Associated Press
Thursday, June 7th, 2007
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida Gators fans are quickly piecing together their broken hearts after Billy Donovan announced he will return as coach and the Orlando Magic gave him permission to do so.
Donovan, who bolted from Florida to sign a five-year, $27.5 million contract Friday with the NBA's Magic, was released from the deal by the NBA team Wednesday night.
The coach won't have to crawl or beg to be taken back.
"I don't see how anyone can be upset with him here," said Florida student Chris Andrews, a 21-year-old senior marketing major. "He went for the money. He realized it was stupid. Now hopefully he'll be back winning championships where he belongs."
Wednesday brought little change on campus, as Gators awaited developments 100 miles south in Orlando. Florida officials, including athletic director Jeremy Foley, declined to comment until Donovan was released because of pending legal issues Donovan had with the Magic.
"Great news for the Gators," Foley told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.
A news conference announcing Donovan's return to Florida has been scheduled for Thursday morning.
The football-loving school has become basketball crazy in recent years -- in large part to Donovan, who built the program into a powerhouse, winning the last two national titles.
The school's bookstore, once overflowing with football gear, is now filled with basketball championship apparel. And football players now largely walk on campus in the shadow of the school's hardwood champions.
When Donovan returns, he will earn more than football coach Urban Meyer -- an unprecedented statement at Florida. Donovan was set to sign a seven-year deal worth approximately $3.5 million annually with Florida, a deal that was nearly finished when he agreed to coach the Magic. Meyer made $2 million last season plus incentives as he led his own team to the national title.
"For all that [Donovan's] done for the school, I think he's earned the right to do what he wants," said 19-year-old student Jennifer Gardener. "I trust he knows what he's doing."
The basketball complex was crawling with youngsters attending Donovan's basketball camp Wednesday. The only thing missing was Donovan, who has not spoken publicly since reports of him jilting the Magic surfaced.
But the respect for Donovan hasn't changed.
"We love him," said Ron Parker, who dropped off his son at the camp. "He's the reason this is such a big deal."
Although it might take a few years, or wins, for Donovan to earn back his credibility with everyone. Some were critical of his rash decision to bolt for the NBA.
"Don't get me wrong -- Donovan is the man, but I was disappointed when he left," said Matt Lavender, a 21-year-old Florida student. "He's going to have to earn his respect back."
Donovan has a 261-103 record in 11 seasons at Florida, and is the school's all-time leader in wins.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Another Internets Success Story (www.SI.com)
Another Internet Success Story
Written by Pete McEntegart
Monday, June 4th 2007
Even following the Billy Donovan saga dispassionately from afar is enough to give one whiplash. When you're the guy who started the Web site KeepBillyDonovan.com, the he's-staying-he's-going-he's-back! drama can affect nearly every area of your life, down to your wardrobe choices.
Last Friday, Fred Marks wore a black tie to his Tampa office, where the 24-year-old sells commercial real estate, because he was mourning the loss of the basketball coach of his beloved Gators to the deep-pocketed Magic of the NBA. "I was crushed," Marks tells SI.com. "People in the office were laughing at me, but I told them this was a really serious event. It was something that was going to change Florida basketball for the next decade."
Now that Donovan is apparently reversing course and returning to Gainesville, though, Marks will break out his special Gator tie tomorrow in celebration. "I'm shocked," he says. "I'm just amazed that he's staying."
Marks, a third-generation Gator who roomed in college with offensive tackle Max Starks (now of the Steelers), certainly did his part. He launched his Web site the day before Florida beat Ohio State this April for its second straight NCAA title, originally hoping to keep Billy the Kid from taking the Kentucky job. The goal was to convince the Gator nation -- especially well-heeled boosters -- to rally behind their coach. Marks posted the phone number of the Florida athletic office and urged Gator fans to call in to stress how much they wanted the school to pony up whatever it might take to keep Donovan around.
Gator fans withstood the relatively brief Kentucky scare, but last Thursday Donovan appeared gone when he reportedly agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million deal with the Magic. A dismayed Marks transformed his site into one of "mourning and grieving." He even considered posting a sign outside Donovan's exclusive gated community reading, "Please Don't Do It, Billy," but decided against it.
"I just thought, What can I do to change Billy's mind?" Marks said. "I'm just one person. What's a 99-cent poster going to do vs. $27 million?"
It wouldn't have been an unprecedented move for Marks. After the 2001 season, when it became clear that Florida football coach Steve Spurrier was leaving the Gators for the NFL but before he took the Redskins job, Marks posted a sign outside Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver's home that said: "Mr. Weaver, Please Sign Steve Spurrier." Marks hoped to at least keep Spurrier in the state.
Even without the sign this time, though, Marks was more successful in achieving his desired result. He hopes his site played at least some role in that. “Florida fans really used this Web site as a center of gravity,” he says. “It really helped give fans a voice.”
Full article available below:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/extramustard/10_spot/
Written by Pete McEntegart
Monday, June 4th 2007
Even following the Billy Donovan saga dispassionately from afar is enough to give one whiplash. When you're the guy who started the Web site KeepBillyDonovan.com, the he's-staying-he's-going-he's-back! drama can affect nearly every area of your life, down to your wardrobe choices.
Last Friday, Fred Marks wore a black tie to his Tampa office, where the 24-year-old sells commercial real estate, because he was mourning the loss of the basketball coach of his beloved Gators to the deep-pocketed Magic of the NBA. "I was crushed," Marks tells SI.com. "People in the office were laughing at me, but I told them this was a really serious event. It was something that was going to change Florida basketball for the next decade."
Now that Donovan is apparently reversing course and returning to Gainesville, though, Marks will break out his special Gator tie tomorrow in celebration. "I'm shocked," he says. "I'm just amazed that he's staying."
Marks, a third-generation Gator who roomed in college with offensive tackle Max Starks (now of the Steelers), certainly did his part. He launched his Web site the day before Florida beat Ohio State this April for its second straight NCAA title, originally hoping to keep Billy the Kid from taking the Kentucky job. The goal was to convince the Gator nation -- especially well-heeled boosters -- to rally behind their coach. Marks posted the phone number of the Florida athletic office and urged Gator fans to call in to stress how much they wanted the school to pony up whatever it might take to keep Donovan around.
Gator fans withstood the relatively brief Kentucky scare, but last Thursday Donovan appeared gone when he reportedly agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million deal with the Magic. A dismayed Marks transformed his site into one of "mourning and grieving." He even considered posting a sign outside Donovan's exclusive gated community reading, "Please Don't Do It, Billy," but decided against it.
"I just thought, What can I do to change Billy's mind?" Marks said. "I'm just one person. What's a 99-cent poster going to do vs. $27 million?"
