Ron Jeremy - New Orlando Magic Coach! (Magic Discussion Thread)

[D-Unit]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/local/orl-magic0107june01,0,6754853.story?coll=orl-sports-headlines

Wooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

So I created a new thread.... Sue me. :D

[-black]

your lying....

[WMD]

Didn't you do that in one of the Forum Mocks? You prophet, you!

[-black]

I cant believe it......im trying not to get excited till its 100% fact

i hate Donovan (me being a FSU fan and all) but if he becomes the Magic coach (my fav basketball team) then I will be forced to LOVE him

the irony of changes

[M.O.T.H.]

I'm gonna wait for it to be official before, I get excited... honestly, i thought we didnt have a real chance.

[-black]

yeah untill its official im callin his bluff

[D-Unit]

Donovan is the only one who can save this franchise. If he doesn't sign the dotted line, I will personally hunt down Brian Schmitz and Tim Povtak and ....

[M.O.T.H.]

ESPN says this offer is disgustingly huge...haha...

[D-Unit]

ESPN says this offer is disgustingly huge...haha...
DeVos is the Amway billionaire.... It's chump change for him.

[awfullyquiet]

well well well.

at least it's not kentucky.

[-black]

D-Unit your a Magic Fan?

[Charm City Byrdgang]

Wow, great signing by the Magic. I guess they are one upping the grizz with their signing of marc iavaroni.

[D-Unit]

ESPN says this offer is disgustingly huge...haha...
TV? Radio? Website? Where?

[D-Unit]

D-Unit your a Magic Fan?
You can call me the Magic Unit. LMAO!

[-black]

oh, now all we need is either Rashard Lewis of Vincanity. Lewis prolly makes more sense but i'd love to get Vince (for sentimental purposes)

can we afford to sign a big time FA and keep Darko?

[ElectricEye]

Not sure this is the best move from Donovan's perspective. Bad history with college coaches going to the pros. But should he sign, he already has a franchise player in Howard, so who knows?

[SeanTaylorRIP]

He had no reason to return to Florida other than personal comfort, so I like the move, if the magic can take care of PG issues they are up there in the east with the further offensive development of Dwight Howard.

[Windy]

haha..wow...

[princefielder28]

Absolutely terrific move by Orlando

[D-Unit]

oh, now all we need is either Rashard Lewis of Vincanity. Lewis prolly makes more sense but i'd love to get Vince (for sentimental purposes)

can we afford to sign a big time FA and keep Darko?
It's going to take a lot of creativity. Most likely, no.

[bearsfan_51]

ESPN News is reporting that the Orlando Sentinal is the only publication currently stating that they think Donovan is going to accept.

Again, I'm not saying it's wrong, but at this point all that is known for sure is that they offered him the job, not that he accepted.

[fenikz]

I'd take Iavaroni over Donavon, i mean its not hard to win when you have 4 1st rounders

[D-Unit]

Absolutely terrific move by Orlando
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2007-04/28741005.jpg

[M.O.T.H.]

TV? Radio? Website? Where?

ESPN NEWS but, it seems that their only source is from the orlando sentinel.

As for signing a big name FA and keeping Darko... It is def possible... If we find a way to unload both Hedo Turkoglu and Keyon Dooling.

[D-Unit]

I'd take Iavaroni over Donavon, i mean its not hard to win when you have 4 1st rounders
Were they 1st rounders before they got to Florida?

[-black]

I smell a fresh start for the Magic Franchise.....

[D-Unit]

ESPN News is reporting that the Orlando Sentinal is the only publication currently stating that they think Donovan is going to accept.

Again, I'm not saying it's wrong, but at this point all that is known for sure is that they offered him the job, not that he accepted.
I'm feeling like Bears fans when Washington offered their 6th Pick for Lance Briggs. LOL!

[SeanTaylorRIP]

I'd take Iavaroni over Donavon, i mean its not hard to win when you have 4 1st rounders

4???

I count 2 and a Noah, and none of them were highly touted out of high school other than Brewer.

[M.O.T.H.]

It may be real tough to land one of the marquee names out there... Rashard Lewis as of right now...is probably resigning, Billups wont be on the market for long, if at all, and VC has come out and said that he is certain that he will remain a Net and would love to do so.

We need to get a star somewhere.......

[princefielder28]

4???

I count 2 and a Noah, and none of them were highly touted out of high school other than Brewer.

haha a Noah :)

[-black]

if Rashard opted out then why are you sure he is re-signing? not saying it isnt possible but I think we have a great shot at someone......especially Lewis

I think Vince would come home

[P-L]

Wow, great hire if this proves out to be true.

[D-Unit]

It may be real tough to land one of the marquee names out there... Rashard Lewis as of right now...is probably resigning, Billups wont be on the market for long, if at all, and VC has come out and said that he is certain that he will remain a Net and would love to do so.

We need to get a star somewhere.......
Here's what I said a lil while ago...

