Donovan Leaves Orlando at the Altar

Champion hoops team continues disintegration as coach bolts for the pros

(NEWSER) - Billy Donovan, who led the University of Florida to two straight championships in 11 years, will replace the fired Brian Hill as Orlando's new coach. Donovan was wooed with a five-year, $27.5 million deal, and he will enjoy no front-office responsibilities, traditionally difficult territory for coaches accustomed to the college game. More»

After Gainsville triumph, does he still want dream job?

(NEWSER) - In the wake of his second straight championship, Gators coach Billy Donovan has a difficult, if enviable, decision. The 41-year-old workaholic can continue stewarding the historic program he has built in Gainesville, or he can fill the vacancy at basketball powerhouse Kentucky, where he was assistant coach for five years. More»

Rick Pitino nearly loses it in win over protege Billy Donovan

(AP) - Hated to do that to ya, kid. Rick Pitino nearly came unhinged and his point guard watched the end of the game from the bench. When it was over, though, it was Pitino and Louisville making plans for the Final Four and his protege, Billy Donovan, and the Florida Gators wondering what the heck happened. Chane Behanan made the go-ahead basket with 1:04 left today and the fourth-seeded Cardinals finished the game on a 23-8 run for a 72-68 victory over Donovan's stunned Florida team in the West Regional final. More»

Cops vow to jail miscreants as coliseum fills

(NEWSER) - An estimated 150,000 clogged streets in downtown Los Angeles today as the NBA-champion Lakers took a victory lap around downtown, the Times reports. Some 80,000 more jammed the Coliseum for a rally at parade’s end. Police, hoping to avoid the looting and chaos that followed Sunday’s clinching victory over the Orlando Magic, turned out in force. More»

(NEWSER) - The Cavaliers' loss to the Orlando Magic last night further highlights the difference between LeBron James and his spectacular forebear, Michael Jordan, Mike Freeman writes for CBS Sports. “Jordan wouldn't have lost this game or been destroyed in this series,” Freeman writes. Furthermore, Jordan would not have delivered James’ easygoing response to the loss that left Cleveland down 3-1. “Jordan would've strangled someone.” More»