Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan
William John Donovan, Jr.is an American professional basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association. He previously spent 19 seasons at the University of Florida, where his Florida Gators men's basketball teams won two NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championships in 2006 and 2007. Donovan has more wins than any other coach in the history of the Florida basketball program, and he coached the Gators to more NCAA tournament appearances,...
ProfessionCoach
Date of Birth30 May 1965
CityRockville Centre, NY
They made it very difficult for us to get prepared. Just trying to space the floor. And you have to extra pass against them.
They played great tonight, they really did. I was proud of how hard they played and competed. They gave me everything I could possibly ask.
They play college basketball way they should play it. We're looking at this game as playing one of the best teams in the United States of America because that is what they are.
They are a terrific team and for us it's another challenge against a great team. They've proven that with what they did against Connecticut and Michigan State and North Carolina. I'm excited for George Mason and it's great for college basketball.
You can think that it's easy or that you've got it all figured out. They remained humble. They wanted to get better.
There might be some truth to (more pressure playing close to home). Kids say, 'There's so many people there I want to do so well,' so that can happen. If you're out in San Diego you're just kind of playing. (But) I don't think these guys will feel that way -- I hope they don't.
This is a very, very special place. Being part of this institution means something. We have the greatest student body in the United States of America.
You're playing a game right now, living each moment. Play each moment. They peaked and probably played well because of the setbacks we had in February that helped us grow.
You play the game out and you play the game with your best players on the floor. I think Tubby would agree with that.
This is going to be another one to two weeks before he's back to probably feeling healthy. I would think that he would be available against South Carolina. How many minutes? What type of role? Will he be able to get back to his shooting form? I'm hopeful, but I'm not counting on that.
This is going to be the most time that we have had off to get ready for an opponent since December. I am hopeful that during that time that we can continue to improve and turn the focus on ourselves.
This is a one-time thing where he got lost. Let's help him find himself.
This is not about me. If we are fortunate enough to win tomorrow night, it's over. Tuesday morning, it's gone, on to the next thing.
After practice, he'll thank me three or four times before we leave the gym.