1. Fire Brian Hill
2. Resign Darko
3. Sign PG Maurice Williams

[D-Unit]

WDBO Radio in Orlando just reported that B. Donovan has agreed to become Magic's next Head Coach!!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2007-04/28839252.jpg

[M.O.T.H.]

if Rashard opted out then why are you sure he is re-signing? not saying it isnt possible but I think we have a great shot at someone......especially Lewis

I think Vince would come home

Everyone knew he would opt out... he says his heart is in seattle and he wants to come back... the Magic probably cant pay as much as some of the other teams out there...not after resigning, Darko. As for Vince... people in the organization have come out and said Otis Smith isnt really interested in VC...we probably could have had him last season if we wanted him... The latest news on VC is that he wants to remain a Net.

[-black]

LMAO! @ Gator fans

http://florida.rivals.com/forum.asp?sid=882&fid=865&style=2

[D-Unit]

http://580wdbo.com/

Listen Live! Announcing Donovan has accepted!!!

[M.O.T.H.]

Here's what I said a lil while ago...

1. Fire Brian Hill
2. Resign Darko
3. Sign PG Maurice Williams

Honestly, something like that may have to happen... I'm sure if Lewis and VC are out... Wallace will get a nice long look from us...

If we do go PG... Williams, Atkins, Blake, Bibby are all possibilities.

[Scar]

Give it 45 minutes or so, Bill Self will take the Florida job.

[M.O.T.H.]

http://580wdbo.com/

Listen Live! Announcing Donovan has accepted!!!

YAY!!!!!!!

[D-Unit]

Honestly, something like that may have to happen... I'm sure if Lewis and VC are out... Wallace will get a nice long look from us...

If we do go PG... Williams, Atkins, Blake, Bibby are all possibilities.
Bibby can opt out... but after looking at what he's making next season.... I wonder if he'd actually do it.

[-black]

would rather have Bibby prolly....

[princefielder28]

Bibby can opt out... but after looking at what he's making next season.... I wonder if he'd actually do it.

13.5 mil is a pretty nice salary

[WMD]

Magic should've went after Marty Mornhinweg.

[M.O.T.H.]

So happy the Magic are in the news...yay...

[D-Unit]

So happy the Magic are in the news...yay...
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2003-12/10459296.jpg

[D-Unit]

Reportedly around 6M per year...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2888555

[WMD]

6 Years, $36 Million..

[-black]

I cant believe i actually like this guy now

lol i gotta get back to work....my co workers gon be wonderin why i now have a big smile on my face

[M.O.T.H.]

yup, 6 years 36 million per ESPN News... They said he'll formally sign by the end of the week.

[D-Unit]

yup, 6 years 36 million per ESPN News... They said he'll formally sign by the end of the week.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2007-03/28590138.jpg

HEEEEEEYYYYY!!!!!! HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Wow that is some dough, good for Donovan, I hate Florida but like him, I still think Harvey Grant deserves a job.

[M.O.T.H.]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/photo/2007-03/28590138.jpg

HEEEEEEYYYYY!!!!!! HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!


CHEST BUMP....WOO!!!

[D-Unit]

Wow.... JJ Redick will be unleashed!!!!!!!!! ...the same way Donovan used Lee Humphrey, Brett Nelson, Teddy Dupay, Jason Williams....

[D-Unit]

CHEST BUMP....WOO!!!
Uhh... no.








:D

[Ewing]

Dwight Howard is going to take over the NBA with Billy Donovan coaching him.

[M.O.T.H.]

Uhh... no.








:D


haha....oh well...Woo!!!

[-black]

YAY!!! I feel like dancin


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/turkblack/linusdance.gif


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/turkblack/freshprince.gif

[M.O.T.H.]

YAY!!! I feel like dancin


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/turkblack/linusdance.gif



One of the best dances ever.

[M.O.T.H.]

It's gonna be interesting to see how he uses Darko.

[D-Unit]

YAY!!! I feel like dancin


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/turkblack/linusdance.gif


http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/turkblack/freshprince.gif
HAHAHA!!!!

That sums up the way I feel right about now!!

[BuckNaked]

Ha! Jai Lucas must be kicking himself for not coming to Kentucky.

[WMD]

In bigger news, the Pacers are hiring Jim O'Brien as their Head Coach!

[D-Unit]

In bigger news, the Pacers are hiring Jim O'Brien as their Head Coach!
Seriously???

[diabsoule]

Seriously???

Really really. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2888656

[D-Unit]

Really really. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2888656
LOL... Why do teams sign unsuccessful retreads?

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

LOL... Why do teams sign unsuccessful retreads?

Jim O'Brien is not a bad coach. He definitely did not deserve to get fired from his last job in Philly, after the team had a 10-win improvement over the previous season and made the playoffs.

[diabsoule]

I like Rick Carlisle as a coach but he had a hard time controlling the bad mamajamma's in Indy.

[D-Unit]

Jim O'Brien is not a bad coach. He definitely did not deserve to get fired from his last job in Philly, after the team had a 10-win improvement over the previous season and made the playoffs.
I guess that explains the mentality. . . tsk tsk tsk.

[NYmoney]

SEC is now the most overrated conference in college basketball.

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

I guess that explains the mentality. . . tsk tsk tsk.

