Taurean Green joins Gators as Director of Player Development
Two-time National Champion point guard Taurean Green is returning to UF’s men’s basketball program as the Florida Gators director of player development.
“I couldn’t be more excited for Taurean to join our staff,” Golden said on Monday. “He’s one of the best to ever wear the Gator uniform and understands what it takes to achieve at the highest levels here. He’ll be an incredible resource for our student-athletes and an important connection to the tradition of excellence here, both for our fans and for all the past Gators who will always be part of the Florida family.”
Green ran the point for Billy Donovan and the back-to-back National Champions in 2006 and 2007. He scored 1,174 points during his career and doled out 400 assists. Green was the motor than ran the best teams the Gators have ever had on the hardwood.
“Gainesville became like another home to me during my time at UF, and I can’t wait to be back,” Green said. “Florida is such a special place, and I’m ready to do everything I can to help our players, Todd Golden, the coaching staff, and the entire program have success. Gator Nation, it feels great to be coming home!”
A Fort Lauderdale native, Green wrapped up a 14-year professional playing career in 2021 and joined the Chicago Bulls’ staff as a player development coordinator, working under Billy Donovan.
Green played three seasons with the Gators from 2004-07, a member of the unforgettable “Oh-Fours” recruiting class that helped bring back-to-back titles to UF in 2006 and 2007. The point guard was a two-time All-SEC honoree and earned MVP of the Midwest Regional in the Gators’ 2007 NCAA Tournament run, averaging 19.0 points in wins vs. Butler and Oregon. Green was also the leading scorer on Florida’s 2006-07 squad with a 13.3 scoring average.
Green finished his collegiate career with 1,174 points and was a 2007 NBA Draft pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. He played with Portland and the Denver Nuggets before embarking on a decorated overseas career that included league championships in France and Poland and an All-Star honor in Greece.
Golden spoke to Billy Donovan about Green, Gators
Speaking on the Field of 68 podcast back in April, Golden revealed that he plans to hire Green as the Gators’ director of player development.
Golden also revealed that he has spoken to Donovan, calling him “amazing.” The Gators’ new head coach has not shied away from the expectations that Donovan created in Gainesville. Instead, he hopes to be able to use Donavon as a resource.
“I was hired on a Friday and called him Saturday,” Golden said. “I told him, I want to learn from you. Tell me what made you successful there. I think he’s a guy, he said Todd, I’ll help you as much as you want or as little as you want. I’m here as a resource for you. We’ve ended up talking three or four times.”
