Does this end the Donovan speculation...

[GatorHunter]

You be the judge...personally, I think he makes the announcement this weekend at the National Championship Celebration!!!

Donovan addresses UK speculation | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, Fla. (http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070403/SUNFRONT/70403018)

[GeauxTo]

It sounded exactly the same way in Miami just days before Nick departed. He will come down off of the National Championship cloud-9 and realize that he may have a chance to coach at the Camelot of College Basketball, and that will be very enticing to him.

[gatorunvrsty]

I'll tell you what's enticing. A chance at another NC. He has that chance at UF. Our backups all got playing time this season, and our incoming class is loaded and ranks in the Top 10. With our last signee, we should land a Top 3 class. Chances of winning a NC at UK: ZERO. Their one decent player is already playing for the Knicks as part of a rule that allows players who were drafted, but never played pro ball, to immediately be signed by a team, and begin playing. Normally ranked at the top with other "basketball schools" in the yearly recruiting rankings, UK is conspicuously absent from the Top 25 again this year. Sorry Geaux, but no coach gets tired of winning NC's, regardless of which program he's at. And, every major sports news service has had a story in the last few days saying the college athletics picture has changed forever. There are no more "basketball" or "football" schools. There are either major programs, or "also rans". And the resounding sentiment is that UF is currently a program with no peers. The majority of schools with a team in the late rounds of the tourney were programs with huge athletic departments and many successful sports. The reason this is the case is because football generates significantly more revenue than basketball. Even at UK, 70,000 fans in the stands makes much more money than 23,000 in the seats. And really big football programs, like UF and tOSU for instance, make the kind of money necessary to continue to build better facilities and attract the best players. FYI: UK's new $30 million facility was patterned after UF's, after UK officials were allowed to tour it. It was state of the art, and they copied it. When has UK ever wanted to emulate UF in anything regarding basketball? Foley was a visionary, of sorts. He saw that the programs who were successful across the board were going to inherit the kingdom. *See tOSU, UM, UCLA, USC, Texas, etc. If you want to get a good idea of who is going to be successful for the next decade in FB or BB, look at the Director's Cup standings. In the SEC? Take a look at who wins the SEC All Sports Trophy. It's not a foolproof indicator; but, you'll be able to see whose programs are striving for overall greatness, and thus the best teams. UF won it 14 years in a row, and every single year, but one. UGA won it once. Coincidentally (or not), that also is about how long our AD, Jeremy Foley, has been working on this project. He is widely regarded as the best AD in the nation. Show me a reason to disagree.

[crawfish]

Yea, I don't think he's going any where. He's set for years at UF. It's going to be fun to watch and see if Gators can do for a third time. I doubt it, but it's going to make an interesting season next year. I'd like to see the SEC dominant all three major sports (men and women) for the next several years.

[AUChamps]

I'll tell you what's enticing. A chance at another NC. He has that chance at UF. Our backups all got playing time this season, and our incoming class is loaded and ranks in the Top 10. With our last signee, we should land a Top 3 class. Chances of winning a NC at UK: ZERO. Their one decent player is already playing for the Knicks as part of a rule that allows players who were drafted, but never played pro ball, to immediately be signed by a team, and begin playing. Normally ranked at the top with other "basketball schools" in the yearly recruiting rankings, UK is conspicuously absent from the Top 25 again this year. Sorry Geaux, but no coach gets tired of winning NC's, regardless of which program he's at. And, every major sports news service has had a story in the last few days saying the college athletics picture has changed forever. There are no more "basketball" or "football" schools. There are either major programs, or "also rans". And the resounding sentiment is that UF is currently a program with no peers. The majority of schools with a team in the late rounds of the tourney were programs with huge athletic departments and many successful sports. The reason this is the case is because football generates significantly more revenue than basketball. Even at UK, 70,000 fans in the stands makes much more money than 23,000 in the seats. And really big football programs, like UF and tOSU for instance, make the kind of money necessary to continue to build better facilities and attract the best players. FYI: UK's new $30 million facility was patterned after UF's, after UK officials were allowed to tour it. It was state of the art, and they copied it. When has UK ever wanted to emulate UF in anything regarding basketball? Foley was a visionary, of sorts. He saw that the programs who were successful across the board were going to inherit the kingdom. *See tOSU, UM, UCLA, USC, Texas, etc. If you want to get a good idea of who is going to be successful for the next decade in FB or BB, look at the Director's Cup standings. In the SEC? Take a look at who wins the SEC All Sports Trophy. It's not a foolproof indicator; but, you'll be able to see whose programs are striving for overall greatness, and thus the best teams. UF won it 14 years in a row, and every single year, but one. UGA won it once. Coincidentally (or not), that also is about how long our AD, Jeremy Foley, has been working on this project. He is widely regarded as the best AD in the nation. Show me a reason to disagree.
Guys, think of it this way. Steve Spurrier didn't leave UF after 3 years. He didn't leave after winning the NC in 1996. For all the same reasons Spurrier didn't leave USC for Alabama, you won't see Donovan leaving UF for Kentucky.