Right and hiring a guy who's never coached on the NBA level and acting as if he's already an established great is a good mentality to have. Rick Pitino and Tim Floyd were damn good coaches in college, too...

[Tampa 2 4 life]

The Magic are back baby!

[D-Unit]

History is not on the side of Donovan succeeding in the NBA, but he just can't, just can't be any worse than Brian Hill. At the very least, it's a refreshing hire.

[D-Unit]

Right and hiring a guy who's never coached on the NBA level and acting as if he's already an established great is a good mentality to have. Rick Pitino and Tim Floyd were damn good coaches in college, too...
I guess it's better to some to hire a guy with a proven mediocre record, than a guy with a clean slate.

...Larry Brown was a damn good college coach. Remember him?

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

I guess it's better to some to hire a guy with a proven mediocre record, than a guy with a clean slate.

...Larry Brown was a damn good college coach. Remember him?

I'm not saying you can't be optimistic. Your posts in this thread and the Magic's contract offer show me that the both of you are moving very quick in "crowning his ass." You said it yourself that history is not really on his side.

I think Jim O'Brien is a good coach. He did well, considering what he had to work with in his two NBA stints. I don't know how bright his future is in Indiana, though...

[ncst8fan83]

if donovan realizes these guys won't lick his balls like college kids will, and he earns their respect, he'll do very very well for himself on the pro level. otherwise, his ego will send him down the same path as the pitino's of the world.

[toonsterwu]

I'm not surprised by this. I was surprised by all the Kentucky rumors. It never made sense. This one does. Billy D has an ego, as do all coaches. He probably, like his mentor, wants to see if he can cut it in the pros. He's still young enough that, if he fails in the pros, he can go back to college, like Pitino did, and reestablish himself. This is a move that keeps him close to his family, and he goes to a young team with some potential. All in all, seems like a good fit.

Edit: Maybe Taurean Green has a fall back spot now ...

[D-Unit]

I'm not saying you can't be optimistic. Your posts in this thread and the Magic's contract offer show me that the both of you are moving very quick in "crowning his ass." You said it yourself that history is not really on his side.

I think Jim O'Brien is a good coach. He did well, considering what he had to work with in his two NBA stints. I don't know how bright his future is in Indiana, though...
I'm being happy and excited.... No one ever said Orlando is bound to win Championships. Yikes. He was the #1 coaching candidate on my mind before there were even talks of Hill getting fired. Now that things are falling into place, it's very delightful! :D

Heck, we don't even have a first round pick, so I'm celebrating this in it's place.

The unknown upside of this hiring is extremely intriguing. Had we signed Carlisle, Carlisemo, Van Gundy or any other retread, it would've sucked because although decent coaches, their track record is proven to not achieve ultimate success.

[D-Unit]

if donovan realizes these guys won't lick his balls like college kids will, and he earns their respect, he'll do very very well for himself on the pro level. otherwise, his ego will send him down the same path as the pitino's of the world.
No need to worry. Steve Francis is gone. There really are not any hot heads on the Magic roster. In fact, I'd say the team is soft and needs an inject of swagger.

[Notredameleo]

6 years 36 million

[ncst8fan83]

i just mean, these aren't impressionable young 18-22 year olds. these are men who expect to be treated as adults and there are two totally different styles. You're a mentor of sorts in college whereas you're more of a boss in the NBA. just my two cents though. I hope he does well.

[gbpackers0065]

**** yes! I hope this puts our team near the top!

[D-Unit]

i just mean, these aren't impressionable young 18-22 year olds. these are men who expect to be treated as adults and there are two totally different styles. You're a mentor of sorts in college whereas you're more of a boss in the NBA. just my two cents though. I hope he does well.
Actually, you are dealing with a lot of players at and under 22. Dwight and Darko are both examples. They are very impressionable and they DO need proper coaching.

I understand the mentality, but I think there are too many people who overrate the idea. It makes some sense when dealing with certain players, but I think there are ways to avoid having to get in those types of situations, by not bringing aboard players who are selfish, have the "me" attitude and who think they know everything.

Like I dunno if you think coaches at the NBA level don't yell at their players, but it would sound odd if you did. I don't see how Donovan's coaching style is any different. His players have always seemed to love him.

[TitleTown088]

Rick Patino numero dos.

[D-Unit]

UPDATE: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic0107june01,0,2210050.story?coll=orl-magic

LOOOOOVIN' IT! :D

[M.O.T.H.]

He better let Darko shoot the jay. haha...Billy D...Woo!

[Vince Lombardi]

DeVos is the Amway billionaire.... It's chump change for him.

Yea, and he needs to stop being such a cheap ass and build the team a new arena instead of trying to force those of us who live here to pay for it all. http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/forum/images/icons/icon8.gif

As far as the signing, I like it. Like you said, if there's one thing the Magic need it's some toughness. Add in the fact that Donovan is proven at developing young talent and it seems like a great fit.

I'm sure they're gonna jack up ticket prices on us now. :eek:

[bearsfan_51]

Bring back Penny.

[Vince Lombardi]

Bring back Penny.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/8742/lilpennysx7.jpg

[bearsfan_51]

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/8742/lilpennysx7.jpg
Hellz yeah. I used to love Penny. The Magic used to be the team to like back in the dizzle (although I was always a fan of Barkley's Suns).

