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Billy Donovan a Basketball Hall of Fame finalist

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr02/15/25On3Keith
Donovan
© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Legendary Florida Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan has been named a finalist for induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. There are 17 finalists; inductees will be announced in San Antonio on April 5 at NCAA Men’s Final Four.

The Naismith’s official website wrote the following on Donovan, who today coaches the NBA’s Chicago Bulls: “Donovan is a two-time NCAA national champion coach who achieved unparalleled success during his tenure at the University of Florida (1996-2015). He guided the Gators to consecutive national titles in 2006 and ‘07 and four Final Four appearances while recording over 500 total victories at Florida and Marshall (1994-96). After his collegiate success, Donovan transitioned to the NBA, coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20) and Chicago Bulls (2020-present) to over 400 wins. The former Providence College point guard under Hall of Famer Rick Pitino was named SEC Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.”

Donovan, now 59, was only 30 when Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley snatched him from Marshall to replace Lon Kruger as Gators coach. It ended up being one of the best hires in the history of SEC athletics — not just at Florida. Donovan went 467–186 in Gainesville and made the Elite Eight or better seven times. Donovan’s program is one of only eight to have won consecutive national championships in men’s college basketball.

Because he had such an outstanding career as a college coach, some may tend to forget Donovan also was an elite college player. He averaged 20 points and 7 assists a game as a senior to lead Providence to the 1987 Final Four.

“Selection as a Finalist for the Class of 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement, signifying a career of excellence and lasting influence on the game,” Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, said in a release. “This recognition goes beyond statistics and accolades—it honors those who have defined eras, inspired generations, and elevated basketball through their talent, leadership, and dedication. Whether as players, coaches, teams, or contributors, each Finalist has left an indelible mark on the sport, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary impact.”

These are the other finalists for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:

-2008 US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team
-Carmelo Anthony [Player]
-Danny Crawford [Referee]
-Mark Few [Coach]
-Dwight Howard [Player]
-Marques Johnson [Player]
-Jerry Welsh [Coach]
-Buck Williams [Player]
-Jennifer Azzi [Player]
-Sue Bird [Player]
-Sylvia Fowles [Player]
-Maya Moore [Player]
-Molly Bolin [Player]
-Dušan Ivković [Coach]
-Micky Arison [Contributor]
-Tal Brody [Contributor]

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