Long Island coaching connections in Eastern Conference finals

Former Knick and current Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers is a former coach of the Orlando Magic (and a current offseason resident of Orlando), but there is another coaching connection in the Eastern Conference finals that has roots closer to Long Island. Magic assistant coach Steve Clifford spent four seasons as head coach at Adelphi University (1995-99) and had four straight 20-win seasons and four straight NCAA Tournament appearances. On his staff at Adelphi was Michael Longabardi, who is now an assistant with the Celtics. Both Clifford and Longabardi worked under former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy when he led the Houston Rockets before Clifford joined Van Gundy's brother, Stan, in Orlando, and Longabardi went with Doc Rivers to Boston. Longabardi already has a championship ring from the 2007-08 season, while Clifford is hoping to get one this season.