[-black]

Penny=my fav player of all time

[M.O.T.H.]

Penny=my fav player of all time

I loved Penny and Nick Anderson the most when i was younger. Anderson was my fav.

[cardsalltheway]

In bigger news, the Pacers are hiring Jim O'Brien as their Head Coach!

I'm surprised to find out somebody actually wanted the job.

[D-Unit]

I loved Penny and Nick Anderson the most when i was younger. Anderson was my fav.
Who didn't have Penny's shoes??? I musta had everyone... Penny is the reason why I started liking the Magic in the first place. ....when I actually started caring about pro sports....

[M.O.T.H.]

Who didn't have Penny's shoes??? I musta had everyone... Penny is the reason why I started liking the Magic in the first place. ....when I actually started caring about pro sports....

The good ole' days...i still have a penny doll around here somewhere...haha.

[D-Unit]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2888555

Lovely.

[M.O.T.H.]

Taurean Green... welcome to orlando.

[D-Unit]

Taurean Green... welcome to orlando.
Change that to Dominic James.

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

I loved Penny and Nick Anderson the most when i was younger. Anderson was my fav.

THE Nick "Choke" Anderson?!

[M.O.T.H.]

THE Nick "Choke" Anderson?!

haha...yes.

[D-Unit]

haha...yes.
That's the reason why his number wasn't retired.

[M.O.T.H.]

4 straight...he missed 4 straight...ugh. Remeber how bad things got for him after that...

Still one of my favs... He should be the first to get his # retired.

[PalmerToCJ]

As a UK fan it's funny to see this given how many UF fans were saying he wouldn't leave.

When he turned down UK I said at the time that I really respected his decision if he had NBA dreams which obviously is the case.

Jai Lucas may opt out of his LOI at Florida and UK would probably be his first choice. I personally don't want him but if him and coach decide it's for the best then I welcome him aboard.

[thebow305]

I'm still a little skeptical of how well he can do without all those great players around him, we have a young team and he will have a lot of work to do. The foundation is already set with Dwight Howard and possibly Jameer (if he can start to play up to his college level). It hurts though that we don't have a first round pick this year, and we got basically nothing from both a statistical and developmental standpoint from our first rounder from last year. We have 3 2nd rounders this year, and I know that means basically nothing in the NBA Draft, but hopefully we can get at least one good player to slide to us there and get a contribution from him this year. I was personally pulling for Stan Van Gundy but I think this is also a pretty solid move. I don't think Donovan really can fail at this point because we already have a solid, playoff team, that are just a piece or two away from really contending in the east. If Howard can take that final step to Elite status this year, if we can resign Darko, and maybe add someone like Rashard Lewis in free agency, I see us making some more strides this year for sure towards being a championship-calibre basketball team. Since we don't have a first rounder, it is imperative, though, that we resign Darko. I think we can sign a big money free agent like Lewis because we will finally be unloading the monster contract of Grant Hill, and if we let some less important role players go like Battie or Dooling, we could be in a great position. I'm excited about our chances this year. GO MAGIC!

[Damix]

I don't think Donovan will be a very good coach in the NBA

[D-Unit]

I don't think Donovan will be a very good coach in the NBA
Why is that? Is there an educated thought behind that comment?

[OSUGiants17]

I garentee that the Magic daft a player from Florida now.

[D-Unit]

I garentee that the Magic daft a player from Florida now.
Chris Richard baby!!!

[Vikes99ej]

I garentee that the Magic daft a player from Florida now.

Yeah, almost how it was a sure thing that Bobby Petrino was going to draft a player from Louisville in this year's draft.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Anthony Grant seems to be the front runner for the Florida job, not only is he the most deserving but the most logical, however I really hope Anthony stays at VCU, he is doing good things there, and with the return of Eric Maynor, Will Fameni, and Schuler they could be doing some great things. At just 41 years old Grant is a top notch coach and IMO deserves a NBA job real soon. Other than being a good player himself he is a true floor general, and he can really recruit, in interviews even Noah, Horford, Green, and Brewer have said that it was more of Anthony Grant that got them to Florida than Billy Donovan, and that they hope he is the new replacement. Grant hopefully is happy with his $400,000 a year at VCU and will stay longer and after getting more attention, will make the NBA jump.

[bearsfan_51]

Would you stay at VCU if you had a chance to coach at Florida?

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Would you stay at VCU if you had a chance to coach at Florida?

Yes I would.

[PalmerToCJ]

Many of the signs are pointing to Grant to VCU.

He was in Florida the week leading up to Donovan taking the job and he called a team meeting 8 pm the night before Donovan made his move public.

Supposedly though he has been unsure of following Donovans footsteps as opposed to going his own route. With that said he'll never find a better offer than what he would have with Florida.

With that said Jai Lucas' father has made contact with UK to see if a spot was still available and it appears Lucas may be 50/50 on whether or not to stay at UF.

[bearsfan_51]

Yes I would.

Ok....why?

