Billy Donovan

[magicfan]

For those who haven't heard, Gator's basketball coach Billy Donovan is leaving to become the new head coach for the Orlando Magic.

What are your thoughts:

From the Gator's Point of view - He said earlier this year he was devoted to the Gators, and now he's leaving. It's Nick Saban all over again. What about all the new recruits? Will they transfer now that Donovan's gone? What direction is this program headed?

From non-Gator SEC fans - the team that has been dominating your conference has dropped very low. 6 key players gone, and the coach. I'm sure they are thrilled.

From the Magic's - Is it a good idea hiring a college coach with no pro experience? Look at how others have done in the past. But is Donovan different? He is creating a buzz that hasn't been here in a while. Does his coming help clinch the new arena?

 

[Wilt Dasney]

After he turned down Kentucky, I really felt like he must be devoted to that program in Gainesville. This has surprised me a bit.

Obviously, you can't know in advance how a hire will work out, but the college to NBA jump certainly hasn't been kind to many who have gone before. Like you said, this will probably create a buzz among the fanbase, but this isn't like college where you can just go out and recruit talent. Getting the right mix of guys at the pro level can be a lot trickier.

 

[palmage]

Now if Urban Meyer would do the same thing it would be a happy place.

 

[gotribe07]

Smart Move

No matter what Billy Donovan did this year at Florida if there wouldnt be a National Title involved in that the year would be a dissapointment. He did all he could at Florida and this was the right move

 

[Mufasa's Pride]

I thought it sounded like he settled on a contract with Florida at the beginning of the year, but I guess he didn't.

There couldn't be a better time for this move. Donovan is satisfied with 2 titles in his pocket, all his players left, his family can live in the same area, and he is inheriting a very talented team. Best of luck in the future!

 

[dxwwf3]

Come on down Billy! I was very happy to hear the news on Thursday and watch the press conference yesterday. He's stepping into a gold mine as long as he can actually coach UP the team. I'm glad he's out of the SEC East as well. It was definitely a win-win situation for me

 

[magicfan]

Magic players sound pretty pleased. Redick said Florida was his second choice behind Duke, because of Billy Donovan and is extremely pleased to get to play for him. Most importantly, Dwight Howard is happy. In today's Orlando Sentinel, he is quoted saying, "Basketball is going to be fun here again." Kind of shows how he felt about Brian Hill.

 

[dxwwf3]

Most importantly, Dwight Howard is happy. In today's Orlando Sentinel, he is quoted saying, "Basketball is going to be fun here again." Kind of shows how he felt about Brian Hill.

And he didn't have to watch the last half of the season like the fans did. It was miserable.

 

[magicfan]

What is going on?

Donovan's having second thoughts, wants to go back to Florida. First reported Magic will release him from his contract, now reporting they expect him to honor his contract. Meanwhile, the Magic's second choice, Stan Van Gundy, is getting close to the Sacramento job. What do you do? Do you keep a coach who doesn't want to coach? Is it worth it?

 

[SpongeScott]

What is going on?

Donovan's having second thoughts, wants to go back to Florida. First reported Magic will release him from his contract, now reporting they expect him to honor his contract. Meanwhile, the Magic's second choice, Stan Van Gundy, is getting close to the Sacramento job. What do you do? Do you keep a coach who doesn't want to coach? Is it worth it?

You're surprised he's having second thoughts for as much as he waffled on his decision? I saw this happening a mile away. If he signed on the dotted line, let's see how tough Orlando will be with him on this. It will also be interesting to see what kind of language may be in his contract about leaving.

 

[magicfan]

You're surprised he's having second thoughts for as much as he waffled on his decision? I saw this happening a mile away. If he signed on the dotted line, let's see how tough Orlando will be with him on this. It will also be interesting to see what kind of language may be in his contract about leaving.

I'm more surprised at how Magic management is handling this. If the guy doesn't want to coach here, let him go. Why are you still trying to convince him to stay? If his heart's not with your team, then he doesn't need to be head coach.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

They reportedly sold 200 season tickets after announcing the hire. If they let the guy out, they could have a very upset fan base on their hands.

Not an easy position to be in.

 

[SpongeScott]

I'm more surprised at how Magic management is handling this. If the guy doesn't want to coach here, let him go. Why are you still trying to convince him to stay? If his heart's not with your team, then he doesn't need to be head coach.

I'm not trying to convince him to stay, but if his heart is not in it, then he shouldn't have taken the job to begin with. Whatever happened to someone honoring their commitment to something? First, he failed to live up to what he agreed to in Florida (unless he was not under contract), and now Orlando. Sure, he'll go back to Florida and say how much he never wanted to leave, how committed he is to the program, how much he loves the kids there, etc. :hurl:

 

[dxwwf3]

Scum. Of. The. Earth.

Otis better hurry up and grab Stan Van Gundy and everything will be ok. As if I needed another reason to hate Florida.......

The Magic didn't hire him only because of the PR boost, but it is sure needed NOW. Trying to get the new arena deal done is very important to this franchise and Billy might have single handededly put an end to that deal. This is the worst possible thing that could have happened and I wish him nothing but the worst professionally in the future.

All of this would be different if he didn't have that press conference. He never should have walked through those doors if he had 2nd thoughts.

 

[magicfan]

I'm not trying to convince him to stay, but if his heart is not in it, then he shouldn't have taken the job to begin with. Whatever happened to someone honoring their commitment to something? First, he failed to live up to what he agreed to in Florida (unless he was not under contract), and now Orlando. Sure, he'll go back to Florida and say how much he never wanted to leave, how committed he is to the program, how much he loves the kids there, etc. :hurl:

My bad, when I said you, I was referring to Magic Management. I did not mean to say "why is SpongeScott trying to convince..." sorry

Otis better hurry up and grab Stan Van Gundy and everything will be ok. As if I needed another reason to hate Florida.......

My thoughts exactly. SVG is the best option left, plus he already said he wants to coach the Magic.

Donovan just lost a lot of respect from a lot of people. All that excitement he brought in that short time, what could make him change his mind?

 

[WildcatDen]

Bummer. I was hoping Jai Lucas would be let out of his letter of intent and head up I-75 to join Patterson up in Lexington.

Kind of a crappy move on Billy D's part.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Donovan just lost a lot of respect from a lot of people. All that excitement he brought in that short time, what could make him change his mind?

Andy Katz wrote an interesting story on ESPN.com, speculating that simply the order of the press conferences might have triggered something in Donovan.

The happy, excited presser in Orlando came first, followed by the tearful, sad presser in Gainesville. Katz writes (how he knows, I have no idea) that doing it in that order left a bad taste in Billy's mouth that he couldn't shake.

 

[WildcatDen]

left a bad taste in Billy's mouth that he couldn't shake.

There has to be a joke in there somewhere. . .


Doesn't there?


Anyone?


Bueller?

 

[magicfan]

Hopefully Stan Van Gundy proves to be a great coach after everything that's gone on