Fansided

Billy Donovan takes out full-page newspaper ad thanking Florida Gators

By Jonathan Bass

Feb 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan waves to the fans after reaching his 500th career win against the Tennessee Volunteers at Stephen C. O
Feb 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan waves to the fans after reaching his 500th career win against the Tennessee Volunteers at Stephen C. O /
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Billy Donovan and his wife Christine took out a full-page ad in the Gainesville Sun to thank the Florida Gators for 19 wonderful years.

Roughly three weeks after accepting a position with the Oklahoma City Thunder, former University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan (along with wife Christine) has taken out a full-page newspaper ad in the Gainesville Sun thanking Gator Nation for 19 wonderful years. The message is both a fond farewell to former boss Jeremy Foley and the Rowdy Reptile fan base, as well as a vote of confidence for his replacement, Mike White. It reads as follows:

"Goodbye is so difficult.The University of Florida and Gainesville embraced us from the day we arrived so long ago, and we have grown to love not only this local community that has so loved us, but all the Gator Nation – from Crescent Beach to Cedar Key, from Miami to New York, from Jacksonville to San Francisco, to all over the nation and globe.We are so grateful to Jeremy Foley, staff and leaders at the University of Florida, along with scores of player and coaches who have become part of our family. And, of course, the Rowdy Reptiles.We leave with our hearts full of love and cherished memories of euphoria and heartbreak – on and off the court – shared at every step with our Gator family.We are excited for all that Mike White brings as he puts his own unique mark on Florida basketball…Fannnntastic!And so, rather than “goodbye,”…until we meet again may god hold you in the palm of his hand-Billy and Christine Donovan"

Prior to his departure, Donovan always maintained that it would take the absolute perfect situation for him to leave UF. Following a frustrating season of close losses, lack of team cohesion, and dearth of player development, this was as good a time as any for the coach to seek greener pastures. When Sam Presti called and offered up the chance to coach two of the NBA’s top 10 players – Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook – the prospect was too tempting for Donovan to refuse.

He is now tasked with doing what former OKC head coach Scott Brooks could not: getting the Thunder over the hump in the playoffs and winning a title.

Brooks missed the playoffs only twice during his seven years at the helm (his first and final seasons), and during his tenure the Thunder were routinely one of the league’s best teams. However, he faced constant criticism for being outcoached in the postseason and failing to maximize the Thunder’s talent. With both Durant and Westbrook staring down expiring contracts, Donovan could likely be staring at a short timeline to prove that his coaching philosophy can translate to the NBA.

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