[PalmerToCJ]

Billy D is messed up in the head, apparently he's currently trying to go back to UF.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6883162

[Damix]

lol, this is why I don't think he'll be a good coach, he won't even be one!

[Windy]

lol, this is why I don't think he'll be a good coach, he won't even be one!


lol. yea this is weird.

[ny10804]

Billy Donovan - Former Orlando Magic Coach!

[Vikes99ej]

Isn't this just what that Creighton (or whatever small school) coach did to Arkansas?

[BigDawg819]

I feel bad for D-Unit when he finds out about Billy D trying to back out of the deal. Keep your head up D! :D

[Vikes99ej]

I feel bad for D-Unit when he finds out about Billy D trying to back out of the deal. Keep your head up D! :D

At least they still have Dwight Howard.

[PalmerToCJ]

Isn't this just what that Creighton (or whatever small school) coach did to Arkansas?

In a way but at least he didn't finalize a contract and get introduced, I think he was on for one day.

[Windy]

i heard the magic sold a lot of season tickets after donovan was hired. that sucks.

[MP123]

Maybe not so soon. He has regrets about taking the job.

[Vikes99ej]

Maybe not so soon. He has regrets about taking the job.

Yes. We are all aware of that.

[soybean]

i hope he goes back to florida and never wins another championship again.

[Vince Lombardi]

wow craziness. This is gonna be a huge public relations hit to both parties if it falls apart.

[bantx]

magics draft jokim noah........

[PalmerToCJ]

There is a report on a Gators site that says Donovan signed with Orlando under the assumption that Anthony Grant would take the UF job and evidently Grant isn't sure he wants to so Donovan wanted back. Not sure how true that is...

I couldn't imagine being a UF player if he did come back....

[Paul]

D-unit must be pisssed

[M.O.T.H.]

This is BS...Donovon is a joke. Who the hell would do something like this? wtf?

[Ewing]

magics draft jokim noah........

1. Donovan is regretting his choice.
2. It's Magic not Magics.
3. They don't have a first round pick.

[Paul]

This is BS...Donovon is a joke. Who the hell would do something like this? wtf?

It's because you brought the sig back. Jinxed it.

Who do you want at HC now, if he does go back?

[M.O.T.H.]

It's because you brought the sig back. Jinxed it.

Who do you want at HC now, if he does go back?

Damn, i'm so pissed... i only wanted Donovan or Iavaroni...

Donovan... WTF???????????????

I dunno, i know they were interested in Carlisimo and Terry Porter...

OMG... Who the hell does something like this???

[Tampa 2 4 life]

If Donovan goes back he's no better than Nick Saban.

[M.O.T.H.]

If Donovan goes back he's no better than Nick Saban.

This is much worse... he didnt even coach one game for us...

What kind of man...****

[bantx]

isnt he getting like 5 mil?

[TitleTown088]

It took Donovan this long to realize the NBA is stupid? Jeez... I thought this cat was supposed to be smart.

[M.O.T.H.]

isnt he getting like 5 mil?

He would be making 5.5

[DChess]

man the offseason, its pretty crazy right now....oh wait thats right, we're still playing.oh

[TitleTown088]

man the offseason, its pretty crazy right now....oh wait thats right, we're still playing.oh

Cherish your last 4 games of the season.

[Flyboy]

Cherish your last 4 games of the season.

They shall soon be cherishing their NBA Title, but anyhow..

[bantx]

i just want to see ginobli get t-bag by eric snow

[DChess]

i just want to see ginobli get t-bag by eric snow

i would rep you but i gotta spread some more rep around.

[TitleTown088]

They shall soon be cherishing their NBA Title, but anyhow..

Whatever you say Mon friar. You'll meet the man who resides from a country shaped like all chicken strips soon enough.

[SuperKevin]

I really don't see why he needs to go back to Florida. Rick Pitino and John Calipari have showeed there is still life in college basketball after a failed NBA coaching stint. he's done everything he needed to do at the college level and now he should try to prove himself as a coach and see what he can do with NBA egos.

[DChess]

I really don't see why he needs to go back to Florida. Rick Pitino and John Calipari have showeed there is still life in college basketball after a failed NBA coaching stint. he's done everything he needed to do at the college level and now he should try to prove himself as a coach and see what he can do with NBA egos.

i think he's my favorite coach in any sport, and he's got derrick rose for a year

[SuperKevin]

i think he's my favorite coach in any sport, and he's got derrick rose for a year

He is one hell of a coach. If anythign I think a coaching stint in the NBA helps with recruiting because you establish very valuable NBA contacts that big time recruits will find valuable. it's one of the major reasons why a C-USA school like Memphis continues to bring in blue chippers

[Paul]

I remember Darius Washingotn

[M.O.T.H.]

Billy D is a *****.

[PalmerToCJ]

Calipari is a slimy attention hog. I do remember Darius Washington and those not so free throws.

My question is if the Magic let him out, does he have a press conference to re-introduce him as the coach at Florida? :D

[49erfaithful]

EDIT: nevermind

[bantx]

billy requested to go back but magic is deciding whether or whether not to give him a penalty

[soybean]

maybe not. he wants to go back now

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2892334

you're maybe just a little late...

