Billy D on the UK Job......

[BamaFanNKy]

"I know you have to ask me that," he said, "but right now I'm here to coach my team and try to win another national championship." - Billy D

I guess he learned from Saban what not to say when your considering a job.

[shanksta13]

"I know you have to ask me that," he said, "but right now I'm here to coach my team and try to win another national championship." - Billy D

I guess he learned from Saban what not to say when your considering a job.

Got Link?




GO GATORS!!!

[Gator2753]

Gator haters are out in full force.
Everyone seems to be desperate for UF's success to come to an end.

[BamaFanNKy]

"I didn't know Kentucky fans were so fickle until now, or that boosters or the powers that be could oust you after so many years of being loyal to you," Tywanna Patterson said. "To me, that doesn't send a good message. I really think Kentucky would have been in the final three (for Patterson), but who knows now."

"He's like a family member, and I feel like a family member has been wronged," she said.

Ummmmm...... Tubby took another job. He wasn't forced out. He was getting heat for not getting guys like her son.

[shanksta13]

I'll admit that I'm nervous until someone is hired at UK. These coaches are so unpredictable these days. I will also say that I agree with most of the Gator fans that Billy Donovan is happy here and wants to build his own legacy on the foundation that he has already created here. However, I do think it's unnatural not to feel at least a little aprehension when a job like Kentucky is open and there is a candidate as good and as qualified as Billy D. Just my thoughts on it.

[BamaFanNKy]

Who's next for the Big Blue? (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/SPORTS03/703230558)

Billy D's comments press above.

[BamaFanNKy]

Billy D is the best coach out there for UK in their minds. They are building the 30 million dollar PRACTICE facility.

Personally living in this state..... I want to see Calipari. I think he is the better man for the job.

BUT, Florida fans have to realize..... Yes, Billy won a NC in Florida. But, UK will buy a NC.

[Gator2753]

Billy D is the best coach out there for UK in their minds. They are building the 30 million dollar PRACTICE facility.

Personally living in this state..... I want to see Calipari. I think he is the better man for the job.

BUT, Florida fans have to realize..... Yes, Billy won a NC in Florida. But, UK will buy a NC.

I just hope they hire someone soon. Not ever schools has to wait months to fill a coaching spot. With less than 16 teams in the tourney, they could have a new HC in a week.

[BamaFanNKy]

Well let me say who it won't be.....

#1. Mark Few
#2. Tom Izzo.....

Neither of those guys will leave where they are. They are happy where they coach.

#3. Travis Ford
#4. John Pelphrey

Way too green.

That being said.... it will be a current sweet 16 coach. Tom Crean is a thought and I think it's a flop if it happens.

[Gator2753]

Well let me say who it won't be.....

#1. Mark Few
#2. Tom Izzo.....

Neither of those guys will leave where they are. They are happy where they coach.

#3. Travis Ford
#4. John Pelphrey

Way too green.

That being said.... it will be a current sweet 16 coach. Tom Crean is a thought and I think it's a flop if it happens.


What do you think about Thad Matta. Ive heard his name thrown in these a time or two on TV.

[shanksta13]

I think Gillespie (Texas A&M) would be a pretty good coach for Kentucky, but I'm not so sure that Kentucky would try to pursue him or that he would even leave if offered.

[gatorunvrsty]

Every coach mentioned so far, except Izzo, has more reason to leave than Donovan. If those guys are all happy where they are, without winning anything; you know Billy D.'s happy where he's at, with all the championships. When it's all said and done, I think you'll see Travis Ford (who's a former UK player and current UMass coach) named the new coach.

EDIT: Also, you can expect UF to match any offer given to Donovan. UF has far greater financial resources than UK; and, he even turned down his last raise to show Gator players that he isn't concerned about the money.

[BamaFanNKy]

Mark Few..... IS FROM WASHINGTON STATE
Tom Izzo...... From Michigan

I honestly think Matta would be great but leaving a school every 3 years can kill you.

Billy spent some good years at Kentucky. He was wanted by a large part of the fan base when Tubby got the job. Billy has TIES to UK!!!

[gatorunvrsty]

Mark Few..... IS FROM WASHINGTON STATE
Tom Izzo...... From Michigan

I honestly think Matta would be great but leaving a school every 3 years can kill you.

Billy spent some good years at Kentucky. He was wanted by a large part of the fan base when Tubby got the job. Billy has TIES to UK!!!

So? So does Pitino. Much stronger ties. Pitino said he's got the job he wants at Louisville. If he won't take the job, I seriously doubt Donovan will, either. Donovan's from New York. I don't think he'll be headed to Syracuse if they came calling. Where someone's from doesn't mean anything, unless the team they're coaching isn't accomplishing anything; and a program they have ties to is courting them. I think it's safe to say Donovan's team is accomplishing plenty. I don't know if I've ever seen a coach who's just won one NC and is poised to win his 2nd in a row, leave his program while it's on top to go coach at another school, because he used to be an assistant there.:wacko: That's like going to be the emperor of Rome after it's already been sacked by the Goths.

[Gator2753]

So? So does Pitino. Much stronger ties. Pitino said he's got the job he wants at Louisville. If he won't take the job, I seriously doubt Donovan will, either. Donovan's from New York. I don't think he'll be headed to Syracuse if they came calling. Where someone's from doesn't mean anything, unless the team they're coaching isn't accomplishing anything; and a program they have ties to is courting them. I think it's safe to say Donovan's team is accomplishing plenty. I don't know if I've ever seen a coach who's just won one NC and is poised to win his 2nd in a row, leave his program while it's on top to go coach at another school, because he used to be an assistant there.:wacko: That's like going to be the emperor of Rome after it's already been sacked by the Goths.

Tubby running away from a program with an angry fan base does not exactaly make the job look that great either. IMO Donovan's career will be more sucessful if he stays at UF rather than if went to Kentucky.
UK fans will be calling for Donovans head just like they did Tubby when he fails to win then a NC every single year.

[GatorHunter]

Donovan isn't going to Kentucky. Aside from the fact that the Gators have been a far more successful team than UK for some time now, Donovan and wife have young children...they love Gainesville. It's a very family oriented town. They are great friends to the Meyer's. Billy and wife actually took Shelley and Urban under their wings and helped them adjust to life in Florida. He's not going anywhere. I would actually be "more" worried about Billy goin' to the NBA...and really, I'm not worried about that either.

Let's face it...UK is one of the toughest jobs in America. It's a lot like the Bama of basketball. And it's in the same current situation as Bama....storied history with a troubled present. Who would want to jump into that fire? Certainly not Billy Donovan...young husband and father.

