After leading the Gators to the Final Four for the fourth time in 18 seasons, Florida coach Billy Donovan was on the radar for a few NBA openings this offseason.
Donovan disclosed Thursday he “talked” to a few NBA teams but is happy at Florida. Donovan would not disclose which NBA teams.
“I will say this: I have spoken to a couple of NBA teams, and that’s all I’m going to say,” Donovan said.
Further pressed on the topic, Donovan said: “I got a few calls from a couple NBA teams. I’m going to leave it at that. After the Orlando situation, that’s all I’m saying. That’s it. So I’m not going to get into, ‘He’s lying, he’s not being truthful.’ I got a couple of calls, that’s all it is.”
Donovan of course, left the Gators for the Orlando Magic for six days in 2007, but returned after a change of heart.
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported the Minnesota Timberwolves had interest in Donovan, though the Wolves now appear to be leaning toward former NBA player and Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell. The New York Knicks job also remains open, though after losing out on Steve Kerr, team CEO Phil Jackson appears to be interested in either Derek Fisher or Mark Jackson.
Donovan said he “fully plans” on being back next season.
“It’s always flattering,” Donovan said of the NBA attention. “But at the same time, I’ve always said that I’m very happy here and like it here. (Florida athletic director) Jeremy (Foley) has been great here. I like where our program’s at and the direction we’re going.”
