Vogel Notches Win No. 100

Entering Sunday night’s game, Frank Vogel knew a win, just one more, would put him over the century mark. Prior to the game, he deferred on discussing what his 100th career victory would mean, outside of saying that it’s humbling.

Following the Pacers’ 97-92 win over the Chicago Bulls in front of nationally-televised audience, Vogel proudly expressed his joy and then in true Vogel fashion, credited everyone that had a hand in the team’s success.

“It’s exciting for this franchise,” Vogel said. “This is not a Frank Vogel milestone, it’s a ‘where the Pacers are today’ type of milestone and a lot of people contributed to these wins the last couple years. I’m very blessed and fortunate to step into a situation where I was able to take over a really good team and I was able to bring in some coaches to work with me and to support me.”

Vogel, 39, is now 100-64 during his two and a half seasons, which, because of last year’s lockout-shortened season, spans exactly two seasons — 164 games. His winning percentage (.609) is second in franchise history, behind only Larry Bird (.687).

About two months ago, on January 7th, Vogel signed a contract extension with the team.

“That’s our head coach,” George Hill said strongly after the game. “I’m happy that he got his 100th win and many more to come. Maybe in my career, I can get him some more but I’m happy for coach.”

The most telling opinion came from big man Roy Hibbert, who has a strong relationship with his coach. When Hibbert struggled offensively, particularly in the first half of the season, it was Vogel that volunteered to come in with him on one of their off-days and rebound for him. They share a great mutual respect for one another and Hibbert said he has an immense amount of faith in his coach.

“He’s a player’s coach,” Hibbert said. “He lets us go out there and have fun. But we take things seriously when we go through practice and we work hard. But he lets us enjoy it a little more. We have a voice in the locker room, which we didn’t have before.”

“It’s amazing,” Paul George added. “For him to be a young coach and only in his third year, well two-and-a-half, that’s huge. It’s a great milestone and I’m happy to be a part of it.”