Smith: Spring Breakdown Mar 20, 2008
For the first time in 10 years, spring football practice will not conflict with the Florida basketball team's appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Unless you get gung-ho about the NIT (yeah, all two of you), the only game in town will be at the football practice facility as the Gators begin preparing for year No. 4 under Urban Meyer. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Donovan takes UF back to basics Mar 18, 2008
No doubt things have changed around the Florida basketball program. Because they didn't achieve the first, Florida's players have been going without the next three things as they prepare for Wednesday's first-round NIT game against San Diego State. (Florida Times-Union)
San Diego St. is first for Gators Mar 17, 2008
After losing five players to the NBA Draft - including three among the top nine picks - it was obvious that the Florida basketball team wasn't going to be able to stretch its national championship streak to three consecutive years. There was another streak that was well within the Gators' grasp, though, but a sluggish finish to the regular season and an embarrassing loss in the first round of the Southeatern Conference Tournament snapped that one, too. (Florida Times-Union)
Just another ordinary night ... or not Mar 15, 2008
Donovan, of course, is the Florida basketball coach who accepted a job from the NBA's Orlando Magic only to decide a day later that he wanted to stay at Florida. Fans who had second thoughts about attending the game were allowed to consult with an attorney and given the chance to negotiate out of their ticket purchase, although they had to hit a free throw first. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Donovan bemoans team's lack of heart Mar 15, 2008
One of the Florida basketball team's biggest issues was glaringly obvious to coach Billy Donovan hours before the Gators' first-round Southeastern Conference Tournament game on Thursday night. Joakim Noah attended UF's workout and was as effusive as he was when he starred on the Gators' past two national championship teams. (Florida Times-Union)
Clock ticks too quickly for Daly Mar 15, 2008
Being a stand-up guy, Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan shouldn't be too upset with freshman Chandler Parsons for saying the Gators "didn't come ready to play" in their Southeastern Conference tournament loss to Alabama. Be annoyed at the team, yes, but not at Parsons for speaking the truth. (Florida Times-Union)
PLUM POSITION Mar 4, 2008
UPDATED: 2 :30 a.m. CDT, March 04, 2008. Though LSU has struggled, it could be poised to make a big leap with the right coach Saturday, March 01, 2008By Jim Kleinpeter. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Very Different Vanderbilt Game This Time Feb 17, 2008
By Senior WriterDate: Feb 16, 2008 It seems like it was a lot more than three weeks ago that the Florida basketball team produced its finest performance of the season in an 86-64 drubbing of The Vanderbilt Commodores. Since that afternoon in the OConnell Center the Gators have lost three of four, allowing an average of 84 points in those contests. (FightinGators.com)
Florida a hoops hinterland Feb 14, 2008
"South Florida basketball players, I know for sure, have gotten away with their athleticism for so long to the point where the basketball IQ suffers," he said ... recruiting analyst Dave Telep doesn't necessarily buy into the idea that Florida basketball players lack fundamentals, although he admits that the level of play isn't as high as in some states ... "The big picture could really hurt South Florida basketball,'' Hands said. "You've got to get the coaches in and get them to understand that... (The Palm Beach Post)
Gators wear bracelets to honor young fan Feb 12, 2008
30-day news archives. They were given to the team by Jeff Armstrong, whose son, Harris, is fighting cancer. (Florida Today)
Signing Day Central | Football recruiting Feb 7, 2008
Florida basketball team graduation rate = 100% Georgia basketball team graduation rate = Embarrasment. Beat ya again. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Billy Donovan's teaching his baby Gators what it takes to make it back to the top. Feb 2, 2008
Parsons revised his opinion of the win, which, outside the Florida basketball complex, was earning the Gators praise. Parsons wondered, "How'd we get away with some of that stuff?". (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Basketball)
Gators Use 1st-Half Spurt to Upset Vandy Jan 28, 2008
Florida's Marreese Speights (34) goes for two points with Vanderbilt's Andrew Ogilvy (4) unable to stop the shot in the first half during Vanderbilt Florida Basketball play in Gainesville, Fla. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Young Gators show their poise Jan 27, 2008
Whatever the reason, there is one thing upon which they all agree: This Florida basketball team has poise well beyond its experience. Despite a scholarship roster of five freshmen, two sophomores and a junior, the Gators are proving to be a group that doesn't flinch when they're behind in the second half and in critical, late-game situations. (Florida Times-Union)
