Ray Romano has taken inspiration from the iconic NBA coach Gregg Popovich for his portrayal of Coach Norm Stinson in the second season of Netflix’s comedy series, *Running Point*. During an interview at the premiere event held in Los Angeles on April 15, Romano shared insights into his character’s development, revealing how he adapted to a role that required both immediacy and creativity.
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Romano explained that upon receiving the offer to join *Running Point*, he had very little time to prepare for his new role, needing to step into character within a week. “I usually do a little actory thing and do a little backstory, but I didn’t really have the time,” he admitted. Faced with this challenge, he decided to rely on his instincts and the traits of a well-known figure from the basketball world.
Reflecting on his character’s foundation, Romano identified Gregg Popovich, the former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, as a key influence. “I thought, ‘Who can I emulate?’ and the guy I thought of was Popovich,” he said. He felt a personal affinity towards Popovich, noting that he appreciates his demeanor, which aligns with Romano’s own approach to the role. “Yeah, I think if I ever was a coach, I would be close to him,” he remarked, showing his admiration for the coach’s style and presence.
In *Running Point*, Romano’s character, Norm Stinson, is depicted as a former basketball prodigy who has become a socially withdrawn individual. The storyline explores his journey of reconnecting with his love for basketball through a partnership with Isla Gordon, portrayed by Kate Hudson. Romano expressed enthusiasm about the dual nature of his character, which includes both comedic and emotional elements. “It had a little tenderness to it,” Romano noted, conveying his appreciation for the more nuanced aspects of the role.
One of the enjoyable aspects of working on the series, according to Romano, was the opportunity for improvisation. He highlighted how much fun he had delivering both scripted jokes and improvising lines on set. “It was fun to do the jokes they wrote, and it was fun that they let us do the jokes that they didn’t write,” he said, indicating that the freedom to improvise added a layer of creativity to his performance.
Looking ahead, Romano expressed a desire to delve deeper into the improvisational aspect of his role in potential future seasons. “If there is another season, I’m looking forward to getting into that a little bit more,” he shared, hinting at the directions he hopes to explore creatively as the series continues.
Outside of his work on set, Romano is enjoying the perks that come with being involved in the basketball community, particularly his friendship with Jeanie Buss, the CEO and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. He spoke fondly of being able to attend games, relishing the experience of being courtside. “Well, if it’s in New York, it’s very good. It’s courtside,” he explained, adding that attending games in Los Angeles comes with its own challenges, given the high demand for good seats.
With season two of *Running Point* now available for streaming on Netflix, Romano’s portrayal of Coach Stinson promises to resonate with both basketball fans and comedy lovers alike. The blend of humour and heartfelt moments in the series is likely to keep audiences entertained while providing a deeper look at the complexities of relationships within the sport.
As the second season unfolds, audiences can expect to see how Romano’s character continues to evolve, alongside the comedic dynamics that make *Running Point* a distinct offering within Netflix’s diverse catalogue. With an expressive lead like Ray Romano at the helm, the series appears poised to capture the hearts of viewers as it navigates the nuances of sports, friendship, and personal growth.