[ElectricEye]

Well, if he does end up back at Florida, I really think that's the best thing for him. I don't think anyone can question his ability as a coach, and while I do think he could have success at the NBA level, he would be leaving behind an opportunity to have a legacy at Florida. And he's might be better suited for the college game, but that remains to be seen.

[49erfaithful]

you're maybe just a little late...

oh sorry, i am really tired and didnt read the posts real well. my bad, apologies

[D-Unit]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/gators/orl-bk-billydonovan060307,0,5225925.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

I'm hurt, pissed, angry, mad, heartbroken.... FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!!!!!


It's so painful being a Magic fan...

Losing Shaq for nothing...

Penny Hardaway's downfall...

Grant Hill's ankle injury...

Losing T-Mac for nothing...

Drafting Fran Vazquez...

Rehiring Brian Hill...

and now this... UNBELIEVABLE! BULL ****!!!

[KCJ58]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/gators/orl-bk-billydonovan060307,0,5225925.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

I'm hurt, pissed, angry, mad, heartbroken.... FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!!!!!


It's so painful being a Magic fan...

Losing Shaq for nothing...

Penny Hardaway's downfall...

Grant Hill's ankle injury...

Losing T-Mac for nothing...

Drafting Fran Vazquez...

Rehiring Brian Hill...

and now this... UNBELIEVABLE! BULL ****!!!

what about Stevie "Franchise"

[D-Unit]

what about Stevie "Franchise"
Good riddance.

[KCJ58]

Good riddance.


haha what garbage Nelson is a way better PG any way

[SeanTaylorRIP]

lol this is pretty funny, Magic should hire Anthony Grant, he is younger, smarter, and as Noah, Horford, Brewer, and Green said it was more of Anthony Grant that got them to Florida rather than Donovan.

[BuckNaked]

What a dick move.

[diabsoule]

This was just a very classless move by Donovan. I've never heard of a coach accepting a job and then turning it down.

[Jay]

Don't they still have Vazquez's rights? What's his deal. I haven't followed him at all.

It's definitely pretty BS for Donovan to do this. If I were the Magic, I'd force him into taking the job or make him pay to get out. I've always liked the Magic since Anfernee Hardaway was on the team and was hoping they'd start to make a run now. Totally lame.

[princefielder28]

This was just a very classless move by Donovan. I've never heard of a coach accepting a job and then turning it down.

Yep, if he was at all hesitant on going to the NBA he should've stayed at Florida the entire time

[SuperKevin]

This was just a very classless move by Donovan. I've never heard of a coach accepting a job and then turning it down.

It happens all the time in college hoops. In fact Creighton head coach Dana Altman accepted the Arkansas job this year only to resign and go go back to Creighton one day later.

[princefielder28]

It happens all the time in college hoops. In fact Creighton head coach Dana Altman accepted the Arkansas job this year only to resign and go go back to Creighton one day later.

But this was at the highest level, the NBA.

[The Unseen]

what...the crizzle?

[Ewing]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/gators/orl-bk-billydonovan060307,0,5225925.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

I'm hurt, pissed, angry, mad, heartbroken.... FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!!!!!


It's so painful being a Magic fan...

Losing Shaq for nothing...

Penny Hardaway's downfall...

Grant Hill's ankle injury...

Losing T-Mac for nothing...

Drafting Fran Vazquez...

Rehiring Brian Hill...

and now this... UNBELIEVABLE! BULL ****!!!

I wonder what Fran Vazquez is doing these days...

[Philliez01]

This was just a very classless move by Donovan. I've never heard of a coach accepting a job and then turning it down.

Bill Belicheck and the Jets remind me of this scenario.

[Gribble]

This whole thing just pisses me off. You can't have it both ways Mr. Donovan. I hope Grant takes the job at Florida and Donovan quits from Orlando and he has no job.

[Scotty D]

I always thought Donovan should just stay at Florida and become a storied college coach. If he doesn't want to coach at Orlando don't make him stay. Do you guys really want a coach that doesn't want to be there.

[Gribble]

Bill Belicheck and the Jets remind me of this scenario.

That was messed up too.

[PalmerToCJ]

From one of the UK sites I frequent:

UPDATE: The Orlando Magic had this to say, Monday morning: "While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at home since that time," Magic VP of Communications Joel Glass wrote in a release. "Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA. We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue."

[The Unseen]

This whole thing just pisses me off. You can't have it both ways Mr. Donovan. I hope Grant takes the job at Florida and Donovan quits from Orlando and he has no job.

No chance. UF would never take Grant over Donovan.

[PalmerToCJ]

No chance. UF would never take Grant over Donovan.

Yeah, Foley (Florida's AD) flew in to talk to Grant but evidently Donovan called before then so Foley never met with Grant and turned back around in 45 minutes. It also seems like Grant isn't sure he wants to take the UF job anyway.

[D-Unit]

From one of the UK sites I frequent:
I don't even want Donovan to come back to the Magic now.

[princefielder28]

I don't even want Donovan to come back to the Magic now.

I don't blame you. If he doesn't want to be there you don't want him there.