[razorhead]

Leave Gillespie alone, we need him at Arkansas. If Frank Broyles doesn't show Stan Heath the door next week then he really has gotten too senile to do his job. UK fans didn't have much to complain about with Tubby.

[BamaFanNKy]

Let me repeat..... I DON'T THINK BILLY COMES TO UK. That being said.... it wouldn't suprise me.

You should hear the calling for Billy on Sports Talk shows.... it's been said for him to come here before the NC.

Yes Rick won't come back.... but no one is asking. Rick is comfortable and the big dog at his school. I don't see the comparison to UK and Bama football. 2 players in basketball can turn a program around. It is more work to turn Bama around. The recruitting advantage is similar though. Kids will come to UK for basketball over UF, OSU, Texas, Texas A&M, Memphis etc. etc. It's basically Duke, UNC, UCLA and UK as the top of the top tier.

This is not a knock on UF. This is not me saying Billy and his family are not happy. This is not anything other than me saying.... it's not too far off to think he comes. I sure as hell didn't think we would land Saban.

[GatorNation]

No way Billy leaves the school, the program he built, at Florida. No way. After all he's said and done with regard to all the guys coming back, program-as-family, the new contract with more money than UK was paying Tubby, there's no way. I'd bet anything.

Add to which, if it was about money, Foley would blockade Kentucky with Brinks trucks if he had to do so.

UK has the much better tradition, but UF is the better job right now. Just like Marty said on GB: "Rupp may drip with history, but so too does the Parthenon – that doesn't make either building relevant right now."

And UK better make a better search/hire than Less-U did with Miles. You don't want to rush a hire this big.

[lacene]

I think this is the point where the Bama fans who were calling for Spurrier and Rodriguez should come onto this thread, and consult us on how to proceed with this whole........transition. Our roles here are getting "awkward".......

:closedeye

[EvvCat]

I don't know if Donovan's coming to UK or not, but I'll throw three things out there...

1. Pro: There's a LOT of talk tonight in Lexington that the deal has been worked out and he is, with the announcement coming right after Florida finishes the tournament. Given that we know now Tubby began talking, through an agent, to Minnesota in December, I'd be completely shocked if Mitch Barnhart hasn't been working on this for quite awhile now too. That would explain the decision not to form a search committee and make it very believable that he's done the same thing with Billy D.

2. Pro: The word that's out says it's a six-year deal for a total of $30 million. Some people who I believe to have good info are saying that, but I gotta say that $5M per year seems like a lot, even for Kentucky. That said, anyone who thinks Florida, or any other school, will match UK dollar-for-dollar in bidding for a basketball coach just doesn't know enough. There are virtually bottomless pockets in Lexington that live for horses and basketball, and they'll spend whatever it takes to win at both. Drive by Bluegrass Field at the right time and you're likely to see twin 747s from Saudi Arabia on the tarmac. I think they carry full loads in (cash) and out (horses). Heck, Joe Craft, who has his name on UK's recently-opened $30 million practice facility, might pay for Donovan himself if that's who he really wants.

3. Con: One thing Mitch Barnhart has made a strong effort to do in his tenure as AD is bring in new blood from outside the UK system when he's hired coaches. That same money referred to in item 2 built a real good-ole-boy network over the decades that sacrificed every other sport to keep basketball nationally prominent. That's also most of what's led to UK's past run-ins with the NCAA. Mitch has really tried to break that up, which has made him some enemies, but also gained him strong support among a newer generation of supporters who want the university to succeed across the board. With that, I've kind of expected this hire to be someone without previous connections to UK. Donovan was only here a short time as an assistant, and that may not make him "connected" in that sense, but I really thought we'd get someone who has no previous relationship with UK.

Of course, for basketball, given what it means to Kentucky, I think it helps to have experienced it a bit to understand it. In that regard, Billy D is perfect. I just haven't seen him as Mitch's likely choice (assuming he actually gets final say on this one).

So all in all, I'm still not sure I believe it yet, but I wouldn't bet against it now, and when I got up this morning I think I would have.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Kentucky fans on rivals seem to be very confident that they have Billy in the bag. At least he is being honest about his position and taking the smart route with his current team. Then again, he's also been successful with his team unlike coaches in similar situations recently.

[gatorunvrsty]

I don't know if Donovan's coming to UK or not, but I'll throw three things out there...

1. Pro: There's a LOT of talk tonight in Lexington that the deal has been worked out and he is, with the announcement coming right after Florida finishes the tournament. Given that we know now Tubby began talking, through an agent, to Minnesota in December, I'd be completely shocked if Mitch Barnhart hasn't been working on this for quite awhile now too. That would explain the decision not to form a search committee and make it very believable that he's done the same thing with Billy D.

2. Pro: The word that's out says it's a six-year deal for a total of $30 million. Some people who I believe to have good info are saying that, but I gotta say that $5M per year seems like a lot, even for Kentucky. That said, anyone who thinks Florida, or any other school, will match UK dollar-for-dollar in bidding for a basketball coach just doesn't know enough. There are virtually bottomless pockets in Lexington that live for horses and basketball, and they'll spend whatever it takes to win at both. Drive by Bluegrass Field at the right time and you're likely to see twin 747s from Saudi Arabia on the tarmac. I think they carry full loads in (cash) and out (horses). Heck, Joe Craft, who has his name on UK's recently-opened $30 million practice facility, might pay for Donovan himself if that's who he really wants.

3. Con: One thing Mitch Barnhart has made a strong effort to do in his tenure as AD is bring in new blood from outside the UK system when he's hired coaches. That same money referred to in item 2 built a real good-ole-boy network over the decades that sacrificed every other sport to keep basketball nationally prominent. That's also most of what's led to UK's past run-ins with the NCAA. Mitch has really tried to break that up, which has made him some enemies, but also gained him strong support among a newer generation of supporters who want the university to succeed across the board. With that, I've kind of expected this hire to be someone without previous connections to UK. Donovan was only here a short time as an assistant, and that may not make him "connected" in that sense, but I really thought we'd get someone who has no previous relationship with UK.

Of course, for basketball, given what it means to Kentucky, I think it helps to have experienced it a bit to understand it. In that regard, Billy D is perfect. I just haven't seen him as Mitch's likely choice (assuming he actually gets final say on this one).

So all in all, I'm still not sure I believe it yet, but I wouldn't bet against it now, and when I got up this morning I think I would have.