The Girvan Report Jan 20, 2008
Has the Florida basketball team's number one signee played his last high school game. Joe has the inside scoop on the controversy surrounding one of the top prospects in the nation. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Big night for Gators Jan 20, 2008
It was a good night for Florida basketball. But it wasn't easy. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Kennedy impressed with Calathes, Gators Jan 17, 2008
The state of Florida basketball will be well represented Wednesday night when the Gators visit No. 18 Ole Miss in an SEC showdown in Oxford. But all the Sunshine State talent won't just be on Florida's sideline. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Bulls teach Noah a lesson Jan 16, 2008
ORLANDO For as much as Florida basketball appreciated Joakim Noah's shot-blocking, his hustle, his awkward two-handed jump shot, Noah became beloved in Gainesville for his outlandish displays of emotion. Of course, it's easy to pound your chest and run your mouth when your team is at the pinnacle of its sport, as Noah and the Gators were for the past two seasons when they won back-to-back NCAA titles. (The Palm Beach Post)
Time to See an Old Friend Jan 15, 2008
The game will also be a reunion for the Gators and former Florida Basketball player David Huertas. to read the rest of this story. (FightinGators.com)
Donovan Hopes Break Helps Dec 30, 2007
By Senior WriterDate: Dec 29, 2007 Florida Basketball Coach Billy Donovan sent his players away for a short holiday break after their loss at Ohio State. Now he has to send his young Gators against Temple in a Saturday evening contest in Sunrise. (FightinGators.com)
No. 25 UF hammers North Florida by 51 Nov 21, 2007
Gators sign five: Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan has signed five high school seniors including three in-state players. Donovan received national letters of intent from Eloy Vargas, a 6-foot-10 power forward from Plantation-American Heritage, 6-foot-10 center Kenny Kadji from IMG Academy in Bradenton, shooting guard Ray Shipman from Miami-Monsignor Pace, forward Allan Chaney from New London, Conn. (The Palm Beach Post)
Donovan can follow Formula '05 Nov 9, 2007
There is this idea that Gators fans need to prepare themselves for an incredibly dark winter, that the Florida basketball team is going to be so raw and inexperienced there will be panic over how frequently the losses will come. Defeat is foreign to the Gators, right. (Florida Times-Union)
Donovan back to lead new-look Gators Nov 6, 2007
Rather, Donovan will make sure the University of Florida basketball team doesn't disappear. Donovan was introduced as the Magic coach on June 1, and received a deal that would pay him $27. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Ready to get started Nov 1, 2007
The 2007-08 Florida basketball team unveils itself at 8 p.m. Thursday at the O'Connell Center in the exhibition opener against Flagler. Read more inside. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Heath, Bulls Debut With Rout Nov 1, 2007
I still think we've got to have longer stretches of fast play," Heath said. "I still think that we've got to be a team that gets a lot of our offense from our defense, which we did at times. " USF never trailed following a 14-0 first-half run that erased an early 13-10 lead for Saint Leo. Jones had seven points in that stretch. All five starters - Jones, Howard, Gransberry, Solomon Bozeman and Jesus Verdejo - had baskets in the first five minutes. Overall, the Bulls shot 60.3 percent from the... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
After long wait, men's hoops rule at Tennessee Oct 25, 2007
"I'm hopeful we'll get him back, I'd say, sometime before the season starts. Donovan hurting: Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan is dealing with back problems that could lead to surgery. Donovan, who suffered two fractures in his back while playing at Providence, has had back problems for years. It got worse last season. Now he's trying to fight off surgery which could be a nightmare scenario because he has a young team following back-to-back national titles. To make it to Birmingham for the... (USA Today -- Sports)
Blue Ribbon: Florida Oct 24, 2007
Rest assured Florida basketball is not going to dry up without Noah, Horford, Brewer, Green, Humphrey and Richard. Donovan has replaced those stalwarts with a group of interchange-able young players who understand the game and are willing to play within a team concept. (ESPN -- College Basketball)
Basketball team building chemistry Oct 17, 2007
Both laughed about the incident at Florida basketball media day. Read more from Calathes, Parsons and other Florida basketball players about them building team chemistry. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Soccer Player Is Latest Athlete To Be Benched For Head Scarf Oct 16, 2007