[PalmerToCJ]

Looks like the Magic are planning on Billy D being their coach...

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/04/magic-not-letting-billy-donovan-go-back-to-florida-just-yet/

[M.O.T.H.]

I don't even want Donovan to come back to the Magic now.

He's a joke.

[M.O.T.H.]

Don't know if it's been said but, ESPN just said Stan Van Gundy is looking like the front runner for the job, now. **** Billy Donovan.

[-black]

how suprising of a Gator.....

[SeanTaylorRIP]

The worts part is he signed the 5 year 28 mil contract which IMO is absurd for him and he spent the whole weekend trying to get out of it, he is now my least favorite coach, I mean why would you sign a contract when you are unsure, he put his name on the paper so he is lucky they are letting him go, but of course he gave them no option cause you can't have a coach that doesn't want to be there. He claims that he was forced into a rash decision by the Magic front office, but yeah, they hear Billy Donovan wants to coach them they will do all they can to get you to sign before leaving, but no one was forcing him. Unless they had his family tied up to amount of pressure should have forced him to sign something he didn't want to.

[D-Unit]

The worts part is he signed the 5 year 28 mil contract which IMO is absurd for him and he spent the whole weekend trying to get out of it, he is now my least favorite coach, I mean why would you sign a contract when you are unsure, he put his name on the paper so he is lucky they are letting him go, but of course he gave them no option cause you can't have a coach that doesn't want to be there. He claims that he was forced into a rash decision by the Magic front office, but yeah, they hear Billy Donovan wants to coach them they will do all they can to get you to sign before leaving, but no one was forcing him. Unless they had his family tied up to amount of pressure should have forced him to sign something he didn't want to.
Billy the kid. He's not a man. His excuse that he was forced into signing is absurd and immature. What a joke. He has no legacy at Florida, except for being a little *****.

[D-Unit]

Don't know if it's been said but, ESPN just said Stan Van Gundy is looking like the front runner for the job, now. **** Billy Donovan.
SVG is crap until proven otherwise. I'll be honest about it. He's a worthless coach that'll have the title of Magic HC for 3-4 years before getting fired.

[Damix]

Donovan is the only one who can save this franchise. If he doesn't sign the dotted line, I will personally hunt down Brian Schmitz and Tim Povtak and ....

Billy the kid. He's not a man. His excuse that he was forced into signing is absurd and immature. What a joke. He has no legacy at Florida, except for being a little *****.


I had to laugh.

[D-Unit]

I had to laugh.
HA HA. Nice homework. Donovan is the only guy out there who could've helped the team. There is no one else. So no matter who they sign now, the Magic will come out in a losing situation.

I find it hilarious that there are rumors that the Magic won't let him out of his contract. I hope they sue his ass big time!

[Damix]

HA HA. Nice homework. Donovan is the only guy out there who could've helped the team. There is no one else. So no matter who they sign now, the Magic will come out in a losing situation.

I find it hilarious that there are rumors that the Magic won't let him out of his contract. I hope they sue his ass big time!

I'd like them to keep him from coaching Florida, that would be the ultimate revenge. End up with neither job.

[Jay]

Bill Belicheck and the Jets remind me of this scenario.

I agree that the scenario was similar, but in a way it was different because Belichick was being hired to simply be a puppet so that Bill Parcells could take over a year later... I don't really blame him for leaving...

[-black]

I hate Gators, their players, their fans, and their lousy pusssy coaches

[TitleTown088]

I hate Gators, their players, their fans, and their lousy pusssy coaches

Especially their players.

[TitleTown088]

I find it amusing how excited the Magic fans were excited, and now they all hate him in the span of a couple days . Flip floppers.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

The only Gator I hate is Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer at times when he makes funny faces, or acts like Kobe.

[Flyboy]

The only Gator I hate is Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer at times when he makes funny faces, or acts like Kobe.

I hated Corey Brewer at times, but it's hard for me to hate on him game.

[-black]

I find it amusing how excited the Magic fans were excited, and now they all hate him in the span of a couple days . Flip floppers.

I cant believe it......im trying not to get excited till its 100% fact

i hate Donovan (me being a FSU fan and all) but if he becomes the Magic coach (my fav basketball team) then I will be forced to LOVE him

the irony of changes

I have always hated him....now i hate him even more

[Brodeur]

Now, who screwed the Magic more? Fran Vazquez or Billy Donovan?

[The Unseen]

I find it amusing how excited the Magic fans were excited, and now they all hate him in the span of a couple days . Flip floppers.

So if something similar happened to the Packers, would you be a flip-flopper? It's a flip for a reason.

BTW, I think flip-flopping would entail changing thoughts twice, the second time usually being back to your original thought.

[MP123]

He's a dumbass. Why did he sign the contract?

[D-Unit]

Now, who screwed the Magic more? Fran Vazquez or Billy Donovan?
Billy Vazquez. Honestly though, NEITHER screwed up the Magic more than Grant Hill did.

I hate that guy soooooooo much!

It's the Curse of The Shaquino!

[-black]

you hate Grant Hill? like its his fault?

[D-Unit]

you hate Grant Hill? like its his fault?
I don't care if it's his fault or not. He was the biggest waste of 93M dollars EVER!

