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
I really thought that this team would play together and give me everything they have, and they've done that.
I really thought that maybe they were not as fresh coming down the stretch. That was kind of our hope in the second half, that maybe we could try to wear them down because they were really sticking with their seven guys.
I really don?t believe that seeding means a whole lot or makes a whole lot of difference anymore. It used to be a time where you got that No. 1 or No. 2 seed and you felt pretty good about trying to get to that Elite Eight. I think those times have changed.
I love our team, ... I love coaching this team. When I come to practice every day, I just love being on the floor. I just love their eagerness.
I look at who we're playing as a basketball team and don?t get wrapped up in what the perception is about their team. They're a very, very good basketball team that has beaten Connecticut, Michigan State, North Carolina.
I'll remember this for the rest of my life.
I look at North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona. The trick is you have to get in on a consistent basis. That's the whole trick because if you don't get in, you can't do anything.
I know a lot of people are so excited for George Mason. It's great for college basketball. Believe me, I'm mesmerized.
I know little about what is going on at Kentucky. I've seen them play almost not at all. Tubby is a wonderful man and a terrific coach who will continue to succeed.
I knew this would be a team that would play hard.
I'm just happy for everybody -- the administration, the players, the assistant coaches and the fans. I'm very blessed and very thankful for the opportunity to coach these kids.
I'm just happy for everybody. I'm very blessed and very thankful for the opportunity to coach these kids. I thought whoever attacked the other team's defense better was going to have the best chance of winning the game.
I'm just a big believer that when guys are injured or hurt, if they elect to play, there's a certain expectation they have to uphold. And if they can't uphold that expectation, I'm totally fine if they sit out.
I'm fortunate to coach an unbelievable group of guys who have been totally selfless. They've been all about the team, and all about winning. ... I'm happy that I can be a part of the first-ever national championship.