By Jerry Tipton
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
The University of Florida has scheduled a news conference for 4 p.m. today, and it was expected that Donovan would announce that he will remain coach of the Gators. ESPN.com quoted Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley as saying Donovan planned to stay put.
Donovan, who won his second consecutive national championship for Florida on Monday night, was widely thought to be Kentucky’s first choice to succeed Tubby Smith as head coach.
Smith resigned last month to become coach at the University of Minnesota.
The news conference comes as the Orlando Sentinel reported that two more Florida recruits said they had reason to think Donovan would remain with Florida.
Chandler Parsons of Lake Howell, Fla., said that Donovan had sent him a text message before the Final Four. “He can’t wait to coach me as a Gator,” Parsons told the newspaper in a story published Thursday.
“I obviously want him to stay,” Parsons is quoted as saying. “He’s the best coach in the country.”
Guard Nick Calathes, the highest-rated prospect signed by Florida, told the Orlando Sentinel that he had been assured by Florida’s assistant coaches that Donovan would remain in Gainesville.
“They said we’re all going to be Gators,” Calathes said.
Florida recruit Adam Allen made similar statements earlier this spring.
Allen, a player from Milton, Fla., described a text message sent by Donovan as saying, “He knows there are lots of rumors going around. He’s just glad to have me and looking forward to coaching me at Florida.”
Here is the full text of Barnhart's statement:
“Throughout this process, our focus has been on finding the right person to lead college basketball’s most storied program. We have had productive conversations with various individuals over the last two weeks, and it’s obvious there are a number of outstanding coaches who could succeed at Kentucky. With the nation’s most passionate fan support and unmatched facilities, I’m confident we’ll find the right man.
“I had a conversation with Billy Donovan today to gauge any interest he might have in the head coaching position at Kentucky. Billy informed me that he intends to stay in Gainesville. As a former UK assistant, we wish him the very best.
“Obviously, finding the right coach is more important than finding the next coach quickly. Patience remains a priority as we continue to identify the best individual to lead the Big Blue Nation.”
