Donovan Pulls Magic Trick, Leaves Florida, Stays in State

It was widely speculated that the Florida Gators would have had a hard time winning three straight national titles with the loss of some of their top players, but the task becomes almost impossible without the foundation of the program, coach Billy Donovan.

Donovan comes from the coaching tree of Rick Pitino and when the Kentucky Wildcats came calling, he turned them down, saying he liked where he was, apparently he meant the state, and not the university, as he was hired as the next coach of the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

As reported in an Associated Press article an NBA official said that Donovan agreed to a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. Donovan will be introduced as the Magic head coach this morning at a news conference.

The former Gator coach seemed ready to sign a contract extension with the Gators, but for one reason or another, the deal was not signed, and the Magic took advantage of that situation as they convinced Donovan to leave Gainesville, and come south to Orlando.

Magic general manager Otis Smith said,"Billy Donovan is a winner, we feel he is the right person to develop and maximize the talent of our players. We look forward to Billy leading us to the next level."

June 1, 2007
Posted By Susan Torres
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com    Previous Page | Internet Gambling | Top Online Casinos | Submit News!

Al Gore Sportsbook Betting Odds to Win 2008 Presidency at 6-1
Former Hockey Star Tocchet Guilty of Running Gambling Ring
Sparks Fly In Season Finale Of American Idol
UK Sportsbooks To Share Profits With Major UK Sports Leagues
Preakness Odds Announced for Horse Racing's Second Triple Crown