Offseason catchup

Compared to the Kentucky Wildcats' offseason, it has been a lean one for the Gators.  However, there has been one addition to the roster for next season.  And his last name might ring a bell with Florida fans: Jon Horford.  The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Michigan transfer will be able to play immediately for the Gators because Michigan did not offer a graduate program for his major.  Horford's career has been cut back by injuries, but he will provide an experienced body in the paint, having played in 107 games for the Wolverines.  Last season, he averaged 3.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while playing 13.8 minutes a game.  A good article by the Gainesville Sun's Kevin Brockway   details how Al's little brother is not worried about following in his footsteps.  I had been wondering if the Gators would be able to land a transfer/late recruit and they certainly scored on this one.  In terms of frontcourt depth, with the addition of Horford, the Gators now have Dorian Finney-Smith, Damontre Harris (assuming he is eligible), Alex Murphy (eligible in the spring), Chris Walker, and incoming freshman Devin Robinson.

In my opinion, Billy Donovan will either finish his career with the University of Florida or take an NBA head coaching job.  With five NBA teams without coaches (New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Lakers) and possibly more, it is hard to speculate if Donovan has considered any of those positions.  Other college coaches discussed for these jobs include Kentucky coach John Calipari and Connecticut's Kevin Ollie.  I do not expect those two to leave their present situations.  Donovan loves the University of Florida, has a great relationship with the athletic director, Jeremy Foley, and has been able to raise his family in the area.  Being at a place for 18 years, like Donovan has, will make it tough to leave.  But Donovan does like the 24/7 focus on basketball that the NBA provides.  He would not have to worry about players going to class or be hindered by the 20-hour-a-week practice schedule put in place by the NCAA.  Growing up a Knicks fan on Long Island, Donovan probably would strongly consider the Knicks job if they came asking.  With Steve Kerr likely New York's choice, I just do not see Donovan leaving this offseason.  People might say that since he lost four senior starters and that the squad might take a few seasons to get back to competing for Final Fours and National Championships, it is the right time to leave for the NBA.  I just think that his love for the university and program is too much.  As far as I have heard, no NBA team has an offer or even contacted him.  I firmly expect Donovan to be coaching in Gainesville next season.