Note to Billy: Ignore Gators greenbacks and bolt to bluegrass
ATLANTA -- His father sat and smiled. His wife was there beaming. They looked on proudly. The confetti fell on his dark hair and the hugs came from all corners. He had done it. Billy Donovan had done it again.
There were fans chanting "Billy, Billy, Billy." A few screamed: "Billy! Don't leave!" When Donovan cut the final string on the basket and lifted it triumphantly, a roar came over the stadium. Later fans yelled to Billy: "One more year."
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| As Billy Donovan cut down the net, Gators fans were already pleading with him to stay. (AP) |
His former assistant, Anthony Grant, who is close friends with Donovan, sat in on Donovan's news conference and watched quietly. He agreed that Billy probably is not going anywhere. "He is Florida basketball," said Grant.
"Leave?" said Joakim Noah. "Why would he do that?"
In all probability the family that loves him and the fans who adore him and the players who marched to his every masterful command would never give him the following advice. They would never tell him: Just leave. Go, now. Pack your suitcase, your playbook, your hair gel, some fresh underwear, and get the hell out.
Go to Kentucky, Billy, because it will never be this good at the University of Florida again. Never.
It cannot be. It is impossible. Donovan has built paradise. You do not improve on paradise. He made a football school into a basketball empire. He might have built the best college program ever. Yes, the Gators are that good. This Gators team -- emphasis on team -- could be better than the 1968 UCLA great which until now was clearly the best of all time.
He has put this school on his shoulders while simultaneously putting it in the argument.
That is why it will never get better.
In the Gators locker room and postgame news conference, the players talked about how they hoped he would stay. That is because they know wherever he goes, that program will get better.
Donovan would not discuss his future after the game.
"I just got off the court," he said. "I mean, (his future is) right here at the University of Florida. I'm going to enjoy this moment right now. Right now it's this game. I think all that stuff will be addressed.
