Friday, March 27, 2009

Kentucky Billy: Gillisipie Out, Donovan In?

UPDATE: Umm...nevermind!

Original Post:
Billy Gillispie is out at Kentucky. The question: Is Billy Donovan in?

If we're in plane-tracking time in Gainesville, I suspect Donovan might be UK's new coach.

I can only presume that if Donovan leaves, the Gators hire VCU's Anthony Grant.

I would be slightly surprised (but not shocked) if Donovan left -- wanted to leave -- only two years after:

Winning back-to-back national titles...
Then turning down Kentucky...
Then bolting Florida for the NBA...
Then changing his mind and come back to Florida, saying it was the only college job he wanted...

Then leaving for Florida's biggest basketball rival. Arguably one of the Top 5 jobs in college hoops, but still -- Florida's biggest basketball rival.

As I said when he left for the NBA, I can't possibly harbor any grudges or notions that Donovan "owes" Florida anything. The guy won two national titles, leading what was arguably one of the Top 5 greatest teams in modern college hoops history. He has earned the right to do what he wants.

Even if it means coaching at Kentucky.

-- D.S.

(You all know how I feel about Anthony Grant. If I had a coaching vacancy and could hire any coach in the country, it would be Grant. When Donovan left for the NBA two years ago, Grant was going to become Florida's coach -- I liked the move then, and I still like it now. If it happens, of course. You know how Billy D. gets about these decision things....)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Saying Donovan lead one of the Top 5 Greatest Teams in Modern College Basketball is a little much.

Anonymous said...

I would be disappointed and surprised if he left, but I was also surprised that Petino left, only to resurface at their cross state rival ... and yes Chris, he did "lead one of the top 5 greatest teams in Modern College Basketball" ...