[gatorunvrsty]

Yea, I don't think he's going any where. He's set for years at UF. It's going to be fun to watch and see if Gators can do for a third time. I doubt it, but it's going to make an interesting season next year. I'd like to see the SEC dominant all three major sports (men and women) for the next several years.

I'm certainly not saying UF will win it again next year. It's highly unlikely. But, they have a helluva better chance than UK. BD got the guys he wanted; and if he gets Patrick Patterson, they'll be sick again year after next.

[Cianne]

There's more chance that he is coaching Dwayne Wade next year than he is coaching the Big Blue.

[OmahaBound]

There's more chance that he is coaching Dwayne Wade next year than he is coaching the Big Blue.

I would agree though that's not looking good for Donovan (if he would have been interested). It sounds like Shaq wants no part in a college coach coming in.

[Cianne]

It sounds like Shaq wants no part in a college coach coming in.

Perhaps but Pat Riley is even more stubborn than Shaq.

[Kevhugh]

The speculation will end when Kentucky hires a coach not named Donovan...so get over it Gator fans. We had to deal with it. No need to try and convince yourself on this board everyday. When it all comes down to it these are men just like you and I. Anything is possible, no matter how unlikely it is. I don't think he's going anywhere but that article doesn't come close to ending the speculation.

[gatorunvrsty]

The speculation will end when Kentucky hires a coach not named Donovan...so get over it Gator fans. We had to deal with it. No need to try and convince yourself on this board everyday. When it all comes down to it these are men just like you and I. Anything is possible, no matter how unlikely it is. I don't think he's going anywhere but that article doesn't come close to ending the speculation.

Personally, I think the speculation ended 4 days ago for Gator fans. We're just debunking ideas brought up by others. All I'm waiting to hear is that BD is bringing Patrick Patterson back to Gainesville with him after his trip to West Virginia. None of us have to convince ourselves. BD, his father, Machen, and Foley have already done that. We're trying to point out to other naysayers that BD is not the kind of person or coach that many claim he is... and, frankly, sound like they want him to be. There seems to be no shortage of people who'd like nothing more than to see Gator fans take one in the chest. Lots of greenery floating around... and I ain't referring to money.

[azamugg]

The speculation will end when Kentucky hires a coach not named Donovan...so get over it Gator fans. We had to deal with it. No need to try and convince yourself on this board everyday. When it all comes down to it these are men just like you and I. Anything is possible, no matter how unlikely it is. I don't think he's going anywhere but that article doesn't come close to ending the speculation.

NO DOUBT....

[uscrebel]

The speculation will end when Kentucky hires a coach not named Donovan...so get over it Gator fans. We had to deal with it. No need to try and convince yourself on this board everyday. When it all comes down to it these are men just like you and I. Anything is possible, no matter how unlikely it is. I don't think he's going anywhere but that article doesn't come close to ending the speculation.

I will go one further here. The article seems to fuel speculation to me. For instance:

"My intentions are to be at the University of Florida," Donovan said. "I'm happy there and I like the school. I haven't talked to anybody. I haven't spoken to anyone."
Talk about doing everything but denying interest. I have two friends who are Division One Coaches is lesser sports than Basketball (Soccer and Volleyball) and they NEVER talked to anybody until their "representative" laid the groundwork. In the first place, their contract do not allow it, in the second place the NCAA frowns on it, and finally, it is a distraction for everyone.

Donovan said he was also not aware of a third-party speaking to Kentucky on his behalf.

"If something has happened, it's been done without my knowledge," Donovan said.
Again, this can be turned so many different ways. Agents and representatives often speak to others on their client's behalf without telling them. That it their fricking job. Many coaches have a standing agreement with their rep that is something like, "Talk to anybody you want to, but I don't want to hear until it gets to X dollars."

"There's a great feeling in my heart for Kentucky because that's where I began my career and I have great respect for the tradition there," Donovan said. "But you know what, that was a while ago. We're going on 13 years removed from that. It's not like it's been one or two years removed."
Here's the spin that is possible with such a statement. Standing at the podium in Lexington, Donovan says, "You know, a few weeks ago, I told the press that I have a great feeling in my heart for Kentucky because I began my career here. I have a stronger feeling now that I want to end my career here as well."

Is is going to happen? Unlikely, but I DO agree with Cianne here. Look for Donovan to trade his swamp hut for a Palm Beach bungalow. If not this year, then next. With the Heat he will make about $2.5 mill for the season and the incentive for winning the title will be closer to $1 Million than the measly $10K FLA gave him.

