Billy Donovan’s Impact on Florida Basketball
Former head coach Billy Donovan joined the Florida men’s basketball program in 1996, inheriting a team that had only participated in five NCAA Tournaments in its 76-year existence. By the time he left in 2015, Donovan had transformed Florida into a national powerhouse, leading the Gators to two consecutive national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Donovan’s legacy extends beyond just the championship wins, as he guided Florida to four Final Four appearances and three national championship games. Since his departure to the NBA, the Gators have struggled to replicate that same success; however, the 2024-25 team is beginning to show signs of greatness reminiscent of Donovan’s historic squads.
“It’s a direct result of the work that our players have done all year and the work my staff has done,” said current head coach Todd Golden. “They’ve all, to a man, been incredibly consistent, unselfish and worked their tail off.”
This season, Florida achieved its third-highest win total in history (34) while advancing to its sixth Final Four, leading to comparisons with other legendary teams from the past. Under Golden’s leadership, the Gators not only enjoyed their most successful season since 2014, but they also became the second-highest scoring team in program history, averaging 85.4 points per game.
2024-25 Season Overview
Golden has emphasized returning Florida to elite status since taking over in 2022, and this season’s performance reflects that goal. The Gators peaked at No. 2 in the AP poll and secured their fifth SEC Tournament title. Remarkably, this year’s squad features its first-ever first-team All-American: senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who is averaging 18.1 points and 4.2 assists per game. If he continues to excel in the Final Four, Florida could claim its third national title.
Comparative Historic Teams
The 2005-06 season was a hallmark year for Florida, where, despite a few mid-season struggles, the team caught fire at the right moment, eventually winning its inaugural national championship. This memorable team was led by stars like Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer, each contributing significantly to the team’s success.
In the following season, the Gators repeated their championship performance in 2006-07, returning their star trio to once again dominate the competition. This team made history by becoming the first in Florida’s program to secure a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed and won the title without a close challenge in the postseason, showcasing an impressive array of talent headed for the NBA.
The Challenge Ahead
As the 2024-25 Gators prepare for their Final Four matchup against Auburn in San Antonio, there’s no doubt they have solidified their position among the best in Florida’s basketball history. A victory in the upcoming games would elevate them to a status shared by only two other teams in the program’s past. The game is set for Saturday at 6:09 p.m. ET, with Coach Golden acknowledging the need for adjustments against a familiar opponent.
For more insights, contact Max Tucker at mtucker@alligator.org.