" She was allowed to play in the tournament, after her mother and CAIR intervened. Andrea Armstrong, a former University of South Florida basketball player who converted to Islam and was benched after refusing to take off her head scarf, long sleeves and pants, ended up leaving the team, her scholarship, the sport and the Muslim faith. Three years ago, Armstrong, then 22, withdrew from school after the controversy. She had been the co-captain of the Bulls basketball team. Her decision to quit... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Donovan Starts Practice Friday With New Team, New Questions Oct 11, 2007
" Donovan is intrigued by their potential, but he'll worry more early on about how fast the young Gators pick up his schemes. Mitchell, a 6-foot-7, 228-pounder who could play shooting guard, small forward or power forward, said Donovan and his staff make learning schemes easier. "Coach will put you in one position for a while until you master that one," Mitchell said. "Then he'll shift you to another one. Obviously, you can't play if you can't learn the plays. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Cobb sports marketing agency to grow Sep 11, 2007
Founded by Georgia native Lonnie Cooper in 1986, Career Sports has built a roster of more than 200 corporate and individual clients, including ATlogg, Aflac, Braves pitcher John Smoltz, University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt, University of Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan, nine NBA head coaches and a dozen broadcasters. Cooper, Career Sports' CEO, said the acquisition of JM Associates will allow his company to grow its content-development and marketing businesses. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Anderson is a defensive end with a power forward's agility Sep 1, 2007
South Florida basketball coach Stan Heath is an authority on basketball/football players. While he was the head coach at Arkansas, Heath sought to get Anderson on the basketball court. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
MSU group wants fans to wear white Aug 28, 2007
The MSU Student Association wants a white-out of Scott Field similar to the white-out of Humphrey Coliseum for the Florida basketball game in January. The student association is also part of a pep rally scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Cobb sports marketing agency shows stars the money Aug 19, 2007
Nine head coaches in the NBA and some of the top coaches in college athletics, including Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan and Georgia football coach Richt, are represented by the firm, as are dozens of baseball players, golfers and sportscasters. The NBA's New Jersey Nets retained the firm to assess and recruit naming-rights partners for. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
It's no trick: UWF vs. FSU on Halloween Aug 2, 2007
Hoops camp n WHAT: University of West Florida Basketball Camp. n WHO: Kids ages. (Pensacola News Journal)
2007-08 Hoop Schedule Released Jul 31, 2007
2007-08 Florida Basketball Schedule (Date/Opponent/Location/Time/TV) November Thurs. 1 Flagler (Exh. (FightinGators.com)
Bell Has Opportunity To Rebuild JU Program Jul 30, 2007
" Unlike Donovan, the Florida basketball coach who spent one day in June as the Orlando Magic's coach before changing his mind and returning to Gainesville, Bell didn't talk himself out of the job. Instead, he convinced himself he couldn't pass up the opportunity Jacksonville offered. And just as he did when he told a ragtag group of ninth-graders at Trinity Catholic that they eventually would compete for the state title (they won it as seniors in 2005), Bell, 42, provided the Dolphins with a... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Noting official differences Jul 29, 2007
"Colts could be in for rough rideThe Colts open training camp tomorrow, and some of the chatter is centered around how the team will respond to the challenge of defending its championship."We're going to borrow a page from the Patriots' notebook and [University of Florida basketball coach] Billy Donovan's notebook -- we told the guys we're not defending anything," said team president Bill Polian. "Everybody is 0-0. We're last year's champs, but that was last year. (Boston Globe)
Florida State To Play In Inaugural Glenn Wilkes Basketball Classic Jul 27, 2007
Wilkes, respectfully known as the Godfather of Florida basketball, coached for 36 seasons at Stetson and ranks 41st all-time on the NCAA Division I coaching victories list. Wilkes won 552 games at Stetson and posted 27 winning seasons during his tenure. (Seminoles.com)
Former Gator tailback coming to Marco YMCA Jul 14, 2007
Former University of Florida basketball standout Andrew DeClercq is scheduled to talk at the YMCA Monday, July 16, at 11:30 a.m. as part of a hoops camp. Marco Island Sun Times 2007. (Marco Island Sun-Times, FL)
Gators Offering Special Camps Jul 11, 2007
