Jeff Van Gundy may have lost his job with the Rockets, but the longtime NBA coach turned broadcaster, didn't lose his affection for the City of Houston, despite having been here just four years when he was let go by the team.

The California native, who spent 13 years in New York before coming to Houston has not only made a home in H-Town, but he has become a strong contributor to the community.

Funny, outspoken, and not afraid to challenge opinion – attributes that make him an outstanding television analyst – Van Gundy has a caring heart and a passion for giving, as shown in this piece by the Chronicle's Hunter Atkins on his work with Pro-Vision, a charter school started by NFL retiree Roynell Young.

Van Gundy and Atkins joined "Bring it to Jerome" and discussed a wide range of topics, including the pain in getting fired by the Rockets, the greatness of James Harden, the genius of Mike D'Antoni, and the dominance Golden State Warriors.

But he was most passionate about how he has been inspired by Young to help make a difference in young lives, and in his feeling for the people of Houston.

Back to Gallery Listen: Former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy Brings it to... 8 1 of 8 Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle 2 of 8 Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle 3 of 8 Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle 4 of 8 Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle 5 of 8 Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle 6 of 8 Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle 7 of 8 Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle 8 of 8 Photo: Mark Mulligan, Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle















"I could talk food, I could talk neighborhoods, I could talk schools," Van Gundy said. "But the real thing that I love about Houston is people. I love the people and I love how much they care and are empathetic towards those who don't have as many advantages as they do.

"You walk into some place and somebody says 'How are you doing?' The New Yorker in me is like 'Why do you wanna know?' In Houston, it's not a throwaway line, they really care."

Van Gundy sees that in fundraising as a member of the Board of Directors of Pro-Vision.

He has strong feeling about education.

"I really do believe in educational opportunities, there should be equality, it shouldn't be about your ZIP code," he said.

"I wasn't born on third base, I was born with my foot over home plate. All I had to do was put it down. Don't celebrate me because I made it out of college. That's no great accomplishment. I should have. Everything was setup for me to succeed.

"When I look at these young people that go to Pro-Vision, everything is setup for them to not to succeed. The amazing thing is so many of them do succeed."