Phoenix Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry uses a mix of Southern charm and decades of basketball experience to lead his team. (Photo by Max Simbron)

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Just days before the season opens we are treated to two very good looks at the Phoenix Suns Head Coach.

The first comes from the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro who traveled to Shelby, North Carolina and went deep into Alvin Gentry's roots as a person.

The expensive empowerment that NBA teams have given him requires a belief in his work ethic and character. Gentry found those qualities in his parents. The blue-collar, no-nonsense couple raised six kids and have as flawless a reputation in Shelby as does their son, arguably the town's most famous product this side of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs.

The second is an in-depth interview conducted after the Suns practiced this weekend. Sports 620 KTAR's Craig Grialou talked to Coach Gentry about his style of coaching and development in his profession as well as his mindset going into the season.