We helped put Florida Basketball on the map which has made the program attractive to names like Billy Donavon, his staff and his great student athletes. That brings us great joy to know that we are an important part of Florida Basketball tradition. (FightinGators.com)
Rating offseason success Jul 3, 2007
Still, I'm struggling to understand how the Kentucky and Florida basketball programs have had better offseasons than Tennessee. Here's what has happened in the Valley of the Vols since March. (InsideTennessee.com)
Hoops Recruiting May Not Be Over Jul 2, 2007
Florida basketball right now has players who fit into more than one of the above categories. Im not naming names or issues, but history and common sense tell me theres likely to be room for one more in the fall of 2008. (FightinGators.com)
Florida Draft Party Jun 30, 2007
It was a memorable - and historic - night for Florida basketball. (To continue reading this article you must be a subscriber. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Fitting End For Amazing Run Jun 30, 2007
By Senior WriterDate: Jun 29, 2007 The guys who entered UF together as the oh-fours were responsible for a conga line of firsts for the University of Florida Basketball Program. From the first SEC Tournament Title to first repeat NCAA Championship, and every first in between, they took the Gators from the second tier of major programs to the apex of college basketball. (FightinGators.com)
Gators make presence felt at the top Jun 29, 2007
30-day news archives. We just go out and make history. (Florida Today)
Three Gators Drafted In Top 9 Jun 29, 2007
It's about how good you want to try to become. " The selections of Horford, Brewer and Noah went about as expected. Horford was fairly universally regarded as the draft's third-best prospect behind Greg Oden, the Ohio State center Horford faced twice as a junior, and Texas forward Kevin Durant. Brewer fell slightly when Boston - picking for Seattle after a trade - chose Georgetown forward Jeff Green. Noah had impressed Bulls officials at a workout in Chicago this month, so his selection wasn't a... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Loyal Gators Basketball Players Stayed Until The End Jun 28, 2007
That's hard to do," Shyatt said. "That will be remembered for a long time around here. " Who Could've Guessed? Shyatt arrived at Florida within days of the '04s. He sensed their bond almost immediately, but during their freshman season, the former Wyoming and Clemson head coach still had little inkling of the success to come. He only knew he loved the players' values, which seemed remarkably similar considering their varied backgrounds. Brewer is the son of a trash hauler and a school secretary... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Miller has solid camp Jun 26, 2007
That is also welcoming news for Florida basketball fans because the Gators are heavily involved in his recruitment. Read more about Miller, Noel Johnson and a host of other standouts inside. (Florida Sports -- Rivals.com)
Fran Vazquez continues to haunt Magic Jun 25, 2007
Which former University of Florida basketball player will have the best pro career. Corey Brewer. (Orlando Sentinel -- Opinion)
Sunday Scrum: Should Donovan have been made to honor his contract? Yes! Jun 12, 2007
By KELLY BEATON, Courier Sports Writer Now, let's turn our attention to the one man with sillier slicked-back hair than Silvio Dante: The Don of Florida basketball, Billy Donovan. The NBA's Orlando Magic probably wishes it could make Donovan disappear right now (ala Christopher Moltisante). (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Sports Scholarships Jun 9, 2007
Riley is the first West Florida basketball player to sign a college scholarship. Reader submitted photo. (Pensacola News Journal)
Donovan apologizes, then gets new contract Jun 8, 2007
By Marlen Garcia, USA TODAY Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan apologized Thursday for his overnight about-face, which led to a release from a five-year, $27. 5 million deal with the Orlando Magic. (USA Today -- Sports)
Billy Donovan claims he's a Gator for life after week of turmoil Jun 8, 2007
Billy Donovan's about-face on coaching the Orlando Magic has had ramifications for many people beyond himself. Who do you think has had the most to lose now that the saga is coming to a close. (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
Saga has far-reaching implications. Jun 8, 2007
The biggest winner of the weekend, however, was the Florida basketball program. The Gators, who had a history of mediocrity before Donovan's arrival in 1996, have won three conference tournament titles and gone to three national championship games under Donovan's watch. (Lumberton The Robesonian, NC)
LaPorta Drafted Higher Than Expected Jun 8, 2007
