My latest piece for Awful Announcing is on Jeff Van Gundy, one of the best TV analysts in sports. But will he stay there?

An excerpt:

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Mike Breen won’t allow it. If Jeff Van Gundy ever is on the verge of jumping back as a NBA coach, his ESPN/ABC partner knows exactly what he will do: Sabotage.

“If I ever hear he’s offered a job, I’m going to call the GM and say, ‘Do you know about his gambling addiction?’ Breen said. “I’m going to tell the GM, ‘He’s got some dark secrets. You really don’t want to hire this guy.’”

Obviously, Breen is joking about Van Gundy’s private side. However, it speaks volumes on how much he and ESPN/ABC value his abilities on the public side.

Van Gundy’s talents will be on full display during ABC’s coverage of the NBA Finals, which begins Thursday. Initially a work-in-progress when he first joined ESPN/ABC in 2007, he now has emerged as one of the best TV sports analysts in the business. And that’s in any sport.

Not only is Van Gundy candid with his unique analysis, but he also has a quirky personality that leads to many unpredictable moments during the broadcast. Breen has learned by experience to be ready for anything.

“He has a broad spectrum,” Breen said. “He’s a big reader of US Magazine. He likes the gossip columns almost as much as the sports columns. When there’s a pause, and he says, ‘You know I want to say something…’ I’m like, ‘OK, what’s coming out of his mouth now.’ His unpredictability is what makes him so much fun.”

Tim Corrigan, the lead producer for the telecasts, agrees. He says being genuine might be Van Gundy’s biggest strength.

“With Jeff, off the air compared to on the air, there’s not a huge swing,” Corrigan said. “I don’t think there ever has been a broadcaster who could have less of an ego. I can’t tell you how easy it is to work with him.”