It wouldn't have been an unprecedented move for Marks. After the 2001 season, when it became clear that Florida football coach Steve Spurrier was leaving the Gators for the NFL but before he took the Redskins job, Marks posted a sign outside Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver's home that said: "Mr. Weaver, Please Sign Steve Spurrier." Marks hoped to at least keep Spurrier in the state.
Even without the sign this time, though, Marks was more successful in achieving his desired result. He hopes his site played at least some role in that. “Florida fans really used this Web site as a center of gravity,” he says. “It really helped give fans a voice.”
Full article available below:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/extramustard/10_spot/
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Sources: Donovan wants out of Magic deal
Jeff Goodman
FOXSports.com
June 3rd at 11:00pm
Billy Donovan is having second thoughts.
According to two sources close to the situation, the former Florida coach, who accepted the Orlando Magic job on Friday, is attempting to return to Gainesville.
Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Magic late last week, but has approached both sides about getting out of the deal.
According to one source, Donovan was forced to make a rash decision by the Magic management — and he regretted it shortly after agreeing to the contract.
Speculation centered on VCU coach and former Gators assistant Anthony Grant replacing Donovan quickly. In fact, Grant was slated to meet with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley on Saturday morning.
However, shortly after landing in Virginia, Foley had to return due to an emergency. One source confirmed that the emergency was that Donovan contacted Foley about returning.
Grant addressed the situation in a statement released by VCU.
"Due to the amount of media speculation regarding my involvement with the University of Florida coaching vacancy, I felt it necessary to address the situation," Grant said in the statement. "I have been contacted by the University of Florida regarding the coaching vacancy.
"I have not had any in-person contact with any Florida representative, nor have I been offered the job," Grant continued. "At this point, I will have no further comment on the situation. All my focus is on my responsibilities at VCU."
Grant, 41, is considered the clear-cut favorite to take the place of Donovan. Grant coached alongside Donovan for a decade at Florida and two seasons at Marshall and led VCU to the second round of the NCAA tournament this past season after a first-round upset of Duke.
Donovan, 42, led the Gators to consecutive national titles over the past two seasons and was slated to sign a seven-year deal worth approximately $3.5 million annually. The deal was still in the process of being approved when he accepted the deal with the Magic.
Donovan was introduced by the Orlando Magic at a news conference on Friday
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6883162
FOXSports.com
June 3rd at 11:00pm
Billy Donovan is having second thoughts.
According to two sources close to the situation, the former Florida coach, who accepted the Orlando Magic job on Friday, is attempting to return to Gainesville.
Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Magic late last week, but has approached both sides about getting out of the deal.
According to one source, Donovan was forced to make a rash decision by the Magic management — and he regretted it shortly after agreeing to the contract.
Speculation centered on VCU coach and former Gators assistant Anthony Grant replacing Donovan quickly. In fact, Grant was slated to meet with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley on Saturday morning.
However, shortly after landing in Virginia, Foley had to return due to an emergency. One source confirmed that the emergency was that Donovan contacted Foley about returning.
Grant addressed the situation in a statement released by VCU.
"Due to the amount of media speculation regarding my involvement with the University of Florida coaching vacancy, I felt it necessary to address the situation," Grant said in the statement. "I have been contacted by the University of Florida regarding the coaching vacancy.
"I have not had any in-person contact with any Florida representative, nor have I been offered the job," Grant continued. "At this point, I will have no further comment on the situation. All my focus is on my responsibilities at VCU."
Grant, 41, is considered the clear-cut favorite to take the place of Donovan. Grant coached alongside Donovan for a decade at Florida and two seasons at Marshall and led VCU to the second round of the NCAA tournament this past season after a first-round upset of Duke.
Donovan, 42, led the Gators to consecutive national titles over the past two seasons and was slated to sign a seven-year deal worth approximately $3.5 million annually. The deal was still in the process of being approved when he accepted the deal with the Magic.
Donovan was introduced by the Orlando Magic at a news conference on Friday
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6883162
Saturday, June 2, 2007
From UF President Bernie Machen to you (Emailed from University of Florida)
Dear Alumni and Friends,
If you're like me, it was a something of a bittersweet moment when you heard that head basketball Coach Billy Donovan was leaving the Gators to take over as coach of the Orlando Magic.
But bitter certainly isn't an emotion I feel when I think of Billy. On the contrary, I couldn't be happier for him and the wonderful opportunity he has to coach in the NBA. When I think of what Billy accomplished for the University of Florida during his 11-season tenure, I'm amazed. A 261-103 record. Nine straight 20-win seasons. Nine consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Three trips to the NCAA Championship game (2000, 2006, 2007).
And of course, there's the icing on the cake: A dream team that chalked up the Gators' first back-to-back NCAA Men's Division I Championships in 2006 and 2007. Billy will leave as UF's winningest coach.
Simply put, he did the job and he did it well. For that, we are grateful.
As Billy moves on to other challenges, we will begin the search for his successor (Notice I didn't say “replacement” – no one will ever replace Billy.) I have complete faith and confidence in Athletic Director Jeremy Foley's ability to scour the country and find yet another terrifically talented and qualified head basketball coach.
Please join me in wishing Billy Donovan and his family the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Go Gators!
Bernie.
If you're like me, it was a something of a bittersweet moment when you heard that head basketball Coach Billy Donovan was leaving the Gators to take over as coach of the Orlando Magic.
But bitter certainly isn't an emotion I feel when I think of Billy. On the contrary, I couldn't be happier for him and the wonderful opportunity he has to coach in the NBA. When I think of what Billy accomplished for the University of Florida during his 11-season tenure, I'm amazed. A 261-103 record. Nine straight 20-win seasons. Nine consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Three trips to the NCAA Championship game (2000, 2006, 2007).
And of course, there's the icing on the cake: A dream team that chalked up the Gators' first back-to-back NCAA Men's Division I Championships in 2006 and 2007. Billy will leave as UF's winningest coach.
Simply put, he did the job and he did it well. For that, we are grateful.
As Billy moves on to other challenges, we will begin the search for his successor (Notice I didn't say “replacement” – no one will ever replace Billy.) I have complete faith and confidence in Athletic Director Jeremy Foley's ability to scour the country and find yet another terrifically talented and qualified head basketball coach.
Please join me in wishing Billy Donovan and his family the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Go Gators!
Bernie.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Donovan Appears Headed for Orlando
By The Florida Times-Union
University of Florida men basketball coach Billy Donovan is expected to bolt the school for a lucrative offer from the NBA Orlando Magic, according to multiple national media reports.
Donovan, fresh off leading the Gators to their second consecutive NCAA championship, reportedly was close to signing a contract extension with Florida that would pay him $2.5 million per year.
But the Magic swooped in late Wednesday night with an offer of $6 million per year that swayed Donovan to replace the fired Brian Hill, The Orlando Sentinel and ESPN.com reported.