That's about the 10th different offer I've seen posted so far from "people close to the program". None of them must be very close, because all the offers are different. And, anyone who thinks UF can't match any offer from any school (especially UK) needs to take remedial math. It's common knowledge that UF's budget is one of the largest in the conference. We'll operate on a $70,000,000 operating budget next season, whereas UK will be operating on $61,000,000. UF has the eighth largest overall budget of any school in the whole country at nearly $2 billion. UF had $996 million in endowments last year. UK had $785 million, which isn't even as high as little Berea College in Kentucky. We can outbid just about anybody; but it won't even be necessary. The rumors I'm hearing are that UK fans are spreading the rumors to try and distract UF during the rest of the tourney. Pretty lame if true.

[GatorHunter]

That's about the 10th different offer I've seen posted so far from "people close to the program". None of them must be very close, because all the offers are different. And, anyone who thinks UF can't match any offer from any school (especially UK) needs to take remedial math. It's common knowledge that UF's budget is one of the largest in the conference. We'll operate on a $70,000,000 operating budget next season, whereas UK will be operating on $61,000,000. UF has the eighth largest overall budget of any school in the whole country at nearly $2 billion. UF had $996 million in endowments last year. UK had $785 million, which isn't even as high as little Berea College in Kentucky. We can outbid just about anybody; but it won't even be necessary. The rumors I'm hearing are that UK fans are spreading the rumors to try and distract UF during the rest of the tourney. Pretty lame if true.


Keep dreaming, Cats. The Gator boards have been flooded with posts similar to the one by the Cat fan above...go over to GatorCountry right now and there's no less than 20 threads started by Cat fans saying Billy is in the bag. Funny thing is...none of their information jives. Donovan ain't going anywhere. Which is exactly what Jeremy Foley said today when asked with a huge grin on his face. It's not about the money, although, after this season concludes, I look for Donovan to be the highest paid B-Ball coach out there. Billy is a family guy and his family likes Gainesville...as does he. He's recruiting great talent and this team looks to be good for the foreseeable future. Why would he want to take a step down? Which, despite a rich history, the UK job would be. The history of a program isn't nearly as important as the future...especially for a HC.

[EvvCat]

go over to GatorCountry right now and there's no less than 20 threads started by Cat fans saying Billy is in the bag.


Just for the record...

I'm not claiming anything's true, and as I said above. I don't know if I believe all the talk or not. There's nothing in my post that said I have inside info either. I'm just passing along things I'm hearing being thrown around.

In fact, what "inside" info I do have supports my No. 3 point above, but it isn't strong enough for me to claim anything as fact.

Also for the record, I'm personally not even sure Billy D would be my preference, so neither am I saying to Gator fans "ha ha, we're taking your coach."

As for UK fans spreading these rumors to hurt Florida's chances in the tourney, I don't buy that for one minute. I know more who would rather see Florida win, either simply because they're SEC or because they think winning another title would make Donovan more likely to feel he's done all he can at UF. I can't imagine the ones who aren't for Florida being organized enough to all get on the same page, let alone put together a group effort to hurt the Gators.

[JVille Gator]

Donovan isn't going to Kentucky. Aside from the fact that the Gators have been a far more successful team than UK for some time now, Donovan and wife have young children...they love Gainesville. It's a very family oriented town. They are great friends to the Meyer's. Billy and wife actually took Shelley and Urban under their wings and helped them adjust to life in Florida. He's not going anywhere. I would actually be "more" worried about Billy goin' to the NBA...and really, I'm not worried about that either.

Let's face it...UK is one of the toughest jobs in America. It's a lot like the Bama of basketball. And it's in the same current situation as Bama....storied history with a troubled present. Who would want to jump into that fire? Certainly not Billy Donovan...young husband and father.

Exactly!! Donovan isn't going anywhere. The haters can remember it, write it down, take a picture and even put my qoute in their sig if they want, it's not going to happen. Time for UK to move on to other potential candidates.

[gatorunvrsty]

Just for the record...

I'm not claiming anything's true, and as I said above. I don't know if I believe all the talk or not. There's nothing in my post that said I have inside info either. I'm just passing along things I'm hearing being thrown around.

In fact, what "inside" info I do have supports my No. 3 point above, but it isn't strong enough for me to claim anything as fact.

Also for the record, I'm personally not even sure Billy D would be my preference, so neither am I saying to Gator fans "ha ha, we're taking your coach."

As for UK fans spreading these rumors to hurt Florida's chances in the tourney, I don't buy that for one minute. I know more who would rather see Florida win, either simply because they're SEC or because they think winning another title would make Donovan more likely to feel he's done all he can at UF. I can't imagine the ones who aren't for Florida being organized enough to all get on the same page, let alone put together a group effort to hurt the Gators.

In the posts I've read in some of the UK forums, they're doing just that. Now, they're probably the minority; but, you can't deny that some fans' resentments over the losses to UF have gotten the best of them. And, after Mrs. Patterson's negative reaction to the Tubby affair, they are holding out hope that anything negative about UF (losing in the tourney or Donovan leaving) will persuade Patrick to go to UK. I read one thread where a poster said he'd been talking to Jody Meeks all night on his facebook page. He said Meeks told him that Barnhart had already met with the team to announce to them that Donovan would be their new HC. Now, that's stupid, of course; and many of the intelligent members really gave him a hard time. But, there were others who believed it, and were starting to plan celebration parties. Again, that's stupid, because Donovan's been wrapped up with the SEC tourney and the NCAA tourney, and has had zero time to meet with anybody for anything outside his team. Additionally, Foley, our AD, has already presented Donovan with a new contract and raise. When asked if he expects Billy D. to sign it, he said, "of course". Other posts have Donovan in Lexington this week buying his house.:wacko: Right in the middle of leading his team to a possible NC repeat. Please. I guess I thought the only explanation had to be that it was a concerted effort to disrupt UF's run. I didn't think anyone was that stupid. I figured it had to be intentional.

[EvvCat]

I'd say you have a combination of people who want to sound like they know something for the prestige they think that brings, and people who want something so bad they think (consciously or otherwise) that if they say it enough it will become true, whether it's getting Billy D or turning Patterson against UF. (Those are the ones who piss me off. They don't understand how bad that might make UK look to a recruit.)

Then you have some leftovers from that GOB network I mentioned. There's several of them at the Rivals site and they've had a hard time accepting they aren't still on the inside. When you read a post over there from someone who sounds intelligent enough to possibly believe, but see them bashing Mitch Barnhart, you've probably spotted one of them. They like to look important to the board, but they've really lost their connections, and they usually post what's already known, or what they think is most likely, and then come back later and say "See? I knew." They're like bad psychics who point to one prediction that's kind of right and hope you ignore the 99 they totally missed.

They're most of why I don't bother posting on that site. You'll see my screen name on the "who's online" list there, but I've never even bothered to get the OK to post. It ain't worth it.

