Movin' On Up: Why Billy Donovan Said Yes to the Orlando Magic

The last time Orlando Magic fans were happy about anything, Shaquille O'Neal was leading their team to the NBA Finals.

As of 11 AM Friday morning, they have something new to cheer about.

That's when Billy Donovan made the phone call the basketball world was waiting for. After 11 seasons with the University of Florida, Donovan accepted a 5-year, $27.5 million contract offer to coach the Magic.

 

The departing king of Gator Nation cited three factors that shaped his thinking: the opportunity to stay in the state of Florida, the chance to build another winning program, and the appeal of taking on a new challenge.   

 

 

Close to Home 

 

Donovan talked to his AD, his wife, and God before making his decision.

 

After moving his entire family to Gainesville (parents and in-laws included), Donovan didn't want to stray too far from home. He also indicated that he wouldn't leave the Gators unless an NBA team came calling.

  

In the end, the Magic offered the best of both worlds: a shot at the big-time within driving distance of the Donovan clan.  

 

 

 

A Chance at Resurrection 

 

The Gators and Magic have been on opposite tracks in recent years—the former netting two straight national titles; the latter struggling to post winning percentages above .500. 

 

It's no secret that Florida's success is attributable largely to Donovan, who rang up a 261-103 record in his 11 seasons. Now, Orlando fans are hoping he can have comparable success with a wayward Magic squad.

 

More than anything, the Magic need to get back to basics—and Donovan may be just the man to get it done. With a natural leader in Grant Hill and a young star in Dwight Howard, the new coach has five years to bring that winning feeling back to Orlando.

 

 

 

From Gator Master to Magic Man

 

Billy Donovan was known as the Magic Man long before Orlando ever eyed him up.

 

Donovan and Gator football coach Urban Meyer helped UF make history in 2007 by becoming the first school to win national titles on the hardwood and the gridiron in the same academic year. The championship was the second in a row for Billy's boys, who relied on a wealth of talent to make the Gator Jive a countrywide craze.

 

Orlando's new coach would do well to go after one of his Gainesville stars in this month's draft. Lee Humphrey, Al Horford, Joakim Noah—they can all play, and any of them would be a logical fit for a franchise looking towards the future.

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

 

Billy Donovan is one of Florida's favorite sons, and the Magic better treat him well.

 

Imagine Noah and Humphrey teaming up with D-How as Orlando makes a run deep into the playoffs. Everyone's expecting a miracle out of Donovan, but Magic fans would settle for a touch of playoff fever.

 

As for Donovan himself He's movin' on up, just like the Jeffersons...and Gator Nation is happy that his deluxe apartment is in Orlando instead of Kentucky.

 

Good luck in O-Town, Billy D. We'll leave a light on for you in Gainesville.