Coach K vs. Billy Donovan

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Originally Posted by InstiGATOR1

Andy Glockner of SI mentioned on the CBS podcast I linked in the podcast thread that he wrote this column on "Catching Coach K" and here it is:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/new...?sct=uk_t11_a5

here is some of the Donovan discussion:

F them, "a truly top 5 job". Where could he win more than at Florida - no where

[REM08]

Originally Posted by NorthCaptivaGator

F them, "a truly top 5 job". Where could he win more than at Florida - no where

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, I think its safe to say Billy could be at schools that are easier places to win.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Originally Posted by REM08

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, I think its safe to say Billy could be at schools that are easier places to win.

Where? and Why?

[REM08]

Originally Posted by NorthCaptivaGator

Where? and Why?

I'm not trying to bash Florida, but there are schools with better facilities and (basketball) fan bases. You know, hence the numerous articles praising Billy as a recruiter by saying something like "and he's doing this at a football school" or "think of what he could do at a traditional power" or whatever.

I'm not trying to suggest that the chasm is a mile wide between programs, but its significant. This matters less in basketball than in football, but it still matters. There are places Billy could recruit to easier than where he is. There's no denying this.

[demosthenes]

You are correct. The list isn't long but UK, Duke, UNC, IU, and KU would be on the list.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Originally Posted by REM08

I'm not trying to bash Florida, but there are schools with better facilities and (basketball) fan bases. You know, hence the numerous articles praising Billy as a recruiter by saying something like "and he's doing this at a football school" or "think of what he could do at a traditional power" or whatever.

I'm not trying to suggest that the chasm is a mile wide between programs, but its significant. This matters less in basketball than in football, but it still matters. There are places Billy could recruit to easier than where he is. There's no denying this.

He is already pulling top 5 classes, better classes than most other schools, how much better could it get? Especially if he were to continue his balance between 4 year guys and potential one and dones like he has

[REM08]

Originally Posted by NorthCaptivaGator

He is already pulling top 5 classes, better classes than most other schools, how much better could it get? Especially if he were to continue his balance between 4 year guys and potential one and dones like he has

Easy answer. It'd get better. Calipari was a successful recruiter at Memphis. Joker Phillips didn't recruit that well (by big program standards) while at UK. Think he'll pull in better players at Florida? Again, the chasm isn't as wide as UK/UF football, but its there.

What you're telling me is that the rich successful guy in your (hypothetically) small town is already filthy rich and things couldn't possibly get any better for him were he to move into a bigger market. Don't get me wrong, coaches are what matter most in recruiting, but the programs matter as well. Many of these recruits develop great relationships with the coaches recruiting them and love the idea of playing for more than just one of them. You'll see many recruits talk about the hardest part of picking a school is having to tell the other coaches they're going elsewhere. When things are close, in the opinion of a recruit, coaching wise, other factors play a role as well.

Just like there are built in advantages Billy has in recruiting players to Florida when compared with other schools, there are a few (agree with the above post about that) that have it better.

[betazetagator]

Originally Posted by Singaporegator

That is a very interesting comparison. Thanks for putting it together. I would be quite happy to have Billy D coach the gators for another 20 years:-)

Yeah, thanks Ohio. I live in the middle of ACC Country and Coach K and Duke are the one that everyone either Loves or Hates. I like Coach K and seeing that Billy is right there, this Gator is really proud of coach D. Go Gators----