But they do make for some entertaining reads at times.

[gatorunvrsty]

I'd say you have a combination of people who want to sound like they know something for the prestige they think that brings, and people who want something so bad they think (consciously or otherwise) that if they say it enough it will become true, whether it's getting Billy D or turning Patterson against UF. (Those are the ones who piss me off. They don't understand how bad that might make UK look to a recruit.)

Then you have some leftovers from that GOB network I mentioned. There's several of them at the Rivals site and they've had a hard time accepting they aren't still on the inside. When you read a post over there from someone who sounds intelligent enough to possibly believe, but see them bashing Mitch Barnhart, you've probably spotted one of them. They like to look important to the board, but they've really lost their connections, and they usually post what's already known, or what they think is most likely, and then come back later and say "See? I knew." They're like bad psychics who point to one prediction that's kind of right and hope you ignore the 99 they totally missed.

They're most of why I don't bother posting on that site. You'll see my screen name on the "who's online" list there, but I've never even bothered to get the OK to post. It ain't worth it.

But they do make for some entertaining reads at times.

I'd have to agree with that. Like I said, some of the more reasonable posters really bashed that one guy; and even asked for the mods to ban him. Like you said, he was posting stuff that was supposedly hush-hush from current players; and they were worried that the people who do matter would see that crap, and that it would do far more harm than good. You really have to hope potential prospects don't see that stuff, because they're all over the recruiting boards, too; seeing what people have to say about them. I'm sure it happens to a far lesser extent where coaches are concerned; but, you'd think people would consider the possibility of a candidate seeing it, before they posted.:brick: Talk about Barney Fife.:laugh:

[Gator2753]

Does UK want to put themselves in a situation like Alabama football?
Yes UK is a storied program, one of which only Duke, UNC etc. can even attempt to compete with.
But there is a huge recipe for failure at UK. Failure by college basketball standards? No. He** no. Who ever coaches at UK will win 20 games a year and go to the NCAAT.
Failure by UK standards? Yes of course. Unless of course you coach there 10 years and bring home 10 national championships.
For a coach like Donovan to go to UK would be like committing career suicide. They would run him out of Lexington after 3 years and no NC.

Does UK really want to go after all these high profile coaches only to get a nationally televised "NO"? To me that looks bad for the program.

[BamaFanNKy]

The fact nothing has happened yet should let you know they are waiting Billy out. I think it's a bad move with Calipari there waiting.

[lacene]

The fact nothing has happened yet should let you know they are waiting Billy out. I think it's a bad move with Calipari there waiting.

It's only one more week...I'm sure Barnhart fed Calipari a line like, "you're my man, but I got to get the Presidents', the Trustees', or Rich Brooks' sign-off first, and they're out of the country", or something like that. Just to string him along for the odd chance that Donovan will say no.....

[GatorNation]

Does UK want to put themselves in a situation like Alabama football?
Yes UK is a storied program, one of which only Duke, UNC etc. can even attempt to compete with.
But there is a huge recipe for failure at UK. Failure by college basketball standards? No. He** no. Who ever coaches at UK will win 20 games a year and go to the NCAAT.
Failure by UK standards? Yes of course. Unless of course you coach there 10 years and bring home 10 national championships.
For a coach like Donovan to go to UK would be like committing career suicide. They would run him out of Lexington after 3 years and no NC.

Does UK really want to go after all these high profile coaches only to get a nationally televised "NO"? To me that looks bad for the program.


It's like big-time football programs. Who wants to take over a big-time program with the super-high expectations every year? Nobody. You're not going to steal a top-flight coach who is having (the ultimate) success in the sport because you're basically making a lateral move. How much better can you do at UK than win national titles? Billy is already doing that.

What seems to be the case, these days at least, is that top-notch programs now need to be creative: they need to hire up-and-coming, young, talented coaches still trying to make a name for themselves, where not only will UK's tradition be an upgrade but also the pay scale and the opportunity to play on a truly national stage, for the biggest prize, are unreachable opportunities at their current position.

Foley took a chance on Billy a decade ago; now we're reaping the rewards. That's how you get coaches to stay; that's how you create loyalty and the whole program-as-family thing. These were the reasons Urban took the Florida job; he said as much. It's the same reason Rodriguez turned down the Bama job: he realized he can win it all at WVU. Urban couldn't have done it at Utah or Bowling Green. Same thing with Spurrier in 1990, right? I mean, we could have gone after Osborne, Switzer, any huge name at the time. We went with the Duke-coach alum.

And when it works, there's nothing better. UK shouldn't be thinking "plug-and-chug" but, rather, the next great era of UK basketball.

[gatorunvrsty]

It's like big-time football programs. Who wants to take over a big-time program with the super-high expectations every year? Nobody. You're not going to steal a top-flight coach who is having (the ultimate) success in the sport because you're basically making a lateral move. How much better can you do at UK than win national titles? Billy is already doing that.

What seems to be the case, these days at least, is that top-notch programs now need to be creative: they need to hire up-and-coming, young, talented coaches still trying to make a name for themselves, where not only will UK's tradition be an upgrade but also the pay scale and the opportunity to play on a truly national stage, for the biggest prize, are unreachable opportunities at their current position. Foley took a chance on Billy a decade ago; now we're reaping the rewards. These were the reasons Urban took the Florida job; he said as much. Same reason Rodriguez turned down the Bama job; he realized he can win it all at WVU. Urban couldn't have done it at Utah or Bowling Green.

Yep. Gainesville is a DESTINATION... not a rest stop.:thumpsup:

[lacene]

It's like big-time football programs. Who wants to take over a big-time program with the super-high expectations every year? Nobody. You're not going to steal a top-flight coach who is having (the ultimate) success in the sport because you're basically making a lateral move. How much better can you do at UK than win national titles? Billy is already doing that.

What seems to be the case, these days at least, is that top-notch programs now need to be creative: they need to hire up-and-coming, young, talented coaches still trying to make a name for themselves, where not only will UK's tradition be an upgrade but also the pay scale and the opportunity to play on a truly national stage, for the biggest prize, are unreachable opportunities at their current position. Foley took a chance on Billy a decade ago; now we're reaping the rewards. These were the reasons Urban took the Florida job; he said as much. Same reason Rodriguez turned down the Bama job; he realized he can win it all at WVU. Urban couldn't have done it at Utah or Bowling Green.

But it still depends on what's inside a coach's head, and what he considers to be THE stepping stone to legendary status. Kentucky is an all-time great, one of the very few programs you mention that are the all-time elite of the elite, such as UCLA, Kansas, North Carolina, Indiana and Duke. Florida right now is an elite basketball program, because they are the defending champions.

