Dynasty Interview with John Jungers
By Zak Kurtz
To further assist its family in creating awareness about its clients, the company, and the overall sports landscape, Dynasty has unveiled a brand new project. The idea is to have myself, Zak Kurtz, interview Dynasty’s clients to learn more about their goals, passions, how they got to where they are, and much more. This will give fans, media members, and prospective employers a real look at the true character that drives our clients.
This past weekend, Dynasty’s own Jason Belzer was able to find the time to interview a new Dynasty client, John Jungers. Jungers is currently an advanced scout for the NBA D-League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants. John is a former head junior college coach and has had over 50 of his players continue on to the Division I level, including 8 All-Americans. He has compiled an impressive coaching record of 255-97 over his career and is currently a member of Dynasty Athlete Representation’s coaching division, GAME Inc. Here is a look into John Jungers’s life.
Jason Belzer: When did you first start coaching?
John Jungers: Throughout my entire life I said that I wanted to coach and have worked camps while still playing in college.
JB: Did you play any sports in college? If so, which college and how was your experience?
JJ: I played basketball at Texas A&M. It was a great experience; I was able to learn from some great basketball minds. Tony Barone was the head coach is now with the Memphis Grizzlies, Frank Haith is the head coach at Miami, Porter Moser has been ahead DI coach and now is with Rick Majerus at SLU.
JB: Do you think there is a major difference coaching on the professional level compared to the collegiate?
JJ: Sure there is. College guys are trying to get to the next level, but their understanding of what it takes to be a “pro” is not always on par with reality. College coaches have a lot more to worry about with the academic side and their time on the court is limited by NCAA rules. First of all, professionals are men and can spend all day in the practice facility. Additionally, if they don’t continue to produce or don’t fit, can be traded or replaced.
JB: What is the greatest asset you bring to your team?
JJ: Hard work, efficiency, organization and imagination.
JB: How does being a professional scout differ than being a coach?
JJ: The thing I missed most all last year was not having a team to get in the gym with everyday. Helping guys improve and then going into competition.
JB: Do you have any game day superstitions?
JJ: I don’t like to coach a on a full stomach and I always shower before the game.
JB: Where do you see yourself down the road?
JJ: I want to be a head coach again, ideally at the professional level or at DI.
JB: What advice do you have for others who want coach in the future?
JJ: Get out there and meet people and volunteer a lot.
JB: Who is your role model and why?
JJ: I have a few. First of all, my father, who taught me to follow my passion. Phil Jackson and his philosophies on coaching and the game of basketball have always had an impact on me.
JB: What do you preach to your players most as a coach?
JJ: Play hard, play smart and play together.
JB: What are your feelings about the current state of the NBA?
JJ: I like what is happening in the NBA, with the growth of the D-League and impending expansion to Europe and Asia, it is an exciting time. The biggest hurdle is to resolve this age/early entry situation.
On behalf of our family at Dynasty Athlete Representation, I would like to thank John Jungers for sharing his lifestyle and insight with our readers. We see great things in the future for John and will help guide his career in the right direction. Look for our next family member interview as we talk strikes and spares with PBA Bowling All-Star, Norm Duke.