CBS SportsLine reported that Donovan was "a lock" to take the Magic's offer.
Florida officials were unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon. Magic officials didn return phone calls seeking comment.
The timing couldn be worse for the Gators if Donovan accepts the offer. Most of the top candidates already have accepted jobs elsewhere, and whoever was hired would face a major rebuilding job after Florida lost all five starters from its back-to-back championship teams to graduation or the NBA Draft.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/053107/spo_173990930.shtml
University of Florida men basketball coach Billy Donovan is expected to bolt the school for a lucrative offer from the NBA Orlando Magic, according to multiple national media reports.
Donovan, fresh off leading the Gators to their second consecutive NCAA championship, reportedly was close to signing a contract extension with Florida that would pay him $2.5 million per year.
But the Magic swooped in late Wednesday night with an offer of $6 million per year that swayed Donovan to replace the fired Brian Hill, The Orlando Sentinel and ESPN.com reported.
CBS SportsLine reported that Donovan was "a lock" to take the Magic's offer.
Florida officials were unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon. Magic officials didn return phone calls seeking comment.
The timing couldn be worse for the Gators if Donovan accepts the offer. Most of the top candidates already have accepted jobs elsewhere, and whoever was hired would face a major rebuilding job after Florida lost all five starters from its back-to-back championship teams to graduation or the NBA Draft.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/053107/spo_173990930.shtml
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Plenty of storylines from world of sports
Not to add to the existing pressure and speculation, but
Florida Today
Peter Kerasotis May 27th, 2007
"...did anybody else notice that Donovan's statement Thursday was both well-worded and weak? Said Billy, "My focus is on coaching at the University of Florida." Oooh. That should silence speculation.
Just like when the Kentucky job was open, Billy still can't utter the four words that would stop runaway rumors: I am not interested. It's really not that hard. But he can't do it..
Even if Donovan does sign his contract extension with UF (and I think the signing of the Treaty of Versailles happened quicker), he's created a lot of doubt for future recruits. Really, does anyone believe he won't one day go to the NBA?. . ."
View the article in it's entirety:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/COLUMNISTS0306/705270330/1065/SPORTS
Florida Today
Peter Kerasotis May 27th, 2007
"...did anybody else notice that Donovan's statement Thursday was both well-worded and weak? Said Billy, "My focus is on coaching at the University of Florida." Oooh. That should silence speculation.
Just like when the Kentucky job was open, Billy still can't utter the four words that would stop runaway rumors: I am not interested. It's really not that hard. But he can't do it..
Even if Donovan does sign his contract extension with UF (and I think the signing of the Treaty of Versailles happened quicker), he's created a lot of doubt for future recruits. Really, does anyone believe he won't one day go to the NBA?. . ."
View the article in it's entirety:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/COLUMNISTS0306/705270330/1065/SPORTS
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Magic Not Yet Contact Billy D...Is It Only a Matter of Time?
Brian Schmitz Orlando Sentinel
May 26, 2007
The team would like to have a coach in place by July 1 to look more attractive to high-profile free agents.
The Orlando Magic might take awhile to find a new coach, but the search won't spill into July.The Magic want a coach in place to replace Brian Hill at least by late June before the green flag drops on free agency July 1. They want a free agent to know who will be on the sideline in Orlando -- and a new coach presumably would want input on personnel.
The deadline to land a coach normally would come before the June 28 NBA draft -- Hill was hired May 24, 2005 -- but the Magic aren't as pressed because they do not have a first-round choice. They dealt the pick to the Detroit Pistons a little more than a year ago, sending it and center Kelvin Cato to the Pistons for power forward Darko Milicic and point guard Carlos Arroyo. The Pistons will pick No. 15.
"It's more of, 'How do we answer a question from a free agent who wants to come here?' than it is about the draft," Magic President Bob Vander Weide said of the coaching-search timetable. "It would be nice to have somebody there so we could look like a full complement of an organization to a free agent.
"It's a critical summer for the Magic, who will have $10 million to $13 million to spend on a free agent or free agents such as Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter. That money figure will fluctuate depending on how much it will take to re-sign forward Darko Milicic.
Vander Weide said Thursday the Magic will start calling and trying to set up visits with prospective head coaches.
A person with knowledge of the situation said that as of late Friday afternoon, the Magic had not formally contacted Florida Coach Billy Donovan.
Former Miami Heat Coach Stan Van Gundy said Friday the Magic have not contacted him, but he's interested.
"I'm hopeful. It's a situation I'd definitely be interested in," said Van Gundy, whose wife's mother lives in Lake Mary.
"It's a situation, obviously, where they've got some great young pieces in a desirable place to live." Van Gundy said he recently turned down an offer to coach the Indiana Pacers. He said he had interviewed for the head-coaching positions with the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats hired former Magic guard Sam Vincent on Friday.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2607may26,0,7005749.story?coll=orl-magic
May 26, 2007
The team would like to have a coach in place by July 1 to look more attractive to high-profile free agents.
The Orlando Magic might take awhile to find a new coach, but the search won't spill into July.The Magic want a coach in place to replace Brian Hill at least by late June before the green flag drops on free agency July 1. They want a free agent to know who will be on the sideline in Orlando -- and a new coach presumably would want input on personnel.
The deadline to land a coach normally would come before the June 28 NBA draft -- Hill was hired May 24, 2005 -- but the Magic aren't as pressed because they do not have a first-round choice. They dealt the pick to the Detroit Pistons a little more than a year ago, sending it and center Kelvin Cato to the Pistons for power forward Darko Milicic and point guard Carlos Arroyo. The Pistons will pick No. 15.
"It's more of, 'How do we answer a question from a free agent who wants to come here?' than it is about the draft," Magic President Bob Vander Weide said of the coaching-search timetable. "It would be nice to have somebody there so we could look like a full complement of an organization to a free agent.
"It's a critical summer for the Magic, who will have $10 million to $13 million to spend on a free agent or free agents such as Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter. That money figure will fluctuate depending on how much it will take to re-sign forward Darko Milicic.
Vander Weide said Thursday the Magic will start calling and trying to set up visits with prospective head coaches.
A person with knowledge of the situation said that as of late Friday afternoon, the Magic had not formally contacted Florida Coach Billy Donovan.
Former Miami Heat Coach Stan Van Gundy said Friday the Magic have not contacted him, but he's interested.
"I'm hopeful. It's a situation I'd definitely be interested in," said Van Gundy, whose wife's mother lives in Lake Mary.