But when it comes to looking those other programs in the eye, Florida falls short, just like Syracuse, Maryland, Conneticut, and other recent champion teams do. Now, if Donovan goes on to win the NC this year, and maybe a 3rd down the road, he may be referred to in the same breath as a Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight, etc. And Florida might make it into that "elite of the elite" status. But winning a NC at a "EOTE" program is like winning 2 at other programs, maybe more. And just like Pitino leading KY out of probation and winning the NC (and becoming a demi-GOD - he did win only 1 title, didn't he?), if Donovan can lead KY out of their doldrums to a NC, he will be regarded in a higher light than he's regarded right now with Florida.

But it all depends on his mind frame. Spurrier could've elevated himself to Bear-status by leading the Crimson Tide back to the promised land, but he has a particularly arrogant nature that chafes at the notion of becoming the "next" anything, no matter how revered. Does Donovan also have this nature? Not too many coaches seeking the golden ring do........

[lacene]

Yep. Gainesville is a DESTINATION... not a rest stop.:thumpsup:

I'm sorry, but in my opinion, Florida will always be considered a football school over a basketball shool, which therefore will leave it - in regards to basketball - on a lower notch. Donovan will always be required to defer to Meyer, or any head coach to the football program, as long as that head coach keeps his team contending for SEC titles. Read that carefully: as long as the football HC keeps the Gators contending for the SEC title, the basketball HC will be 2nd tier, regardless if he wins NCAA titles. Is Donovan's mind-set going to be able to handle this? I believe this past season is the first football season that the lizards won a title of consequence while Donovan was the BB HC...am I right? How will these egos play out??

Edit: Donovan was hired March 27, 1996, just after the Gators won the NC. They have also won at least 2 SEC titles since then (not including last season)....

[GatorNation]

But it still depends on what's inside a coach's head, and what he considers to be THE stepping stone to legendary status. Kentucky is an all-time great, one of the very few programs you mention that are the all-time elite of the elite, such as UCLA, Kansas, North Carolina, Indiana and Duke. Florida right now is an elite basketball program, because they are the defending champions.


You forget, though, that Duke was the upstart program when they beat Tarkasian and UNLV in the 90s. According to your logic, then, Mike K. should've left for greener pastures back then rather than build his own legacy.

Look at him now. You think he'd leave Duke for UK? No, because he built Duke up to "UK status." Billy D is doing the same thing at Florida.

As far as football vs. basketball identity, sure football will probably always be #1 at Florida, as it usually is the case in the south, although one can make the argument that if a school can be both (and why not?), Florida is as close as any program will ever get. Let's look at UK. It may very well be the case that UK (and Duke and North Carolina, etc.) are "basketball schools" because they aren't very good at football. That's a totally legitimate argument. When Carmelo Anthony won the nc, was Syracuse a football school (McNabb) or a b-ball school? Depends on when you do the interviews. What would happen if UK football started winning SEC titles and national titles while Tubby was getting bounced in the first round of the tourney? Extend that scenario over a 10-year period, and you would be describing Florida's situation to a large degree.

Also, if Billy had a problem working with the football coach, I don't think he would have taken the job in the first place. SOS basically just won the national title, and UF football was clearly #1 through 2000, the same year Billy went to the big one in b-ball (losing to MSU). So, I don't think there will be a problem with Meyer. They're already best of friends (as are their wives).

[lacene]

You forget, though, that Duke was the upstart program when they beat Tarkasian and UNLV in the 90s. According to your logic, then, Mike K. should've left for greener pastures back then rather than build his own legacy.

Look at him now. You think he'd leave Duke for UK? No, because he built Duke up to "UK status." Billy D is doing the same thing at Florida.

As far as football vs. basketball identity, sure football will probably always be #1 at Florida, as it usually is the case in the south, although one can make the argument that if a school can be both (and why not?), Florida is as close as any program will ever get. Let's look at UK. It may very well be the case that UK (and Duke and North Carolina, etc.) are "basketball schools" because they aren't very good at football. That's a totally legitimate argument. When Carmelo Anthony won the nc, was Syracuse a football school (McNabb) or a b-ball school? Depends on when you do the interviews. What would happen if UK football started winning SEC titles and national titles while Tubby was getting bounced in the first round of the tourney?

Also, if Billy had a problem working with the football coach, I don't think he would have taken the job in the first place. SOS basically just won the national title, and UF football was clearly #1 through 2000, the same year Billy went to the big one in b-ball (losing to MSU). So, I don't think there will be a problem with Meyer. They're already best of friends (as are their wives).

In regards to Coach K and KY, first off, Duke is the 4th all-time winningest program in NCAA history. While they did not have a history steeped in titles, they were runner-ups 2 or 3 times and reached the final four many seasons. Bill Foster, who immediately preceded Coach K and coached Duke for 6 years, took Duke to the championship game 3 seasons before Coach K became HC, and his teams averaged 24 wins a season in the last 3 seasons prior to Coach K.

But once again we're talking about mind-sets here. Coach K coached mighty West Point before taking over Duke, and before that he was an assistant to Knight at Indiana. Had Knight retired or moved on, would Coach K left Duke to take over as HC at Indiana? Who knows. Look at his situation at Duke: a premier university where basketball is held light years above all other athletic programs there, in a conference steeped in collegiate basketball success. The ACC is still a basketball conference in most minds, despite several ACC football teams winning NC's. Coach K doesn't have to bow to any football coach....Spurrier probably had to defer to Coach K during his time there, no doubt.

Perhaps Coach K is fine with Duke, because to him he's found the golden ring. The question is, has Donovan found his at Florida? I personally will be highly surprised if Donovan goes to Kentucky, but stranger things have certainly happened......



here's an example: Roy Williams. Played and coached (as an assistant) at UNC. Went on to become one of the elite HC's in the game while at Kansas, one of the EOTE programs. Could not win the NC for Kansas, but consistently had them in the top 10, and a top contender, and therefore was loved by the Jayhawk fans. But he left Kansas - a basketball program more highly thought of than Florida's, and became HC of UNC. He's led the Tarheels to the NC, and although he will never replace Smith in UNC fans' hearts, his stature as a coach has certainly risen because of his success at UNC. UNC was the "Golden Ring" for Williams, and not Kansas. What about Donovan??

[Gator2753]

I'm sorry, but in my opinion, Florida will always be considered a football school over a basketball shool, which therefore will leave it - in regards to basketball - on a lower notch. Donovan will always be required to defer to Meyer, or any head coach to the football program, as long as that head coach keeps his team contending for SEC titles. Read that carefully: as long as the football HC keeps the Gators contending for the SEC title, the basketball HC will be 2nd tier, regardless if he wins NCAA titles. Is Donovan's mind-set going to be able to handle this? I believe this past season is the first football season that the lizards won a title of consequence while Donovan was the BB HC...am I right? How will these egos play out??

