A lot of people in Kentucky really thought Billy Donovan was coming to Lexington. There were tons of rumors floating around. I thought it would be a good thing for Donovan, but knew there were definitely built-in problems Donovan would have dealing with the Kentucky faithful. It’s hard to be a coach when you think you’re a god in Kentucky, most of Donovan’s seasons at Florida would have drawn criticism in Kentucky. The two championships that made Donovan a legend in Florida would have just been expected in Kentucky. Donovan, wisely stayed with Florida. With two NCAA championships under his belt, he beat out Kentucky’s new coach, Billy Gillispie, for two prize recruits. Gilliespie however, trumped Donovan one one. Donovan’s next step? Exit for the pros of course. Good for Donovan, bad for Florida. Even more bad, what it does for those he recruited and committed to play at Florida for the most exciting coach in college. Two are staying, so far, one is reputed to be asking out of his commitment. Very high on his list, Kentucky of course. Now, the cash may seem like a slam dunk issue, but I’ll bet it’s a little more than that. He lost pretty much his entire team from last year, and even though he scored some talent, he would have to rebuild for a year or two. His stock, obviously, is higher now than it will be next spring. He’s smart enough to know that. Secondly, Kentucky’s previous coach was a lousy judge of talent. That pretty much left the door wide open for Donovan to recruit who he wanted. Once he started winning, it just made it that much easier. With Gillispie already nailing one of his prize recruits, those days are obviously gone already.
That’s the recent past and current situation. What I predict for the future is Donovan, like his mentor, Rick Pitino, will quickly learn that pro basketball players aren’t as easily disciplined or motivated as hungry college players. They’re pampered and spolied for the most part and will expect Donovan to continue doing so. I expect the same result his mentor had in the pros. By the time he does come back, I seriously doubt the best paying job in college basketball will be an option.
I like Donovan a lot. I wish him well. But, I don’t think this was a terribly well thought out plan.
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