"It's a situation, obviously, where they've got some great young pieces in a desirable place to live." Van Gundy said he recently turned down an offer to coach the Indiana Pacers. He said he had interviewed for the head-coaching positions with the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats hired former Magic guard Sam Vincent on Friday.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2607may26,0,7005749.story?coll=orl-magic
Friday, May 25, 2007
Donovan could get Magic call
By TIM SULLIVAN
Special to The Sun (from GatorSports.com)
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20070524/GATORS02/705240366/Donovan_could_get_Magic_call
NEW YORK - He's had talks with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Orlando Magic could be next.But if Florida coach Billy Donovan is truly interested in an NBA opening, well, he's about as tough to crack these days as his pressure defense.Donovan, here Wednesday to accept the prestigious New York Athletic Club's Winged Foot award along with Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt, spoke with conviction and sincerity as he addressed his future following back-to-back NCAA titles in Gainesville.He acknowledged that he spoke with Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley recently, but made clear the meeting was "not about the job." He also exchanged the common pleasantries with the media about being back in his hometown, about returning for the NBA Draft next month, and about how important an area this is to recruit.But the focus, clearly, was on Florida and the program's next step, be it with him or anyone else. He gave a distinct update on his contract negotiations with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley ... making sure the door was left open."We've sat down, we've talked," Donovan said. "I kind of know where things are at and I feel good about it. People think I'm trying to hold things up, but I'm fine. I'm ready to move forward. Whenever they tell me (the contract) is finalized, I'm fine."Donovan, also romanced by Kentucky following the Gators' 84-75 victory over Ohio State in the national title game April 2, has two years remaining on a deal that pays $1.7 million annually. He has taken Florida to three Final Fours and nine consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances."I'd like to get it done," Donovan said of the deal. "It's not me. I would have liked to have done it a couple of days after (the season.)"The potential fly in the ointment, however, is the Magic opening, created when Orlando and Brian Hill negotiated an exit deal Wednesday. Hill, in his second stint with the Magic, went 40-42 this season and lost to Detroit in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Donovan has said in the past NBA coaching has "intrigued" him because it's strictly basketball.Donovan, most likely, would have to compete with some available NBA heavyweights for that job - Larry Brown, Paul Silas, Stan Van Gundy and Rick Carlisle, among them - but he'd clearly be near the top of Orlando's list. Shortly after Hill was let go, Donovan, at one point, led an orlandosentinel.com poll of 10 candidates to become the Magic's next coach, receiving 34.1 percent of the votes.In the interim, though - perhaps sending an unintentional intentional message to Foley - it's all about the Gators."Really," Donovan said, "it's in their hands right now."Foley did not return a phone call Wednesday night.Last week, Foley denied a report that the school and Donovan were closing in on a seven-year extension worth $3.5 million. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.Though Donovan has repeatedly assured he expects a deal to get done soon, fan anxiety is growing. A Florida alumnus recently created a Web site, KeepBillyDonovan.com, to track the daily speculation surrounding Donovan's future.
Special to The Sun (from GatorSports.com)
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20070524/GATORS02/705240366/Donovan_could_get_Magic_call
NEW YORK - He's had talks with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Orlando Magic could be next.But if Florida coach Billy Donovan is truly interested in an NBA opening, well, he's about as tough to crack these days as his pressure defense.Donovan, here Wednesday to accept the prestigious New York Athletic Club's Winged Foot award along with Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt, spoke with conviction and sincerity as he addressed his future following back-to-back NCAA titles in Gainesville.He acknowledged that he spoke with Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley recently, but made clear the meeting was "not about the job." He also exchanged the common pleasantries with the media about being back in his hometown, about returning for the NBA Draft next month, and about how important an area this is to recruit.But the focus, clearly, was on Florida and the program's next step, be it with him or anyone else. He gave a distinct update on his contract negotiations with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley ... making sure the door was left open."We've sat down, we've talked," Donovan said. "I kind of know where things are at and I feel good about it. People think I'm trying to hold things up, but I'm fine. I'm ready to move forward. Whenever they tell me (the contract) is finalized, I'm fine."Donovan, also romanced by Kentucky following the Gators' 84-75 victory over Ohio State in the national title game April 2, has two years remaining on a deal that pays $1.7 million annually. He has taken Florida to three Final Fours and nine consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances."I'd like to get it done," Donovan said of the deal. "It's not me. I would have liked to have done it a couple of days after (the season.)"The potential fly in the ointment, however, is the Magic opening, created when Orlando and Brian Hill negotiated an exit deal Wednesday. Hill, in his second stint with the Magic, went 40-42 this season and lost to Detroit in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Donovan has said in the past NBA coaching has "intrigued" him because it's strictly basketball.Donovan, most likely, would have to compete with some available NBA heavyweights for that job - Larry Brown, Paul Silas, Stan Van Gundy and Rick Carlisle, among them - but he'd clearly be near the top of Orlando's list. Shortly after Hill was let go, Donovan, at one point, led an orlandosentinel.com poll of 10 candidates to become the Magic's next coach, receiving 34.1 percent of the votes.In the interim, though - perhaps sending an unintentional intentional message to Foley - it's all about the Gators."Really," Donovan said, "it's in their hands right now."Foley did not return a phone call Wednesday night.Last week, Foley denied a report that the school and Donovan were closing in on a seven-year extension worth $3.5 million. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.Though Donovan has repeatedly assured he expects a deal to get done soon, fan anxiety is growing. A Florida alumnus recently created a Web site, KeepBillyDonovan.com, to track the daily speculation surrounding Donovan's future.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Keep Billy? Fire Billy? We're Confused
Posted May 23rd 2007 4:06PM by Ryan Ferguson
Billy Donovan's contract saga has built enough momentum to spawn websites dedicated to re-hiring Florida's championship head coach.From KeepBillyDonovan.com:
"Where's Billy's Contract? What's taking this long? Is he leaving the University of Florida for the NBA? Will Billy be coaching the Magic? I am Fred Marks, a Gator fan and I created www.keepbillydonovan.com with the goal of persuading UF supporters to do all they can to make sure coach Billy Donovan remains at Florida."
I suppose you could call this site the one-dimensional inverse of FireBilly.com, a site dedicated to Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie -- although that site is (perversely?) dedicated to keeping, not firing, Billy G. around as well.Keep Billy D. Fire Billy G.?Strange times in the blogosphere. Strange times.
http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/05/23/keep-billy-fire-billy-were-confused/
Billy Donovan's contract saga has built enough momentum to spawn websites dedicated to re-hiring Florida's championship head coach.From KeepBillyDonovan.com:
"Where's Billy's Contract? What's taking this long? Is he leaving the University of Florida for the NBA? Will Billy be coaching the Magic? I am Fred Marks, a Gator fan and I created www.keepbillydonovan.com with the goal of persuading UF supporters to do all they can to make sure coach Billy Donovan remains at Florida."
