Billy the Kidd

Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller and Joakim Noah have all been significant blue collar players since entering the NBA.  All three men have experienced success with limited athletic ability.  Billy Donovan cultivated the careers of these three men while playing for him at the University of Florida. 

Adam Silver may be on to something if he is seriously considering raising the age limit in the NBA to 20.  David Stern had the correct mind-set by stopping high school kids from entering the NBA Draft.  However, Stern's decision has hurt the college game.  In the golden era of one and done,  NCAA basketball has become an audition for NBA teams.  Billy Donovan is one of the few coaches in the game that is in the business of developing players.  Players leave Florida with the team aspect down pact.  The names on the back of the jerseys may change but the system and winning mentality is a constant. 

With the Elite Eight win over Dayton, Florida advanced to their fourth Final Four under Donovan.  The Gators are no longer a basketball team making waves at a football school.  Basketball being relevant in Gainesville was unheard of 30 years ago. 

I still feel Rick Pitino is the best coach in college basketball.  However, Billy Donovan is challenging that notion.