Don't schools usually let players out of their LOI if a coach leaves? They have 3 forwards in the Top 150. Two of them in the 70 and 80s range. Not great, but better than not having any depth at all.
Donovan and OKC begin official talk
- Thread starter stuway
- Start date
Good move for him. He's on record as saying he'd love to do nothing but be about basketball all the time and not out recruiting. I think it could be a Golden State situation for OKC.
Ironing out a contract right now. Minimum $6 million/year. Apparently Donovan wants to speak to Durant and Westbrook, and undoubtedly wants assurances that OKC will open the checkbook to retain them next year.
Also, Durant has been asking former Florida players about Donovan and is "generally positive" about Donovan being their potential coach.
Good for him. I think honestly that Cal will only be at UK for about 3-5 more years. By that time the two coaches i would want to replace him will be ready to come on back to the college game in Brad Stevens and now Billy D.
and I think that may be when we're looking for a new coach after Cal hangs it up - one that knows how to take a team to a final four.
You never know, the timing might align
eh, I like listening to them - its like readers digest condensed sports (which only people over 40 would get that reference)
He doesn't have a clue what he's talking about on this issue. If anyone knew if KD or Russ were leaving it wouldn't be him. There a a lot better people to listen to on NBA issues than he or Wilbon.
We just worked through Jim McElwain's monster buyout ($7.5 million) to get him. Money is not a factor here.
There is really no downside / risk associated with Donovan taking this job.
If he gets a ring next year, it doesn't matter what happens during free agency in the next two years. Even if he is stuck with a depleted OKC for a few years after, he'll get his pick of top tier jobs when they open up. I also believe if they win....KD would likely sign another max deal with them.
If he loses and KD / Westbrook leave, his future NBA opportunities will likely be more limited....but he could walk back into the college ranks anywhere he wants....even back to Florida if he wants to.
When you look at the "one shot / all or nothing / go big or go home" situations that have opened up for coaches over the last few years, this is probably the most intriguing.
If he gets a ring next year, it doesn't matter what happens during free agency in the next two years. Even if he is stuck with a depleted OKC for a few years after, he'll get his pick of top tier jobs when they open up. I also believe if they win....KD would likely sign another max deal with them.
If he loses and KD / Westbrook leave, his future NBA opportunities will likely be more limited....but he could walk back into the college ranks anywhere he wants....even back to Florida if he wants to.
When you look at the "one shot / all or nothing / go big or go home" situations that have opened up for coaches over the last few years, this is probably the most intriguing.
If there ever was a NBA job for a college coach to jump to, it is this one. I would accept within minutes if I was Billy. 20 years is enough at Florida. Two national titles and four Final Fours is about all you can hope to accomplish for a school that views basketball as just something to do before football season.
Take the job, Billy.
Take the job, Billy.
If anyone even gave that a passing thought, they are crazy. K would and never will leave Duke until he is done with coaching.
Whatever he decides, he's done a helluva job at FL over the years. Wish him the best of luck either way.
There are a myriad of reasons for him to leave and take the job including a few different circumstances that have changed since he was last courted. But I'm just not sure about this. My gut feeling, aka my opinion, is Gator fans need to wait and see. He isn't gone yet. Sure looks like it, but we will see.
Jerry Meyer @jerrymeyer247
I'd be closer to shocked than surprised if Billy Donovan is Florida's coach next year.
I'd be closer to shocked than surprised if Billy Donovan is Florida's coach next year.
I HIGHLY doubt it...all of their commits will probably be blocked from going to any SEC school
:facepalm.
If true, that's a stupid rule but we're talking about NCAA stuff here so... I should know better
Yeah I was thinking that. I think in order for them to go to another SEC school that Florida has to approve it, which is unlikely.
This just feels right. He's absolutely deserving of an NBA gig, and his style (pick and roll, his best teams have good big men, etc) is a natural fit.
It's also one of the rare times that a split of this level could feel mutually accepted. Donovan built the Florida program as it currently exists, and I think their fans seem to acknowledge that it was a great run and don't begrudge him at all for moving on.
Not only that, what a job offer to take. No matter what the future may or may not hold in OKC, the job, as it stands, is one of the three best in the league. I'm not sure there's a fanbase in college hoops that could be too sour about their coach taking that job (except ours, of course).
I absolutely hopes he takes it, because it seems like a good fit for all parties involved. Florida will take a step back, just because you don't immediately replace a coach like Donovan, but they also know they're a much more attractive destination now than they would have ever been without him.
It's also one of the rare times that a split of this level could feel mutually accepted. Donovan built the Florida program as it currently exists, and I think their fans seem to acknowledge that it was a great run and don't begrudge him at all for moving on.
Not only that, what a job offer to take. No matter what the future may or may not hold in OKC, the job, as it stands, is one of the three best in the league. I'm not sure there's a fanbase in college hoops that could be too sour about their coach taking that job (except ours, of course).
I absolutely hopes he takes it, because it seems like a good fit for all parties involved. Florida will take a step back, just because you don't immediately replace a coach like Donovan, but they also know they're a much more attractive destination now than they would have ever been without him.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think in most situations when a coach leaves a program, the incoming class of recruits are generally given more flexibility to seek other opportunities even within conference. It just depends on the administration. I'd research it if I cared enough.
"Sorry, elite recruit....yes, we know our coach left, yes, we know he's the reason you committed, yes, we know if he wasn't here you would have gone somewhere else. Still, though......here is a list of schools you're barred from attending. Have a great life"
Seems a bit brutal but hey.....NCAA BAEBAAAY!!
"Sorry, elite recruit....yes, we know our coach left, yes, we know he's the reason you committed, yes, we know if he wasn't here you would have gone somewhere else. Still, though......here is a list of schools you're barred from attending. Have a great life"
Seems a bit brutal but hey.....NCAA BAEBAAAY!!
