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Donovan to the NBA! Was anyone really surprised here? I know I wasn't. What I find interesting is the players reactions, not to mention a Fathers. John Lucas is quoted as saying that he would have to see who the new coach was and access the situation. Does this mean John would now have Jai leave for say Kentucky?
John goes on to say that he is not surprised, that he thought Donovan was going to the NBA anyway. I find that a bit odd in that he sang a different tune at his sons press conference. You can forget that though... its not nearly as interesting as Jai's quotes, saying he thought Donovan would be there in the same article where his Dad claims to have thought he would leave. Am I missing something here?
I wonder if Donovan's wife will take to the podium and say, "we shocked the world," as Mrs. Patterson did after her son announced? Nah! Because this was no surprise. Donovan had been flirting with the NBA for a couple of years now. While you can't knock his success at Florida, you can rest assured that the hints dropped here that Billy cared about Billy ring true.
Perhaps he will enjoy more success than his mentor Rick Patino in Boston. He may even return to the college ranks as did Patino, especially after his financial windfall. Who knows for sure? You can rest assured though, that he knew that Florida is a football school. Two consecutive national titles couldn't change that.
While I certainly don't think Florida will not continue to have some success on the hardwood, I do see a falloff and yes, even if they hire the VCU coach;) I could be wrong on that, so we will have to wait an see, but many of the nations prospects will hesitate if they want a hoops school. That of course is my opi.
Count me as one that is glad the Donovan and Patterson situations are over. They had far more press than they deserved, because deep down they knew what was going to happen for awhile. I suppose one could argue if both weren't self serving, but it wouldn't be that compelling.