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What awaits Donovan? Whatever he wants

By JOHN ROMANO
Published March 25, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS - He walks in the building, and heads turn.

He makes his way across the floor and to the bench, and eyes follow.

Billy Donovan brought Florida back to the Sweet 16 Friday night, and looked for all the world like a man returning home. Do you suppose they were watching in Indiana? Did they take notice in Kentucky?

This is the predicament Florida is in:

Trying to keep up with the reputation of its coach.

Donovan has done a good enough job for Indiana to consider. He has accomplished enough in Gainesville that Kentucky might one day have interest.

But has he made Florida such a desirable job that he wouldn't want to leave? After 10 years, have his and UF's images become intertwined?

"Did I think I'd be here for 10 years? You never know," Donovan said. "You almost have to go one year at a time, but I feel very comfortable that our commitment to basketball is as good as anyone in the country."

You know, it has come up in recent weeks. Maybe on the fringe, but not out of the realm of possibility.

Indiana's job is open, and administrators seem to be moving deliberately. Tubby Smith is still at Kentucky, but there are whispers that he may be receptive if the NBA makes a run.

Right now, the rumors appear more wishful than real. Donovan has shown no hint of being ready to pack, and UF is prepared to seal the exits.

Still, you can never tell. Steve Spurrier left Florida, Roy Williams left Kansas and Shelley Long left Cheers.

There are always extenuating circumstances. A new challenge. An old tie. Sometimes, it is a matter of money and other times a question of respect.

In this case, you have to consider what Donovan might gain.

Money could be an issue, but I doubt it. Donovan makes around $1.7-million at Florida and Kentucky is paying Smith in the $2.5-million range. If UK comes calling with a fat raise, wouldn't you expect UF to cash in a bond or two?

Lifestyle is not likely a factor. Donovan might have enjoyed his five seasons as an assistant in Lexington, but he has found roots in Gainesville. His parents and in-laws have moved to town, and it is essentially the only home his four children have ever known.

The rock-star status bestowed on a basketball coach in Lexington or Bloomington might be intriguing, but the tradeoff is enormous pressure.

It wouldn't be a leap to the NBA, it wouldn't be a change in conference prestige and it wouldn't be a return to his alma mater or hometown.

So what does that leave?

The possibility of something special.

Does Donovan believe he has a better chance of winning national championships at Kentucky or Indiana than he would at Florida?

It's a legitimate question. The divide between the programs is not as wide as a decade ago, but they still have more history, prestige and buzz.

It is the one benefit Florida cannot match, so the Gators should not even try. Instead, Florida could offer something else. Something that has proven difficult in places such as Lexington.

Florida can offer faith.

It can make a commitment to Donovan in a way that Indiana or Kentucky would find difficult. He need not worry about losing a recruit, or an NCAA Tournament game. He doesn't have to worry about boosters with unrealistic demands or an athletic director feeling the heat.

"Because of what has happened in college coaching ... I have so much respect for what a Bob Knight did at Indiana, a Mike Krzyzewski at Duke or a Lute Olson at Arizona," Donovan said. "It is very, very difficult to stay at one place for a long period of time."

There is a sense that he no longer is Billy the Kid. That the hairline continues to recede as the tenure keeps growing. That his legacy is busy being written, and he'd better hurry if he's thinking of a happy ending.

Sorry, but it's a false premise. Donovan is still just 40 years old. Do you understand where that puts him in coaching hierarchy?

Krzyzewski was 44 before winning his first national title. John Thompson was 43. Dean Smith was 51 and Jim Calhoun was 56.

Donovan already has more than 250 career victories. At a similar age, Williams had around 75. Olson was near 125.

In other words, Donovan is just getting started. Chances are, he will not be remembered for his first dozen seasons as much as the next dozen.

He could yet be Krzyzewski. Or Knight. Or Olson. Or Jim Boeheim. He could create a legend instead of chasing one.

Or he could go in search of something new. Something better. He could be Rick Pitino or Larry Brown or Lon Kruger, superb basketball minds with restless natures and a trail of broken relationships.

The choice is his.

[Last modified March 25, 2006, 01:51:17]