Edit: Donovan was hired March 27, 1996, just after the Gators won the NC. They have also won at least 2 SEC titles since then (not including last season)....

That would be fine by me. That would mean that our football NC's would have to outnumber our basketball NC's. So if we winn the NCAAT this year then we would need to win the BCS again next year to stay one up on the b-ball program...:laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

You forget, though, that Duke was the upstart program when they beat Tarkasian and UNLV in the 90s. According to your logic, then, Mike K. should've left for greener pastures back then rather than build his own legacy.

Look at him now. You think he'd leave Duke for UK? No, because he built Duke up to "UK status." Billy D is doing the same thing at Florida.

As far as football vs. basketball identity, sure football will probably always be #1 at Florida, as it usually is the case in the south, although one can make the argument that if a school can be both (and why not?), Florida is as close as any program will ever get. Let's look at UK. It may very well be the case that UK (and Duke and North Carolina, etc.) are "basketball schools" because they aren't very good at football. That's a totally legitimate argument. When Carmelo Anthony won the nc, was Syracuse a football school (McNabb) or a b-ball school? Depends on when you do the interviews. What would happen if UK football started winning SEC titles and national titles while Tubby was getting bounced in the first round of the tourney?

Also, if Billy had a problem working with the football coach, I don't think he would have taken the job in the first place. SOS basically just won the national title, and UF football was clearly #1 through 2000, the same year Billy went to the big one in b-ball (losing to MSU). So, I don't think there will be a problem with Meyer. They're already best of friends (as are their wives).

In my opinion, the only way Donovan keeps the legend status is by staying at UF. At UK, he'd only be compared to the legend they already have (Rupp); and, if history is any indicator, not favorably. One attains legend status by building a program, not by taking one over. Wooden, Coach K, and Knight built their own programs...dynasties. The only reason any of the elite programs are considered legendary is because one man made them that way. They succeed today for that reason. UF is Billy D.'s program, and his claim to immortality in college basketball. He's taken a "football school", and made it a basketball power, too. UF doesn't have to be one or the other. Our era is just more recent than that of the other programs. It's the same with the football program. We haven't always been the program. It started in 1990. Basketball started in 1996. And, this isn't just recent success. We've made the Final Four, 4 times in the last 11 years, and the tourney the last 8-9 years in a row.

And, the only reason the other basketball elite have such a strong following is because their basketball programs have always been more successful than their football programs. Their fans are BB fans out of necessity. Otherwise, they'd have nothing to cheer about; and no claim to fame. They've given up on FB, for the most part. UF is in a unique situation. We have the ability to be a powerhouse in both; and with over 50,000 students, the fan base to support both programs.

There is no coaching rivalry with Meyer and Donovan. They're neighbors and best of friends. In fact, they attend each others games, encourage their players to attend the other team's games, and frequently share theories about what motivates athletes and how to handle being contenders. Before the BCS game, Meyer went to Donovan, and asked him how he handled being in the NC, and how he prepared his players for the big stage. These guys are in each other's locker rooms for games. They're all about making UF the best, not personal glory. They know that will come naturally, if they help one another make UF athletics the best. How do they know that? Because they are the best, they are National Champions, and they are revered (and envied) by their peers and the athletic community at large.

[lacene]

That would be fine by me. That would mean that our football NC's would have to outnumber our basketball NC's. So if we winn the NCAAT this year then we would need to win the BCS again next year to stay one up on the b-ball program...:laugh:

I have no problem with Florida being a football school, as opposed to a basketball school, either. The question is, will Donovan have a problem?

And as I pointed out, Meyer leading his program to SEC East or SECC titles will be equal to Donovan leading his program to NC games, to most. Can Donovan be at peace with this? What about those seasons between great recruiting classes, when Florida slides a bit, and Donovan perceives the mounting pressures on him to be greater than they are on Meyer when his program slides?

Hey, I have no dog in this fight.....just throwing it out there to see what sticks to the wall.......:ph34r:

[Gator2753]

I have no problem with Florida being a football school, as opposed to a basketball school, either. The question is, will Donovan have a problem?

And as I pointed out, Meyer leading his program to SEC East or SECC titles will be equal to Donovan leading his program to NC games, to most. Can Donovan be at peace with this? What about those seasons between great recruiting classes, when Florida slides a bit, and Donovan perceives the mounting pressures on him to be greater than they are on Meyer when his program slides?

Hey, I have no dog in this fight.....just throwing it out there to see what sticks to the wall.......:ph34r:

First of all congrats on reaching Legend status here at SECtalk. You are now among greatness.:happy:

Yes Florida established itself as a "football" school long before we established ourselves as a "basketball" school so football will always be #1.
Your suggestion does have life in it. Pressure could mount in the basketball dept esp if we repeat.
Heres the way I look at it. Yes the gators just won the SEC and BCS but... this is the SEC (in football.) It is much tougher to win the sec in football than in basketball. Esp if Donovan stays at UF and UK has 1 or 2 more down years. It will be a little easier for Donovan to win the SEC in basketball with UF that it would be for Meyer to win the SEC in football.
Basically the SEC is much more competitive in football than basketball & I dont see that ever changing.
Not to mention there are multiple ways for UF basketball to get into the tourney than there are for UF football to compete for the BCS NCG. Donovan could win 20+ and the SEC outright or he could win the SEC tournament.

[gatorunvrsty]

I have no problem with Florida being a football school, as opposed to a basketball school, either. The question is, will Donovan have a problem?

And as I pointed out, Meyer leading his program to SEC East or SECC titles will be equal to Donovan leading his program to NC games, to most. Can Donovan be at peace with this? What about those seasons between great recruiting classes, when Florida slides a bit, and Donovan perceives the mounting pressures on him to be greater than they are on Meyer when his program slides?
Hey, I have no dog in this fight.....just throwing it out there to see what sticks to the wall.......:ph34r:

You mean the kind of seasons Tubby got run out of Kentucky for?:laugh: We all know who would put more pressure on Donovan for NC's. If anything, Meyer's success takes some of the pressure off Donovan. Since UK doesn't have any FB success, the fans, alumni, and boosters put enormous pressure on the UK BB coach to be the top program in the SEC and nation. That's all they have. UF just won a NC in FB. If Donovan didn't repeat, UF fans wouldn't worry about it too much. We'd be disappointed; but we'd still have our FB NC, and a great BB season to be proud of. At UK you live or die by BB results. Not so at UF.

