Frank Vogel. When that name was mentioned prior to the start of his tenure with the Phoenix Suns, what words came to mind? Champion? Defensively minded? Manager of superstars? For many, it was the defense that came to the forefront of cerebral vortexes (I think that is where thoughts are formed).
Vogel had a reputation for working with big men, instilling defensive philosophies, and getting the best out of teams on that side of the floor. Five times in his career he had coached a team to a top-three-or-better defensive status.
“What you find is that he’s extremely well-balanced,” GM James Jones said when he hired Vogel.