Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jim McMannis who wrote (282948)	4/4/2006 2:02:03 PM
From: Road Walker	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1577019

How 'bout those Gators? What's basketball? Florida Gators Celebrate NCAA Title By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer 1 hour, 34 minutes ago Florida coach Billy Donovan lifted the national championship trophy above his head Tuesday, posing for pictures and answering questions about his team's unlikely title run and its uncertain future. Donovan never expected this much this soon from his young Gators. Florida claimed its first national championship Monday night with a dominant 73-57 victory against history-rich UCLA. The Gators ran up and down the floor, playing stifling defense and overwhelming the Bruins with dunks, layups and long-range shots. It was "Billyball" at its best. It also was the perfect way to cap Donovan's first decade at Florida, where he made basketball matter in a football-frenzied town. "What happened is significant in basketball in the state of Florida, is significant to the University of Florida," Donovan said Tuesday morning. "To be a part of it, as I am, I'll remember this for the rest of my life. I'll remember these 10 years, in terms of trying to build things and create a level of consistency." Donovan got no sleep, staying up through the night to celebrate with players, coaches, family and friends. His eyes were a little red and he definitely was tired, but the festivities were just beginning. The Gators (33-6) were scheduled to arrive back in Gainesville on Tuesday afternoon with thousands of adoring fans waiting to greet them. They intended to return to school for a day before traveling to the White House on Thursday to be congratulated by President Bush. Then it's off to a final party, a full-fledged celebration back in Gainesville in front of a packed house on their home court. It's essentially a weeklong parade. "Certainly a big challenge as we move forward is going to be handling what's happened," Donovan said. "Because in reality, the 2005-2006 season is over with, the University of Florida won a national championship and how do we handle it going forward? "That is a big challenge, in my opinion, right now and not something that will be embraced or taken lightly." The biggest question remains: Who will turn pro? Last year, after North Carolina won the title, four players left early for the NBA — Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, Sean May and Marvin Williams. The Gators would rather not go through the same thing, although guard Corey Brewer, center Al Horford and multidimensional forward Joakim Noah might consider leaving. The three sophomores are roommates and best friends, making it possible they might talk each other into staying — or leaving. All of them repeatedly have said they intend to return. "Nine hours after we win, people want to talk about the future and I understand that," Donovan said. "I think we've got a different group of kids. I believe in my heart that all those guys will be back. I think they're having too much fun, they're enjoying playing together too much. "The kids in our program could get a whole lot better, could improve, and I think another year in college for those guys — or two (years) — would prove to be valuable for them rather than someone getting a chance or an opportunity (in the NBA) and those guys sitting on the bench and not having a chance to develop."