He went through the SEC, which in our estimation is the best college league in the country, and had 15 strikeouts. " LaPorta, who hit .402 with 20 home runs and 52 RBIs this season, is optimistic about the position change. When he signed with Florida, LaPorta was a catcher/outfielder, so he does have experience playing the position. "I'm just going to go out there, work hard, and try to get better," LaPorta said. "I'm going to let the way I play take care of itself. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Gators' Donovan apologizes for mess he caused Jun 8, 2007
"Donovan, Meyer receive contract extensionsBilly Donovan emerged from his decision to return to coach Florida basketball with a hefty pay raise.So did football coach Urban Meyer.Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley announced both have agreed to terms to contract extensions Thursday. Pending approval from UF administration, Donovan will receive a six-year extension through 2013 with a mutual option for a seventh year, worth an average annual salary of $3.5 million.Meyer also received a six-year... (Ocala Star-Banner)
Donovan's Dalliance With Magic Affects Many Jun 6, 2007
" Rob Lanier asked Tuesday afternoon by telephone. "No. " Lanier, in his second week as an assistant coach at the University of Florida, said anyone in the business should expect to deal with the unexpected. Still, Lanier had no idea when he left his old job at Virginia that his first week with the Gators would be the wildest of his career. Lanier's boss, Gators coach Billy Donovan, quit on Lanier's fourth day to accept an offer from the Orlando Magic. On his fifth day, Lanier stood in the back... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Gators waiting out storm Jun 5, 2007
The uncertainty surrounding Billy Donovan's future has brought a public quiet to folks around Florida basketball. Athletic department members have been told not to talk. (Orlando Sentinel -- Sports)
Donovan, Gators Mum As Coach Awaits Old Job Jun 5, 2007
" Florida officials are reticent to speak for fear of legal reprisal from the Magic. Magic officials, who, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, have set their sights on former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy, are the only ones to publicly acknowledge the situation. The team released a statement early Monday morning. " people have been tugging at [Donovan] since [Friday]," the statement said. "Billy is conflicted with those emotions. We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Donovan Only Has Himself To Blame For This Mess Jun 5, 2007
" Billy, now it's all about you. And it's a mess. There is a time to forgive and forget. Not today, though. Frankly, we're tired of this emotional wringer. Donovan should have handled this with more professionalism. When making a move this dramatic - leaving the University of Florida's basketball dynasty for a five-year, $27.5 million deal with the NBA's Orlando Magic - how can such a post-decision meltdown happen? Why wasn't everything sorted out before putting pen to paper on the contract? Now... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
'You Have To Let Him Go' Jun 5, 2007
You Have To Let Him Go. You can't spend too much time on it, because if the guy doesn't want to be there and wants to be somewhere else, you have to let him go. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Other schools ready to swoop in on UF recruits Jun 5, 2007
Some schools didn't waste much time offering options to University of Florida basketball recruits after Gators coach Billy Donovan announced his apparently short-lived plan to jump to the NBA. Chandler Parsons, who signed with UF last November after starring for Lake Howell's Class 5A state title team, said Texas, LSU and Rutgers all quickly sent word that they would sign him to a scholarship if he opted to seek a release from Florida. NCAA rules prohibit schools from directly contacting players... (Orlando Sentinel)
Florida officials have little to say about efforts to get their prized coach back. Jun 5, 2007
" a Monday-Friday podcast with OrlandoSentinel.com Senior Editor Roger Simmons. RELATED STORIES LEGAL ASST MANAGERS HVAC CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AUTO/TRUCK TECHNICIAN FACILITY SERVICE ? ? ? GAINESVILLE -- And now, everyone in orange and blue waits. The uncertainty surrounding Billy Donovan's future has brought a public quiet to folks around Florida basketball. Athletic department members have been told not to talk. Recruits and players don't know quite what to say. Donovan, still here Monday, has... (Orlando Sentinel)
Report: Donovan wants out already Jun 4, 2007
"I have not had any in-person contact with any Florida representative, nor have I been offered the job. "At this point in time, I will have no further comment on this situation as my focus is on my responsibilities at VCU." Grant's comments contradict almost all the Florida basketball talk since Donovan left Thursday. Members of Grant's coaching staff contacted their recruits late last week to warn them about his possible departure. By yesterday afternoon, folks in Richmond said Grant seemed... (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
