Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan
William John Donovan, Jr.is an American professional basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association. He previously spent 19 seasons at the University of Florida, where his Florida Gators men's basketball teams won two NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championships in 2006 and 2007. Donovan has more wins than any other coach in the history of the Florida basketball program, and he coached the Gators to more NCAA tournament appearances,...
ProfessionCoach
Date of Birth30 May 1965
CityRockville Centre, NY
I have said before that we are not the most talented team, we are not the best team and there are always ugly moments in games. But you are always going to feel good as a coach walking off the court coaching these guys because they give you everything they have. Whether that is enough to win the game (against Tennessee), we'll see.
I really felt like probably the last 32 minutes of the game we were totally outplayed, outperformed, out everything by South Carolina. Their kids played a great game. I don't think the score was indicative of how much they outplayed us in this game.
I really feel like the only game where we were outfought was at South Carolina. For whatever reason, we didn't play how we normally do.
I really feel bad for Lee, because Lee is a good kid. He is one guy who is so conscientious in the way he lives his life. He eats correctly, he gets to bed early and he is at every tutor and every study hall. He is such a perfect kid in a lot of ways. For him, it bothers me as a coach that he can't be out there.
I probably won't start him. Lee is getting better and is progressing, but he probably won't start until he shows me that he can get through a full practice healthy.
I'm fortunate to coach an unbelievable group of guys who have been totally selfless. They've been all about the team, and all about winning. ... I'm happy that I can be a part of the first-ever national championship.
I'm so proud of these kids. I'm shocked that we're 22-6. To me, these kids have really, really overachieved.
If one of my guys would have hauled off and punched somebody, that would be the story right now.
I had the chance to talk to those guys, and that's what they want to do. I think they're having a lot of fun here. I think they're a different type of kids.
I'm very happy for John. He's done an absolutely fantastic job with his team this season. It's always difficult playing a game at this level against such a close friend.
I'm very, very thankful. The NCAA Tournament to me, what's the lottery motto? You've got to be in it to win it.
I'm very, very proud of these kids. It has been a remarkable run. There was so much uncertainty surrounding our season, but these guys have stepped up.
I'm not surprised that he's playing small forward, and I'm not surprised that he's playing well, because he's a great kid and he's always been about the team. He's always been an unselfish kid.
I'm hoping that has carried over and will continue to carry over. He just needs to let it fly. It's really that simple for that team.