4:32 mark