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'm so proud of these kids. I'm shocked that we're 22-6. To me, these kids have really, really overachieved.
If one of my guys would have hauled off and punched somebody, that would be the story right now.
It has to start somewhere. That's what we are trying to build at Florida. It's never been done, never been sustained.
I think our guys took great pride in facing a tougher road to get to this point than other teams. I think our team got better. They were a very, very focused group that worked hard. They peaked and probably played well because of some setbacks in February that helped us grow.
I think our guys are eager to get on to the next phase. We have some guys who know what it takes to win in this tournament.
I think our guys are a little further along mentally than a lot of guys their age.
I just felt like our guys were playing with blinders on. We weren't taking what the defense was giving us. I don't think our 3-point shots were that bad in the first half.
I realize the magnitude of what's happened for the program. It's a huge milestone.
His game is slashing, driving, getting into the lane. He made some spectacular, athletic plays.
I had the chance to talk to those guys, and that's what they want to do. I think they're having a lot of fun here. I think they're a different type of kids.
I'm very happy for John. He's done an absolutely fantastic job with his team this season. It's always difficult playing a game at this level against such a close friend.
I'm very, very thankful. The NCAA Tournament to me, what's the lottery motto? You've got to be in it to win it.
I'm very, very proud of these kids. It has been a remarkable run. There was so much uncertainty surrounding our season, but these guys have stepped up.
I'm not surprised that he's playing small forward, and I'm not surprised that he's playing well, because he's a great kid and he's always been about the team. He's always been an unselfish kid.