Former UF basketball Coach Billy Donovan says goodbye

Author: wink news
Published:

GAINESVILLE, Fla.- He might be moving away from the University of Florida, but former Gators basketball Coach Billy Donovan will always have a place in his heart for the Sunshine State.

Donovan and his wife took out this full-page ad in the Gainesville Sun to say goodbye to the Gators.

The text reads:

“Goodbye” is so difficult, especially after having spent two decades in this community. (And as you’ve seen before, leaving you all has never been easy for us!)

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 of Gator Nation – from Crescent Beach to Cedar Key, from Miami to New York, from Jacksonville to San Fransisco, 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 players and coaches who have become part of our family. And, of course, the Rowdy Reptiles.

We leave with 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…Fannnnntastic!

And so, rather than goodbye,

…until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

– Billy and Christine Donovan

Last month, Donovan accepted the head coaching position for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

Donovan spent 20 seasons at the helm of the Florida’s men’s basketball program, bringing two national championships to the swamp.

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