I suppose you could call this site the one-dimensional inverse of FireBilly.com, a site dedicated to Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie -- although that site is (perversely?) dedicated to keeping, not firing, Billy G. around as well.Keep Billy D. Fire Billy G.?Strange times in the blogosphere. Strange times.
http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/05/23/keep-billy-fire-billy-were-confused/
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Donovan among possible candidates for Memphis jobs
Monday May 21, 2007
By The Associated Press
Tenn. -- Memphis Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley has interviewed at least six candidates to fill the open head coach and general manager positions for the NBA club.
According to reports from The Commercial Appeal, Heisley has interviewed Phoenix Suns assistant coach Marc Iavaroni and Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
He's also spoken with former New York Knicks Coach Larry Brown, former Marshall and current University of Florida Coach Billy Donovan, Boston Celtics General Manager and Buckhannon native Chris Wallace and former Denver executive Kiki Vandeweghe.
Heisley says he's taking his time while considering who will replace Coach Mike Fratello and President and General Manager Jerry West.
Fratello was fired in December and temporarily replaced by Tony Barone Sr. West announced last month he would leave once his contract ends June 30.
The Grizzlies went from the playoffs to the NBA's worst record at 22-60 in one season.
http://www.dailymail.com/story/Sports/200705218/Donovan-among-possible-candidates-for-Memphis-jobs/
By The Associated Press
Tenn. -- Memphis Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley has interviewed at least six candidates to fill the open head coach and general manager positions for the NBA club.
According to reports from The Commercial Appeal, Heisley has interviewed Phoenix Suns assistant coach Marc Iavaroni and Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
He's also spoken with former New York Knicks Coach Larry Brown, former Marshall and current University of Florida Coach Billy Donovan, Boston Celtics General Manager and Buckhannon native Chris Wallace and former Denver executive Kiki Vandeweghe.
Heisley says he's taking his time while considering who will replace Coach Mike Fratello and President and General Manager Jerry West.
Fratello was fired in December and temporarily replaced by Tony Barone Sr. West announced last month he would leave once his contract ends June 30.
The Grizzlies went from the playoffs to the NBA's worst record at 22-60 in one season.
http://www.dailymail.com/story/Sports/200705218/Donovan-among-possible-candidates-for-Memphis-jobs/
Monday, May 21, 2007
AD: Report on contract for Donovan 'not true'
By Lindsay Jones
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2007
GAINESVILLE — Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley on Friday called a report published on ESPN.com about a new contract for basketball coach Billy Donovan "not true."
Foley said he and Donovan still are in negotiations and that no contract has been completed.
Once Donovan and Foley agree to terms, a contract must be approved by the University's compensation committee and President Bernie Machen.
"None of that is done yet," Foley said.
Foley said neither he nor Donovan has a specific timetable for finishing the coach's new contract. Foley did not want to discuss the particulars of the ESPN.com report but said the story as a whole was "not accurate." Foley said he and Donovan briefly discussed the report Friday morning.
The report published Thursday cited unnamed sources and said Donovan was close to signing a seven-year deal worth an average of $3.5 million a year guaranteed.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/05/19/a8c_ufhoops_0519.html
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2007
GAINESVILLE — Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley on Friday called a report published on ESPN.com about a new contract for basketball coach Billy Donovan "not true."
Foley said he and Donovan still are in negotiations and that no contract has been completed.
Once Donovan and Foley agree to terms, a contract must be approved by the University's compensation committee and President Bernie Machen.
"None of that is done yet," Foley said.
Foley said neither he nor Donovan has a specific timetable for finishing the coach's new contract. Foley did not want to discuss the particulars of the ESPN.com report but said the story as a whole was "not accurate." Foley said he and Donovan briefly discussed the report Friday morning.
The report published Thursday cited unnamed sources and said Donovan was close to signing a seven-year deal worth an average of $3.5 million a year guaranteed.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/05/19/a8c_ufhoops_0519.html
Donovan rumors just rumors, Foley says
By Michael DiRocco, The Florida Times-Union
May 19th 2007
GAINESVILLE - Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley is convinced that Billy Donovan will be on the Gators' bench next season - but he wouldn't be surprised if he hears the basketball coach's name linked to the Houston Rockets' just-opened vacancy. In fact, Donovan could be linked to any other NBA or major college opening this year or in the future.
That's an unwanted accompaniment to Florida's back-to-back NCAA titles: Donovan is a hot commodity.
"You've got a quality coach, people want [to hire him]," Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley said Friday during Florida's baseball game against Tennessee. "I don't worry about that. The University of Florida doesn't worry about that. Billy's made it pretty clear that he's committed to the University of Florida, so I can't help rumors and never have worried about rumors."
Most of those rumors concern the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, who fired coach Mike Fratello in late December, met with Donovan earlier this month. A Yahoo.com report said Donovan wanted total control of the franchise, and while the Grizzlies were willing to pay him $5 million per year, they weren't willing to give him that control.
If the Magic decides to part ways with coach Brian Hill, it's speculated by various media outlets that the team will make a run at Donovan, who didn't return several phone messages left by the Times-Union.
However, Foley is convinced that Donovan won't be going anywhere any time soon.
"The bottom line is Billy Donovan always tells me what's going on, so if he was going to go interview with someone or sit down and talk to somebody. ... Billy and I have a relationship [and] as such, I know exactly what he's doing," Foley said. "Every time I hear a rumor about him, I don't call him. He's got better things to do, and I've got better things to do."
Yet Foley knows that Donovan - who's 261-103 in 11 seasons - might not finish his career in Gainesville.
Donovan has said in the past that he's intrigued by the NBA, and he eventually might want to follow the same route as his friend and mentor, current Louisville coach Rick Pitino, who left Kentucky for the Boston Celtics in 1998.
Foley could eventually face the same situation with football coach Urban Meyer, who has won Southeastern Conference and national championships in just two seasons at Florida. With that kind of success, it's only a matter of time before the NFL comes sniffing at Meyer.
"At some point in time, if either one of those coaches decides that that's what they want to do with their lives, we're not going to be able to control it anyway," Foley said. "All we've always worried about is what we can control. We try to treat them fairly. We're proactive with their contracts, but at some point in time, if Billy Donovan says, 'You know, I want to coach in the NBA,' and Urban says, 'I want to coach in the NFL,' just like with coach [Steve] Spurrier, there's nothing you can do."
Still, Foley is doing his best to make sure Donovan and Meyer don't leave because of financial issues. The school is working on contract extensions for both coaches, with annual salaries expected to be in the $3 million to $4 million range.
Foley has refuted an ESPN.com report that Donovan is close to signing the extension, saying the two sides are still negotiating terms and the contract cannot be completed until it's approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.
A meeting to do that hasn't been scheduled, according to Foley.
"It'll get done when it gets done," Foley said. "At some point in time, that will get done, Urban's will get done, and the University of Florida will announce it when it is done."