[lacene]

You mean the kind of seasons Tubby got run out of Kentucky for?:laugh: We all know who would put more pressure on Donovan for NC's. If anything, Meyer's success takes some of the pressure off Donovan. Since UK doesn't have any FB success, the fans, alumni, and boosters put enormous pressure on the UK BB coach to be the top program in the SEC and nation. That's all they have. UF just won a NC in FB. If Donovan didn't repeat, UF fans wouldn't worry about it too much. We'd be disappointed; but we'd still have our FB NC, and a great BB season to be proud of. At UK you live or die by BB results. Not so at UF.

exactly to my point: after Florida's BB season is over, one way or another, we'll find out about Donovan's mind set regarding Kentucky. Is his ego the type that will allow him to use a football program as a security blanket, if you will, or as a shield against rabid expectations and pressures? Or is his ego the such that he will chafe - now that he's reached the top of his profession - under the reality that he will forever be second banana to a football coach?

Will he reveal his dream to follow in his mentor's footsteps and lead storied Kentucky back to it's position as the top basketball program in the nation, and cement his place in the upper echelon of college coaches? Will his ego be such that he embraces the pressures and expectations, as most successful head coaches of premier programs usually believe with fervent faith that they can lead ANY program to success?

Or will he simply believe, like Krzyzewski, that he has everything he needs at Florida to stake his claim.....and, like Spurrier, he feels the best way to author his legacy is to blaze the trail himself, instead of following down the beaten path?

We shall see, in about a week. If not sooner.....:ph34r:

[GatorNation]

I have no problem with Florida being a football school, as opposed to a basketball school, either. The question is, will Donovan have a problem?

And as I pointed out, Meyer leading his program to SEC East or SECC titles will be equal to Donovan leading his program to NC games, to most. Can Donovan be at peace with this?


Again, I bring up the Donovan/Spurrier issue. Why wasn't it a problem in '97, '98, '99, #3 ranking in 2000? In fact, why would he have taken the job at Florida in the first place?

Surely BD knew about Spurrier and the football program in 1997.

[lacene]

Again, I bring up the Donovan/Spurrier issue. Why wasn't it a problem in '97, '98, '99, #3 ranking in 2000? In fact, why would he have taken the job at Florida in the first place?

Surely BD knew about Spurrier and the football program in 1997.

Again, why did Spurrier take the HC job at Duke, with Coach K was already there, and already coached Duke to the championship game (losing to Louisville), and to several Final Fours, and won several COY awards. Duke was without question a basketball school, in a basketball conference, and the Duke football program - in terms of success - wasn't even on the map. But Coach Spurrier led the Blue Devils to the ACC championship. Why didn't he stay at Duke, and do what he loves the most: set the precedent by turning the Blue Devils into a football powerhouse. Why did he leave Duke and take the job at Florida??

See any paralells??

I'm just sayin'.....:ph34r:

[GeauxTo]

I think LACENE is making a good point. Donovan will always be second-tier to Meyer (or whoever the football coach may be) at Florida, but at Kentucky, he would not be second-tier to the football coach. That may sway Donovan to leave gatorland.

[lacene]

I think LACENE is making a good point.

thank you, GEAUXTO! :closedeye

[GatorNation]

Again, why did Spurrier take the HC job at Duke, with Coach K was already there, and already coached Duke to the championship game (losing to Louisville), and to several Final Fours, and won several COY awards. Duke was without question a basketball school, in a basketball conference, and the Duke football program - in terms of success - wasn't even on the map. But Coach Spurrier led the Blue Devils to the ACC championship. Why didn't he stay at Duke, and do what he loves the most: set the precedent by turning the Blue Devils into a football powerhouse. Why did he leave Duke and take the job at Florida??

See any paralells??

I'm just sayin'.....:ph34r:


I see your point. But I'd also have to say that Duke football is more than a tiny bit less sexy than Florida basketball....in terms of job opportunities, lol.

:D

Anyway, it's not the UK tradition/"basketball" school thing that Donovan wants. He's said many times that he'd eventually like to do b-ball 24/7, all the time...no student-athlete issues about which to worry. Eventually, he'll be moving up to the next level. And with (maybe) back-to-back titles in hand, that move may come sooner rather than later. You have to wonder when BD will feel like he's done all he can do at the college level.

[GeauxTo]

Anyway, it's not the UK tradition/"basketball" school thing that Donovan wants. He's said many times that he'd eventually like to do b-ball 24/7, all the time...no student-athlete issues about which to worry. Eventually, he'll be moving up to the next level.

Going up to the next level from a championship Kentucky program may be more satisfying and prestigious than going up to the next level from a championship Florida basketball program.

[GatorNation]

Going up to the next level from a championship Kentucky program may be more satisfying and prestigious than going up to the next level from a championship Florida basketball program.

<<<sigh>>>

And here I thought we were making progress on this topic.

Dadgum cajuns, lol.

:D

[gatorunvrsty]

Again, why did Spurrier take the HC job at Duke, with Coach K was already there, and already coached Duke to the championship game (losing to Louisville), and to several Final Fours, and won several COY awards. Duke was without question a basketball school, in a basketball conference, and the Duke football program - in terms of success - wasn't even on the map. But Coach Spurrier led the Blue Devils to the ACC championship. Why didn't he stay at Duke, and do what he loves the most: set the precedent by turning the Blue Devils into a football powerhouse. Why did he leave Duke and take the job at Florida??
See any paralells??

I'm just sayin'.....:ph34r:

Are you kidding? I'm sure part of it was that he felt he'd accomplished as much as he could at Duke; but the bigger reason was an opportunity to coach at his alma mater, where he won the Heisman. Who knows? He might not have left Duke without the UF option. All coaches get their feet wet at less prestigious schools in the beginning. Spurrier did it. Meyer did it. And Donovan did it before arriving at UF. He's at a premier program that he built with his own 2 hands. He's responsible for making UF a better BB program than UK (this is not debatable); and it'll stay that way as long as he's there. That's what really scares UK fans. Donovan has been winning the games, and the recruiting wars for years; and they think the only way they'll stop that trend is to lure Donovan away. UF is part of a new era in SEC basketball. I think he loves being responsible for it. There's nothing at UK to lure him away. Even another high profile UK coach won't win all the great prospect battles with Billy D. UF is just starting it's reign at the top later than the other big programs. And Donovan knows it's all his. I'm sure he's aware that a few more great seasons will have Florida mentioned in the same breath as Duke, Kansas, and the like. He's gone out and gotten the players to keep his team at the top for many more years to come.

