Orlando Magic News & Notes: SVG Loves the Numbers

In a very good piece written by Josh Robbins, Robbins discusses Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy’s use of statistics when addressing his team.

"“Most coaches are more into the feel of the game and the system, but Stan is a big numbers guy,” Orlando point guard Anthony Johnson says. “He believes in numbers, and he could spit out numbers for days. Throughout the NBA season, numbers kind of tell the story.”The notion of Van Gundy as a numbers-cruncher flies in the face of the image he presents during games. He perhaps is best-known as an intense, emotional coach who shouts instructions to players in a raspy voice.Yet Van Gundy takes a reasoned, almost scientific, approach to many aspects of his work. Statistics enable him refine his own thinking and convey concepts to his players. In that way, he bases his coaching style as much on objective data as he does on subjective perceptions.“If I have a gut feeling on something I generally like to check it out,” Van Gundy says. “I don’t think you can quantify everything. I don’t think you can go by the numbers [alone]. But I think they can certainly help you a great deal. And I think anything that can help you support what you think or change the way you think is important. I just don’t think you can do it without looking at that stuff.”"

You can read the full story here.

Van Gundy brings experience to the All-Star game.

"“You’re just managing people in and out of the game,” Van Gundy said. “I’m not coaching people. I’m not going to be yelling and screaming at guys.“Maybe Dwight,” he added, smiling and referring to Magic C Dwight Howard. “It’s their game. And they’ll figure it out. . . . You maybe diagram a play at a timeout, trying to get somebody something. But, really, I’ve got a very good seat for watching the 24 best guys in the league play. That’s really what it is.”Prior to the 2005 game, Van Gundy did some research and found that some players in previous games had played for just four to six minutes.That won’t happen this time. Van Gundy said everyone will play at least 12 minutes, though Van Gundy added he will speak with every player before the game to determine if anyone wants to play sparingly in order to nurse nagging injuries."

You can read this and other Magic notes here.

Dwight Howard has some words for his fans here.

The Orlando Magic will celebrate Black history month. Here is the official word from the Orlando Magic:

"The Orlando Magic Celebrate Black History Month**In celebration, team to unveil new computer lab in Parramore**WHO: Orlando Magic COO Alex Martins, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioner Daisy Lynum, Kia Motors America Orlando District Sales Manager Brett Myers and Hunt Construction Business Development Manager Bob SandersWHAT: Orlando Magic Celebrate Black History MonthOn Tuesday, February 23 Orlando Magic leadership, representatives from Kia Motors and Hunt Construction as well as Mayor Dyer and Commissioner Lynum, will be unveiling a new, state-of-the-art Orlando Magic Computer Lab Presented by Kia Motors to the faculty and staff of Nap Ford Community School. Kia Motors is a proud sponsor of the Orlando Magic.WHEN: February 23, 2010; 1:00-2:00 pmWHERE: Nap Ford Community School648 Livingston StreetOther activities/sponsorships to honor Black History Month include:The Orlando Magic will celebrate during home games in February with trivia and quick facts on the jumbotron.Event Sponsorships:o Eighth Annual Mayors’ Black History Month Luncheon with the Honorable Buddy Dyer and Richard Crotty on February 5o 2010 Trailblazers Forum on February 19o African-American Business After Hours on February 23o Third Annual City of Orlando Celebrates Black History Event on Frebruary 24o Eighth Annual Orange County Black History Month Celebration & Gala on February 27o Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce Rhythm & Blues Festival on February 27As part of the Magic’s commitment to diversity, the team established the Orlando Magic Multicultural Insights Department in the summer of 2008 to create an environment in which employees, community partners and fans feel welcome, valued and appreciated. The Magic celebrates diversity and embraces its many characteristics and the value it brings to our business and community—understanding what can be accomplished when everyone works together to achieve legendary moments."

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)