May 19th 2007
GAINESVILLE - Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley is convinced that Billy Donovan will be on the Gators' bench next season - but he wouldn't be surprised if he hears the basketball coach's name linked to the Houston Rockets' just-opened vacancy. In fact, Donovan could be linked to any other NBA or major college opening this year or in the future.
That's an unwanted accompaniment to Florida's back-to-back NCAA titles: Donovan is a hot commodity.
"You've got a quality coach, people want [to hire him]," Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley said Friday during Florida's baseball game against Tennessee. "I don't worry about that. The University of Florida doesn't worry about that. Billy's made it pretty clear that he's committed to the University of Florida, so I can't help rumors and never have worried about rumors."
Most of those rumors concern the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, who fired coach Mike Fratello in late December, met with Donovan earlier this month. A Yahoo.com report said Donovan wanted total control of the franchise, and while the Grizzlies were willing to pay him $5 million per year, they weren't willing to give him that control.
If the Magic decides to part ways with coach Brian Hill, it's speculated by various media outlets that the team will make a run at Donovan, who didn't return several phone messages left by the Times-Union.
However, Foley is convinced that Donovan won't be going anywhere any time soon.
"The bottom line is Billy Donovan always tells me what's going on, so if he was going to go interview with someone or sit down and talk to somebody. ... Billy and I have a relationship [and] as such, I know exactly what he's doing," Foley said. "Every time I hear a rumor about him, I don't call him. He's got better things to do, and I've got better things to do."
Yet Foley knows that Donovan - who's 261-103 in 11 seasons - might not finish his career in Gainesville.
Donovan has said in the past that he's intrigued by the NBA, and he eventually might want to follow the same route as his friend and mentor, current Louisville coach Rick Pitino, who left Kentucky for the Boston Celtics in 1998.
Foley could eventually face the same situation with football coach Urban Meyer, who has won Southeastern Conference and national championships in just two seasons at Florida. With that kind of success, it's only a matter of time before the NFL comes sniffing at Meyer.
"At some point in time, if either one of those coaches decides that that's what they want to do with their lives, we're not going to be able to control it anyway," Foley said. "All we've always worried about is what we can control. We try to treat them fairly. We're proactive with their contracts, but at some point in time, if Billy Donovan says, 'You know, I want to coach in the NBA,' and Urban says, 'I want to coach in the NFL,' just like with coach [Steve] Spurrier, there's nothing you can do."
Still, Foley is doing his best to make sure Donovan and Meyer don't leave because of financial issues. The school is working on contract extensions for both coaches, with annual salaries expected to be in the $3 million to $4 million range.
Foley has refuted an ESPN.com report that Donovan is close to signing the extension, saying the two sides are still negotiating terms and the contract cannot be completed until it's approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.
A meeting to do that hasn't been scheduled, according to Foley.
"It'll get done when it gets done," Foley said. "At some point in time, that will get done, Urban's will get done, and the University of Florida will announce it when it is done."
Donovan: No Agreement Yet On Extension
By ANDY STAPLES The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 19, 2007
GAINESVILLE - University of Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan said Friday morning that he has not reached an agreement on a contract extension. ESPN.com reported on Thursday that Donovan had agreed in principle to a new seven-year deal that would make him the highest paid college basketball coach in the nation.
Donovan said he and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley have discussed parameters for a new deal, but Donovan said he understands Foley and UF president Bernie Machen have to go through the proper channels before finalizing his contract.
"Jeremy and I have not reached an agreement," Donovan said. "I know there's a process that Jeremy has to go through, and I know there's a process the school has to go through. … I'm fine with that process."
The Web site quoted unnamed sources Thursday as saying that Donovan could sign a seven-year extension within days or weeks that would pay him an average of $3.5 million a year. Donovan said he didn't know who would leak such information, because the sides have not reached that point in the negotiating process.
Foley said Thursday night that no agreement had been reached.
"We haven't agreed on any contract," Foley said Thursday night in the press box during the Florida-Tennessee baseball game at McKethan Stadium. "The compensation committee hasn't even met yet."
That committee must approve any extension before it can be officially offered. Foley also is working on a new deal for football coach Urban Meyer. Meyer and Donovan each are coming off national championship seasons. Meyer just entered the third of a seven-year deal that pays an average of $2.1 million annually. Donovan just entered the sixth of a seven-year deal that pays $1.7 million annually.
Donovan also explained why he hasn't shot down the rumors that he is interested in coaching an NBA team. Donovan said he prefers not to make definitive statements regarding such issues, because such statements could be used against him - even years later.
The Memphis Grizzlies contacted Donovan this offseason, but no job was offered. Donovan's name has been mentioned in connection with the Orlando Magic, but no one from the Magic has contacted Donovan or his representatives, and Magic officials have yet to decide whether they will retain Coach Brian Hill.
Donovan said he is comfortable with the progress of the negotiation with Florida. He said nothing has been finalized, but he said Florida officials don't need to rush to finish the deal.
"I've been here 11 years," Donovan said. "I trust Jeremy."
http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGB8XDHQU1F.html
Published: May 19, 2007
GAINESVILLE - University of Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan said Friday morning that he has not reached an agreement on a contract extension. ESPN.com reported on Thursday that Donovan had agreed in principle to a new seven-year deal that would make him the highest paid college basketball coach in the nation.
Donovan said he and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley have discussed parameters for a new deal, but Donovan said he understands Foley and UF president Bernie Machen have to go through the proper channels before finalizing his contract.
"Jeremy and I have not reached an agreement," Donovan said. "I know there's a process that Jeremy has to go through, and I know there's a process the school has to go through. … I'm fine with that process."
The Web site quoted unnamed sources Thursday as saying that Donovan could sign a seven-year extension within days or weeks that would pay him an average of $3.5 million a year. Donovan said he didn't know who would leak such information, because the sides have not reached that point in the negotiating process.
Foley said Thursday night that no agreement had been reached.
"We haven't agreed on any contract," Foley said Thursday night in the press box during the Florida-Tennessee baseball game at McKethan Stadium. "The compensation committee hasn't even met yet."
That committee must approve any extension before it can be officially offered. Foley also is working on a new deal for football coach Urban Meyer. Meyer and Donovan each are coming off national championship seasons. Meyer just entered the third of a seven-year deal that pays an average of $2.1 million annually. Donovan just entered the sixth of a seven-year deal that pays $1.7 million annually.
Donovan also explained why he hasn't shot down the rumors that he is interested in coaching an NBA team. Donovan said he prefers not to make definitive statements regarding such issues, because such statements could be used against him - even years later.
The Memphis Grizzlies contacted Donovan this offseason, but no job was offered. Donovan's name has been mentioned in connection with the Orlando Magic, but no one from the Magic has contacted Donovan or his representatives, and Magic officials have yet to decide whether they will retain Coach Brian Hill.
