Agreed, but unless you listened to Van back when he was doing local college basketball, your only reference was the 14, then 16 game seasons. Rick Jeanerette had 82 game seasons, so more exposure to the masses.
I remember Van driving past our house in Kenmore in the 70's riding his little moped, with the old school helmet with the plastic bubble facemask on it. He would scoot up in the late afternoons for the 6 O'clock broadcast and then return after the show. He would toot the little horn if you waved since he knew my dad and our house. Get well Van!!