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Gator basketball history question?
Posted on 3/6/17 at 6:05 pm
Posted on 3/6/17 at 6:05 pm
From reading the secr, there was a thread on # NCAAT apperances, S16s, E8s, and FFs, as well as National Titles.
Growing up, basically, all I knew was Billy D. However, who was also being considered at the time back in 96 when he was hired? Obviously worked out really, really well but wanted to know how it would've turned out 20+ years later. I know Lon Kruger got the first FF apperance for us and such, but long-term, wonder what would've happened had BD not come when he did.
Just a history question for the older folk
Growing up, basically, all I knew was Billy D. However, who was also being considered at the time back in 96 when he was hired? Obviously worked out really, really well but wanted to know how it would've turned out 20+ years later. I know Lon Kruger got the first FF apperance for us and such, but long-term, wonder what would've happened had BD not come when he did.
Just a history question for the older folk
2
Posted on 3/7/17 at 8:37 am to SpartyGator
Older folks? You young whipper snapper! I can probably give you an answer from the senior perspective. Although thru the years UF had some successful teams and some great players, until Billy D arrive they were not consistent year after year. Norm Sloan and Lon Kruger both were good coaches, recruited some good players like Vernon Maxwell, Andrew DeClercq and Dwayne Schintzius. Until the arrival of Billy D. Neal Walk was probably the best player in UF history.
Billy Donovan brought the program to a national level and for the only time in school history raised the sport to the level of football. Had he not come to UF the sport would have remained a sleeping giant and continued with years of mediocrity. With his departure and the hiring of Mike White, I think the future of Gator basketball is in good hands but would not be possible without the Donovan success. Go Gators.
Billy Donovan brought the program to a national level and for the only time in school history raised the sport to the level of football. Had he not come to UF the sport would have remained a sleeping giant and continued with years of mediocrity. With his departure and the hiring of Mike White, I think the future of Gator basketball is in good hands but would not be possible without the Donovan success. Go Gators.
Posted on 3/9/17 at 10:22 am to SpartyGator
I don't remember anyone else who was considered, but it has been a while. Pitino had revived UK and was considered the gold standard. Billy was a big part of Pitino's success both as a player and an asst coach. He went to Marshall and started having success and IIRC it was kind of like when we hired Urban. He was the best young up and comer around and it was a no brainer.
One of the things that Billy implemented which I thought was brilliant was that we started the game as if we were down 10 points and it was the end of the game. It was such a frenzy, and most teams didn't know what the heck was going on. He was very innovative and different esp when he was just getting the program going.
I am sure some on here can expand on this who know more or correct me if I am off a little.
One of the things that Billy implemented which I thought was brilliant was that we started the game as if we were down 10 points and it was the end of the game. It was such a frenzy, and most teams didn't know what the heck was going on. He was very innovative and different esp when he was just getting the program going.
I am sure some on here can expand on this who know more or correct me if I am off a little.
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