Donovan said he is comfortable with the progress of the negotiation with Florida. He said nothing has been finalized, but he said Florida officials don't need to rush to finish the deal.
"I've been here 11 years," Donovan said. "I trust Jeremy."
http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGB8XDHQU1F.html
Donovan: 'I'm ready to go forward'
KEVIN BROCKWAY
Sun sports writer (Gainesville Sun)
May 19. 2007
Florida coach Billy Donovan returned to town this week focused on trying to hire a new assistant coach.Then a report surfaced that he was close to signing the richest coaching contract in college basketball history."I was surprised to hear that," Donovan said.Donovan said Friday that negotiations are progressing on a contract extension, but a deal hasn't been finalized."I still think we're a bit a ways away," Donovan said. "I'm ready to go forward, but there's a process that's involved and I respect that process."On Thursday night, ESPN.com, citing an unnamed source, reported that Donovan was close to signing a seven-year contract extension worth an average of $3.5 million. That would put Donovan ahead of Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina's Roy Williams as the highest paid coach in college basketball. Both are believed to make an average annual salary of $3 million, which includes outside endorsements.On Friday, Donovan denied that those figures were accurate."To me, that's not what I've been told," Donovan said. "We haven't even gotten to that point yet."Donovan said that he has discussed parameters of a deal with athletic director Jeremy Foley. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association compensation committee. Foley denied the report Thursday night, saying that he is still working on the athletic budget for next season.At some point, Donovan said that he will meet with Foley and University President Dr. Bernie Machen to continue negotiations. Donovan said that he will handle the negotiations alone with Machen and Foley, then have an attorney read over the contract language if a deal is finalized."There's no go-between person," Donovan said. "I've got to be the one that's making the decision."The meeting hasn't occurred yet because of Donovan's frenetic schedule since the end of the season last April. Donovan spent most of the rest of last month recruiting after losing his four starting juniors to the NBA draft.Last week, Donovan was in Ireland on a golfing trip with college friends. Then last weekend, Donovan attended a 20-year reunion commemorating the 1987 Providence basketball team that reached the Final Four.Donovan, who will turn 42 on May 30, guided Florida to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. Negotiations for an extension started after Florida won the first of its titles in 2006, but Donovan opted to put it off, saying he didn't want to cash in on the success of his returning players.Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer bypassed the NBA draft last year for a chance to become the first team since Duke in 1992 to repeat as national champions. Florida completed the mission with an 84-75 win over Ohio State last April in the NCAA Tournament Finals.In his 11 seasons at Florida, Donovan is 261-103, coaching the Gators to nine straight 20-win seasons and nine-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070519/LOCAL/70519001/-1/news
Sun sports writer (Gainesville Sun)
May 19. 2007
Florida coach Billy Donovan returned to town this week focused on trying to hire a new assistant coach.Then a report surfaced that he was close to signing the richest coaching contract in college basketball history."I was surprised to hear that," Donovan said.Donovan said Friday that negotiations are progressing on a contract extension, but a deal hasn't been finalized."I still think we're a bit a ways away," Donovan said. "I'm ready to go forward, but there's a process that's involved and I respect that process."On Thursday night, ESPN.com, citing an unnamed source, reported that Donovan was close to signing a seven-year contract extension worth an average of $3.5 million. That would put Donovan ahead of Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina's Roy Williams as the highest paid coach in college basketball. Both are believed to make an average annual salary of $3 million, which includes outside endorsements.On Friday, Donovan denied that those figures were accurate."To me, that's not what I've been told," Donovan said. "We haven't even gotten to that point yet."Donovan said that he has discussed parameters of a deal with athletic director Jeremy Foley. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association compensation committee. Foley denied the report Thursday night, saying that he is still working on the athletic budget for next season.At some point, Donovan said that he will meet with Foley and University President Dr. Bernie Machen to continue negotiations. Donovan said that he will handle the negotiations alone with Machen and Foley, then have an attorney read over the contract language if a deal is finalized."There's no go-between person," Donovan said. "I've got to be the one that's making the decision."The meeting hasn't occurred yet because of Donovan's frenetic schedule since the end of the season last April. Donovan spent most of the rest of last month recruiting after losing his four starting juniors to the NBA draft.Last week, Donovan was in Ireland on a golfing trip with college friends. Then last weekend, Donovan attended a 20-year reunion commemorating the 1987 Providence basketball team that reached the Final Four.Donovan, who will turn 42 on May 30, guided Florida to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. Negotiations for an extension started after Florida won the first of its titles in 2006, but Donovan opted to put it off, saying he didn't want to cash in on the success of his returning players.Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer bypassed the NBA draft last year for a chance to become the first team since Duke in 1992 to repeat as national champions. Florida completed the mission with an 84-75 win over Ohio State last April in the NCAA Tournament Finals.In his 11 seasons at Florida, Donovan is 261-103, coaching the Gators to nine straight 20-win seasons and nine-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070519/LOCAL/70519001/-1/news
(Donovan), Florida's top 'supermodel' should stay
Florida's top 'supermodel' should stay
Published May 20, 2007
By Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel (link to article available below)
Stop it.Just stop it.Fellow Sentinel columnist David Whitley needs to stop it.Magic beat writer and blogger extraordinaire Brian Schmitz needs to stop it.All those Magic fans on the message boards need to stop it.And if Billy Donovan has even an inkling of interest in the Orlando Magic, he needs to stop it, too.This idea being floated that Donovan would or should become the new coach of the Magic is, in a word, INSANE! Why in the name of Dean Smith would Donovan want to go from legend to layman? And why in the name of Brian Hill would he want to go from one of the most stable, smashingly successful college programs in the nation to one of the most indecisive, mundanely mediocre franchises in the NBA?This is not to say the Magic -- if they ever decide to lower Brian Hill off the flagpole (where he has been twisting in the wind for nearly three weeks now) and fire him -- shouldn't pursue the dynamic, dynastic Donovan. Of course they should. It would be the height of ineptitude if they didn't. Make Billy D. the coach of the Magic, and those Gator-crazy city and county commissioners wouldn't just build a new arena for him; they'd name it after him.That said, pursuing him is one thing. Getting him is another matter. I can pursue Heidi Klum all I want; it doesn't mean she would run away and have me arrested for stalking if I ever got close enough to ask her out. And that's what we're looking at here: Donovan is the most sought-after supermodel in the world; the Magic are a short, bald sportswriter.There was a time not long ago when I thought Donovan would jump soon to the NBA, but that was before he won two consecutive national championships at Florida. Now, Billy walks with the legends of the game. If he stays at Florida, he will become a mythical figure like Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight. If he goes to the NBA, he becomes Rick Adelman.It's