[azamugg]

there certainly was no STRONG denial but I don't believe he wants the Pros

[GeauxTo]

Remember, he loses at least 4 at Florida, maybe 5 players. So, he has to rebuild. The storied Kentucky program will be a better place to rebuild than the johnny-come-lately basketball program at UF. I believe that when the dust settles, we will find Billy D moving to Kentucky, the Camelot of College Basketball.

And, don't tell me that Foley has any sort of special hold on Donovan. Remember, this is the same Foley that hired Ron Zook and asked Steve Spurrier for his resume; a flawed AD at best.

Billy D will choose Kentucky and its prestigious heritage over a budding back-seat dynasty at Florida.

[azamugg]

boy puddin would be proud of you Geaux

[blockallhaters]

Remember, he loses at least 4 at Florida, maybe 5 players. So, he has to rebuild. The storied Kentucky program will be a better place to rebuild than the johnny-come-lately basketball program at UF. I believe that when the dust settles, we will find Billy D moving to Kentucky, the Camelot of College Basketball.

And, don't tell me that Foley has any sort of special hold on Donovan. Remember, this is the same Foley that hired Ron Zook and asked Steve Spurrier for his resume; a flawed AD at best.

Billy D will choose Kentucky and its prestigious heritage over a budding back-seat dynasty at Florida.

First thing I would take Foley any day over your AD!!!!!!! As for Spurrier looks like we have the better deal in Meyer . I would rather wait 2 years than wait 6 years for a championship!!!!!!! Ron Zook was a great at Recruiting that helped Florida and he sucked at coaching .I CAN LIVE WITH THAT!!! When the dust settles we will see !!!!!! Geauxto I know it is your opinion and I respect that but until your AD can get what he has got then how can you diss him. I still think Les Miles is just like Ron Zook . RoN is not a bad guy just not a head coach.

[GeauxTo]

First thing I would take Foley any day over your AD!!!!!!! As for Spurrier looks like we have the better deal in Meyer . I would rather wait 2 years than wait 6 years for a championship!!!!!!! Ron Zook was a great at Recruiting that helped Florida and he sucked at coaching .I CAN LIVE WITH THAT!!! When the dust settles we will see !!!!!! Geauxto I know it is your opinion and I respect that but until your AD can get what he has got then how can you diss him. I still think Les Miles is just like Ron Zook . RoN is not a bad guy just not a head coach.

No, Ron Zook and Les Miles are not alike. Both are excellent recruiters, but only one can mount two back-to-back 10-2 seasons.

Foley has done some good things; hiring Meyer, for example. But he handled the Spurrier thing badly, the fraternity thing badly, and the Zook thing was a catastrophe.

I am not at all singing the praises of Skip Bertman. He was a good baseball coach, but I think he has made some major mistakes as AD. Hiring and keeping his buddy Smoke Laval ruined a good baseball program. His hiring of Miles plus the subequent bringing on board of Pelini (DC) and Crowton (OC) seem like excellent moves. The football program has not declined since Saban left, but actually even improved. We'll see how he handles the hiring of a new ladies basketball coach. (I hope it's Kim Mulkey of Baylor.)

And if you lose Billy D to Kentucky, it will be interesting to see who Foley hires.

[GatorNation]

Remember, he loses at least 4 at Florida, maybe 5 players. So, he has to rebuild. The storied Kentucky program will be a better place to rebuild than the johnny-come-lately basketball program at UF. I believe that when the dust settles, we will find Billy D moving to Kentucky, the Camelot of College Basketball.

And, don't tell me that Foley has any sort of special hold on Donovan. Remember, this is the same Foley that hired Ron Zook and asked Steve Spurrier for his resume; a flawed AD at best.

Billy D will choose Kentucky and its prestigious heritage over a budding back-seat dynasty at Florida.


So what about rebuilding? Every team has to rebuild when they have upperclassmen winning titles. That's not news.

As far as UK, I really don't understand the logic: leave UF---your program that you built with your own hands while on top of the NCAA mountain with a good deal of momentum---to take on a greater rebuilding project at a program that has been less successful than your own with less reasonable expectations and no more money than you'd get at UF.

God, sign me up!

:rolleyes:

[gatorunvrsty]

Remember, he loses at least 4 at Florida, maybe 5 players. So, he has to rebuild. The storied Kentucky program will be a better place to rebuild than the johnny-come-lately basketball program at UF. I believe that when the dust settles, we will find Billy D moving to Kentucky, the Camelot of College Basketball.

And, don't tell me that Foley has any sort of special hold on Donovan. Remember, this is the same Foley that hired Ron Zook and asked Steve Spurrier for his resume; a flawed AD at best.

Billy D will choose Kentucky and its prestigious heritage over a budding back-seat dynasty at Florida.

