Why in h-e-double-hockeysticks would Billy Donovan leave Florida?
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by user Tylersalt
I mean, I guess there are 1 million reasons why, but the fact is that Billy Donovan is going to have a much easier time at
the University of Florida than he ever would at Kentucky. A lot of this has been said before, I suppose, but what are the
potential factors that go into a decision like this?
- Strength of program: Florida obviously wins by a mile here. Yes, Kentucky is one of the so-called "glamor" jobs in college
hoops, much like 'Bama football, but the fact is that the strength of the program right now at Florida trumps all of that.
However, I suppose one should never underestimate the draw of a storied program's mystique (see Saban, Nick). - Recruiting: Again, looking at what Florida has done over the past few years, I would find it hard to believe that Donovan wouldn't
have an easier time recruiting to Gainesville than Lexington. - Location: Donovan's family is established in Florida, and didn't someone just say that he's invested quite a bit of money in his kid's
private school? Not sure Mrs. Donovan or the kids would be too happy about leaving. Plus, even though Gainesville is a bit of a hole
(I know quite a few people who go there through my girlfriend who's from the area), I sure would rather live there than in Kentucky. - Money: Clearly the raise that Kentucky is offering him is substantial. But the effect that it will have on the decision process won't be
completely known until Florida gives their counter-offer. I assume they will give one -- the question is can they afford to pay two big
time coaching salaries (to Donovan and football coach Urban Meyer)? If I'm a trustee or a donor for UF, I'm opening my pocketbook
to keep these guys. Two straight basketball championships bookending the first football championship since the mid-90's? I'd say it's
worth it. And besides, think about the kind of money these championship runs bring into the school.
All in all, I can't really see any good reason for why Donovan should leave the swamp for Kentucky. I guess his decision will remain to be seen,
but I think he'd be a fool to leave.