[lacene]

Are you kidding? I'm sure part of it was that he felt he'd accomplished as much as he could at Duke; but the bigger reason was an opportunity to coach at his alma mater, where he won the Heisman. Who knows? He might not have left Duke without the UF option. All coaches get their feet wet at less prestigious schools in the beginning. Spurrier did it. Meyer did it. And Donovan did it before arriving at UF. He's at a premier program that he built with his own 2 hands. He's responsible for making UF a better BB program than UK (this is not debatable); and it'll stay that way as long as he's there. That's what really scares UK fans. Donovan has been winning the games, and the recruiting wars for years; and they think the only way they'll stop that trend is to lure Donovan away. UF is part of a new era in SEC basketball. I think he loves being responsible for it. There's nothing at UK to lure him away. Even another high profile UK coach won't win all the great prospect battles with Billy D. UF is just starting it's reign at the top later than the other big programs. And Donovan knows it's all his. I'm sure he's aware that a few more great seasons will have Florida mentioned in the same breath as Duke, Kansas, and the like. He's gone out and gotten the players to keep his team at the top for many more years to come.

come on now, gator-u...you're the one that's kidding, now. You can just as easily fill in some florida & Donovan data, and you get to my argument: maybe Donovan feels that he's accomplished as much as he can at Florida (after this class), or maybe he feels he can accomplish more for him and his legacy at UK. A lot of coaches feel that way, you know, about prestigious programs that are among the nations best. Just because someone else (P. Bryant, S. Spurrier, D. Smith, A. Rupp, etc.) already built the tradition doesn't scare the top coaches away. By judging how all the top programs are always the prime spots whenever openings appear - and not just for young, unproven coaches, but the best in the business - the idea that a proven coach such as Donovan going from Florida to UK is not that much of a stretch. Sure, it's highly doubtful (esp. by me), but not as outragious as you make it out to be.....

And yes, UF is a better BB program than UK....right now. And yes, Donovan has been winning the recruiting wars for years, over Tubby. Tubby is a poor recruiter......it's one of the - if not THE - reason why he's Minnesota's HC now.

But UK is still UK, just like Alabama is still Alabama, and UK's historic tradition is still there, and still talked up about by TV game announcers just like the traditions of Kansas, UCLA, UNC and Duke's is. Once Kentucky gets a vibrant, exciting HC, who has a desire to recruit, and surround himself with quality assist. coaches who also want to recruit, and UK will become a force again. Only thing, that great tradition and storied history will make that HC - whoever he is when the success happens - one of the all-time greats. Is Donovan thinking about that??

just puttin' it on the table.......:ph34r:

[Stan Heath]

Just wanted to say that I'm an idiot...in case y'all didn't know...

[lacene]

He will fit in nicely there, he is white

why, hello, RichBrooks, you troll......still having your usual issues with determining the definition of maturity, I see.......:dry:

[Stan Heath]

why, hello, RichBrooks, you troll......still having your usual issues with determining the definition of maturity, I see.......:dry:

It's me again...I'm still an idiot...

[lacene]

You make me sick you Cockbeater


no. I'm quite sure you were just born that way........

[Stan Heath]

no. I'm quite sure you were just born that way........

Hey! I'm an idiot!

[SeanVol]

Hey! I'm an idiot!

Has this guy got nothing better to do?!?!?!?

[shanksta13]

Has this guy got nothing better to do?!?!?!?

That's the million dollar question, my friend. I've been asking myself that alot lately...

[gatorunvrsty]

come on now, gator-u...you're the one that's kidding, now. You can just as easily fill in some florida & Donovan data, and you get to my argument: maybe Donovan feels that he's accomplished as much as he can at Florida (after this class), or maybe he feels he can accomplish more for him and his legacy at UK. A lot of coaches feel that way, you know, about prestigious programs that are among the nations best. Just because someone else (P. Bryant, S. Spurrier, D. Smith, A. Rupp, etc.) already built the tradition doesn't scare the top coaches away. By judging how all the top programs are always the prime spots whenever openings appear - and not just for young, unproven coaches, but the best in the business - the idea that a proven coach such as Donovan going from Florida to UK is not that much of a stretch. Sure, it's highly doubtful (esp. by me), but not as outragious as you make it out to be.....

And yes, UF is a better BB program than UK....right now. And yes, Donovan has been winning the recruiting wars for years, over Tubby. Tubby is a poor recruiter......it's one of the - if not THE - reason why he's Minnesota's HC now.

But UK is still UK, just like Alabama is still Alabama, and UK's historic tradition is still there, and still talked up about by TV game announcers just like the traditions of Kansas, UCLA, UNC and Duke's is. Once Kentucky gets a vibrant, exciting HC, who has a desire to recruit, and surround himself with quality assist. coaches who also want to recruit, and UK will become a force again. Only thing, that great tradition and storied history will make that HC - whoever he is when the success happens - one of the all-time greats. Is Donovan thinking about that??

just puttin' it on the table.......:ph34r:

Anything is possible, of course. But, hypothetically: Since you use Alabama as a reference. Do you think for one minute Meyer would take the Bama job if it had come open right after he'd won the NC? Of course not. Not if they offered him twice what UF's paying him. He's got a NC team. He's at the very top of the CFB mountain. Bama's football tradition is every bit as, if not more than, prestigious as UK's basketball tradition. But, Meyer doesn't need Bama; just like Donovan doesn't need UK. He's on top of the CBB mountain with the program he's at now. And, he's just signed the class to keep him there. If he gets Patrick Patterson over UK (as is already rumored), he may end up with the top class. Certainly Top 3. That's my point. Who in their right mind would walk away from their spot at the top; especially when all indications are that it'll continue. If UF had a losing season or two, and Billy couldn't persuade kids to play at UF, I'd consider it. But, that's not the case. Kids want to come play for the Gators. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that while we all know all about UK's dominance, kids in high school today are used to seeing UF be successful. The Gators have been for the last 10 years, which would mean 18 year olds who've been following basketball since they were 8, have seen UF go to the tourney every year, and the Final Four 4 times. Now, they'll have heard about all of the other teams history; but for a kid with visions of an NBA future, UF looks plenty good for that. We have no shortage of players in the league, including 2 starters on the Champion Heat. Billy won't ever have trouble attracting the top players whether he's at UF or UK. But, he's already where he wants to be... in a commanding position. The cons for UK far outweigh the pros. UK can't make him any more successful than he already is. On the flip side; if he didn't succeed at UK the way they expect him to, he'd lose that job and would have thrown away everything he had at UF. I don't know anyone that stupid. Donovan doesn't strike me as a high-stakes gambler who's willing to throw away everything he's worked so hard for, and accomplished. He's got a bona-fide dynasty brewing.