I'd give your thoughts some consideration, Geaux; except that you haven't done your homework, and they just sound like the rantings of a fatally jealous rival. UK's incoming class isn't even ON the list of Top 25 recruiting classes. UF's is currently #10 on one site, and #5 on the other. By the time we get the last one, it'll be Top 3. So, you're recruiting argument is worse than ridiculous. And, UK's lone franchise player, Randolph Morris, is already gone, and playing for the Knicks. Kids have been picking UF over UK for the last 5 years. If you spent any time listening in on their site, you'd know that's one of the things they were irate about. UF is always getting the players both schools have gone after. The tradition BS is overrated. It'll always keep you competitive, but the dominance is swinging to schools with the most powerful overall programs. The stats bear it out; and it's been progressive over the last 10 years.

[UKat]

The speculation will end when Kentucky hires a coach not named Donovan...so get over it Gator fans. We had to deal with it. No need to try and convince yourself on this board everyday. When it all comes down to it these are men just like you and I. Anything is possible, no matter how unlikely it is. I don't think he's going anywhere but that article doesn't come close to ending the speculation.BD saying I'm not interested in the UK job would end all of this speculation. The fact is he probably wont leave UF but he IS going to consider the UK job.

Anyone that is in business listens to what another top employer has to offer. None of us knows what the heck BD will do, only he does.

:brick:

[UKat]

I'd give your thoughts some consideration, Geaux; except that you haven't done your homework, and they just sound like the rantings of a fatally jealous rival. UK's incoming class isn't even ON the list of Top 25 recruiting classes. UF's is currently #10 on one site, and #5 on the other. By the time we get the last one, it'll be Top 3. So, you're recruiting argument is worse than ridiculous. And, UK's lone franchise player, Randolph Morris, is already gone, and playing for the Knicks. Kids have been picking UF over UK for the last 5 years. If you spent any time listening in on their site, you'd know that's one of the things they were irate about. UF is always getting the players both schools have gone after. The tradition BS is overrated. It'll always keep you competitive, but the dominance is swinging to schools with the most powerful overall programs. The stats bear it out; and it's been progressive over the last 10 years.They've been picking UF cause BD and staff are better recruiters than Tubby and staff were.....Tubby sucked at recruiting.....shoot look at the players he shunned.......Lofton, Brewer, Byars etc.......not very good at evaluating talent.

[gatorunvrsty]

They've been picking UF cause BD and staff are better recruiters than Tubby and staff were.....Tubby sucked at recruiting.....shoot look at the players he shunned.......Lofton, Brewer, Byars etc.......not very good at evaluating talent.

No disagreement, there. I was going to post the exact same thing. Kids like playing for BD, because he's been them. He's been to the Final Four and the pros. And, at UK, he'd do as well as he's doing now. But, that's really the point, I guess. He's already set up to be successful at UF. He's got all the guys he went after. He simply reloaded; and, if he grabs PP, his class will be complete. When I look at your list of lost players, I can only imagine what kind of team there could have been. If he wants another NC in the next 3 years, I think he can only get it at UF. I think he'd still get them at UK, too; but it would take much longer, and some serious rebuilding. Listening to Calipari earlier, the next coach might not survive long enough to let that happen. Sometimes schools let their coach go a year or two before they'd realistically be able to challenge for titles. Big Blue Nation will have to be more patient with whoever they get, or they might end up getting rid of their savior before the salvation happens.

[UKat]

No disagreement, there. I was going to post the exact same thing. Kids like playing for BD, because he's been them. He's been to the Final Four and the pros. And, at UK, he'd do as well as he's doing now. But, that's really the point, I guess. He's already set up to be successful at UF. He's got all the guys he went after. He simply reloaded; and, if he grabs PP, his class will be complete. When I look at your list of lost players, I can only imagine what kind of team there could have been. If he wants another NC in the next 3 years, I think he can only get it at UF. I think he'd still get them at UK, too; but it would take much longer, and some serious rebuilding. Listening to Calipari earlier, the next coach might not survive long enough to let that happen. Sometimes schools let their coach go a year or two before they'd realistically be able to challenge for titles. Big Blue Nation will have to be more patient with whoever they get, or they might end up getting rid of their savior before the salvation happens.I agree with you on most everything except the Calipari comments.........Calipari is lashing out because the UK AD shunned him and didnt offer any interview...it is widely speculated that the AD didnt like Calipari and thinks he may be crooked.

[gatorunvrsty]

I agree with you on most everything except the Calipari comments.........Calipari is lashing out because the UK AD shunned him and didnt offer any interview...it is widely speculated that the AD didnt like Calipari and thinks he may be crooked.

I've read that. Many people were saying Calipari was probation waiting to happen, for recruiting violations.