like Donovan's own player, Joakim Noah, said last season when the Gators were making their run at a second national title. When asked why he and his teammates decided to stay in college, Noah replied, "How many times do you get a chance to put your name in the history books?"Donovan already has two national championships. If he wins one more, he has as many as Knight and Krzyzewski. If he wins two more, he ties Adolph Rupp and trails only John Wooden. Now ask yourself: Would you rather go down as the next John Wooden or the next John Calipari?Calipari is one of the many great college coaches who tried and failed in the NBA. That list also includes P.J. Carlesimo, Jerry Tarkanian and Rick Pitino, Donovan's mentor.A few years ago, even before Donovan won a national title, I asked Pitino about Donovan jumping to the NBA. Pitino scoffed at the notion and said, "Billy's not going to leave Florida, because I'll kill him if he does. I love Billy to death, and obviously he listens to me. The reason he won't leave and shouldn't leave is because he has nowhere to go. He can't move up. There's no place he can go that's better than Florida. He's got a great school, a great climate, people who love him, and he loves the people."Believe me, I'll make sure Billy doesn't make the same mistake I've made."Pitino left Kentucky, where he was on his way to becoming a college basketball legend, to coach the Boston Celtics. He won one national title at Kentucky and recruited the players for his successor, Tubby Smith, to win another. If he'd stayed at UK, he'd probably have three or four national titles by now. Now, after failing miserably with the Celtics, he's back on campus at Louisville, trying to get back among college basketball's elite.Pitino made nearly $50 million when he took the Celtics job, but was the money really worth his legacy? Besides, it's not like Donovan is standing underneath an I-75 overpass, holding a sign: "Will Recruit McDonald's All-Americans for Food." According to published reports, he's about to become the highest-paid coach in college basketball history. His new contract likely will be worth close to $3.5 million a year -- which is more than the Magic are paying Hill.And even if he does make more money in the NBA, so what? As Bud Fox said to Gordon Gekko in Wall Street: "How much is enough? How many yachts can you water-ski behind?"Donovan's arguably the greatest college coach -- football or basketball -- in this state's history. He has turned Florida into Duke and now enjoys built-in competitive advantages he'd never have in the NBA. He has his pick of any recruit he wants in the fourth-largest state in the country and also pulls in premier high-school players from across the nation.He is two national titles away from going down as the greatest college basketball coach of the modern era. And he's only 41. He can coach 10 more years in college and still be a relatively young coach who then can give the NBA a try if he so chooses.But why do it now?Are a few extra million dollars really worth Billy Donovan's place in history?
The actual article is available below
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-bianchi20a07may20,0,5156897.column?coll=orl-magic
Published May 20, 2007
By Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel (link to article available below)
Stop it.Just stop it.Fellow Sentinel columnist David Whitley needs to stop it.Magic beat writer and blogger extraordinaire Brian Schmitz needs to stop it.All those Magic fans on the message boards need to stop it.And if Billy Donovan has even an inkling of interest in the Orlando Magic, he needs to stop it, too.This idea being floated that Donovan would or should become the new coach of the Magic is, in a word, INSANE! Why in the name of Dean Smith would Donovan want to go from legend to layman? And why in the name of Brian Hill would he want to go from one of the most stable, smashingly successful college programs in the nation to one of the most indecisive, mundanely mediocre franchises in the NBA?This is not to say the Magic -- if they ever decide to lower Brian Hill off the flagpole (where he has been twisting in the wind for nearly three weeks now) and fire him -- shouldn't pursue the dynamic, dynastic Donovan. Of course they should. It would be the height of ineptitude if they didn't. Make Billy D. the coach of the Magic, and those Gator-crazy city and county commissioners wouldn't just build a new arena for him; they'd name it after him.That said, pursuing him is one thing. Getting him is another matter. I can pursue Heidi Klum all I want; it doesn't mean she would run away and have me arrested for stalking if I ever got close enough to ask her out. And that's what we're looking at here: Donovan is the most sought-after supermodel in the world; the Magic are a short, bald sportswriter.There was a time not long ago when I thought Donovan would jump soon to the NBA, but that was before he won two consecutive national championships at Florida. Now, Billy walks with the legends of the game. If he stays at Florida, he will become a mythical figure like Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight. If he goes to the NBA, he becomes Rick Adelman.It's like Donovan's own player, Joakim Noah, said last season when the Gators were making their run at a second national title. When asked why he and his teammates decided to stay in college, Noah replied, "How many times do you get a chance to put your name in the history books?"Donovan already has two national championships. If he wins one more, he has as many as Knight and Krzyzewski. If he wins two more, he ties Adolph Rupp and trails only John Wooden. Now ask yourself: Would you rather go down as the next John Wooden or the next John Calipari?Calipari is one of the many great college coaches who tried and failed in the NBA. That list also includes P.J. Carlesimo, Jerry Tarkanian and Rick Pitino, Donovan's mentor.A few years ago, even before Donovan won a national title, I asked Pitino about Donovan jumping to the NBA. Pitino scoffed at the notion and said, "Billy's not going to leave Florida, because I'll kill him if he does. I love Billy to death, and obviously he listens to me. The reason he won't leave and shouldn't leave is because he has nowhere to go. He can't move up. There's no place he can go that's better than Florida. He's got a great school, a great climate, people who love him, and he loves the people."Believe me, I'll make sure Billy doesn't make the same mistake I've made."Pitino left Kentucky, where he was on his way to becoming a college basketball legend, to coach the Boston Celtics. He won one national title at Kentucky and recruited the players for his successor, Tubby Smith, to win another. If he'd stayed at UK, he'd probably have three or four national titles by now. Now, after failing miserably with the Celtics, he's back on campus at Louisville, trying to get back among college basketball's elite.Pitino made nearly $50 million when he took the Celtics job, but was the money really worth his legacy? Besides, it's not like Donovan is standing underneath an I-75 overpass, holding a sign: "Will Recruit McDonald's All-Americans for Food." According to published reports, he's about to become the highest-paid coach in college basketball history. His new contract likely will be worth close to $3.5 million a year -- which is more than the Magic are paying Hill.And even if he does make more money in the NBA, so what? As Bud Fox said to Gordon Gekko in Wall Street: "How much is enough? How many yachts can you water-ski behind?"Donovan's arguably the greatest college coach -- football or basketball -- in this state's history. He has turned Florida into Duke and now enjoys built-in competitive advantages he'd never have in the NBA. He has his pick of any recruit he wants in the fourth-largest state in the country and also pulls in premier high-school players from across the nation.He is two national titles away from going down as the greatest college basketball coach of the modern era. And he's only 41. He can coach 10 more years in college and still be a relatively young coach who then can give the NBA a try if he so chooses.But why do it now?Are a few extra million dollars really worth Billy Donovan's place in history?
The actual article is available below
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-bianchi20a07may20,0,5156897.column?coll=orl-magic
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