I do blame him. I blame him for not reworking his contract and holding us hostage for 7 years. ...and now he won't even re-sign for a cheap contract? Like he actually earned anything so far... He's a joke!

[BigDawg819]

I blame Grant Hill as well. Damn Grant Hill, Damn him to Hell!

[yourfavestoner]

Go Gators.

:D

[-black]

Its ok Grant Hill, your still my boy. You and Penny.

[Flyboy]

Billy Vazquez. Honestly though, NEITHER screwed up the Magic more than Grant Hill did.

I hate that guy soooooooo much!

McGrady and Hill... what could have been.

[BuckNaked]

McGrady and Hill... what could have been.

PG: Penny
SG: McGrady
SF: Hill
PF: Howard
C: Shaq

[BigDawg819]

PG: Penny
SG: McGrady
SF: Hill
PF: Howard
C: Shaq

Championship! :D

[DLS42]

Championship! :D

Forget championship. DYNASTY.

[princefielder28]

Forget championship. DYNASTY.

Forget DYNASTY. BEST EVER! Just Kidding

[bantx]

PG: Penny
SG: McGrady
SF: Hill
PF: Howard
C: Shaq

that wouldve been crazy just seeing howard and shaq thats just domination down low

[Makaveli]

heres a hilarious article from thebrushback.com

ORLANDO--Billy Donovan formerly stepped down as head coach of the Orlando Magic on Monday and says he plans to return to his roots: the University of Florida, where he won two straight championships as head coach of the Gators. The decision, Donovan said, was best for all parties involved, including the Magic players, who needed a change of perspective and a “fresh voice” in the locker room.

“Sometimes a team just needs a fresh voice in the locker room,” Donovan said at a press conference on Monday. “After a while, having the same coach with the same strategies and the same techniques can maybe lose a little bit of its luster. Now some new coach can come in here with a new perspective and maybe light a fire under the guys. It’s been a great run, though. The Magic are a class organization from top to bottom. I know I’ve learned a lot here and I look forward to taking that knowledge back to the college level.”

Donovan also said the Magic have a solid nucleus of young players and a bright future ahead of them.

“This team is going to be great, with or without me,” he said. “You’ve got Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Darko Milicic – the list goes on. I see these guys as title contenders in the next two or three years. If I could say I had a tiny bit to do with that, hey, that would be great, but to be honest, I just tried to stay out of their way as much as possible. Also, I never actually met any of them face to face so I don’t think I should get too much credit for their development.”

Magic GM Otis Smith, who introduced Donovan as head coach on Friday morning, agreed that the team had gone as far as it could under Donovan. He said there were no hard feelings and that the coach was leaving on great terms.

“One thing I know about Billy is that he doesn’t make decisions like this lightly,” said Smith. “But a great coach knows when it’s time to go. I only wish I could have seen him in a game situation, because I think he would have done a helluva job. Nonetheless, he certainly left an imprint on this organization, whether you’re talking about the relationships he forged with our security personnel on his way in and out of the facilities or the pen he left behind on his desk. He will be missed. Anyway, I’ve got to go call Stan Van Gundy now and pretend he was our first choice.”

The departure of Donovan took many on the Magic by surprise. According to several players, Donovan had the respect of everyone in the locker room and there was no evidence of anyone tuning him out.

“As far as I know nothing went on that would have caused any kind of tension between him and us,” said guard Jameer Nelson. “I’ve talked to a lot of the guys and they certainly didn’t see this coming. I guess he just felt like the time was right. I know he holds a special place in his heart for the Gators and I can respect that. Still, it’s a shame he’s gone. He had our respect from day one all the way until…day two. I guess he just wanted to quit while he was ahead.”

“I was pretty shocked when I got the call that he left,” said Dwight Howard. “When I talked to him he seemed really excited about next year. He was like ‘we’re going to get you more touches,’ and ‘we’re going to make you an MVP,’ and then he was talking all this x’s and o’s stuff that made my eyes glaze over, and then I was like, ‘Dude, it sucks here. Unless you like Mickey Mouse and fans who don’t know dick about basketball, hop in a helicopter and high tail it out of here.’ Next thing I know he’s going back to Gainesville. I wonder if it was something I said.”

The Magic’s loss is the Gators’ gain, however, and many in Gainesville are breathing a sigh of relief that the two time NCAA champion is returning to the bench.

“Oh my God that was a close call,” said sophomore Brandon Powell. “We almost ended up with that guy from Virginia, who I’m sure is a pretty good coach but he’s basically nobody. We need Billy Donovan here forever. You know what they should do? They should sign him to a really long contract for a lot of money. That way he’ll never leave here again, on account of he’ll be signed to a contract. It’s just weird that no one’s ever thought of that before.”

[DLS42]

That article was classic. Dwight's quote was a bit of genius.

[-black]

I was pretty shocked when I got the call that he left,” said Dwight Howard. “When I talked to him he seemed really excited about next year. He was like ‘we’re going to get you more touches,’ and ‘we’re going to make you an MVP,’ and then he was talking all this x’s and o’s stuff that made my eyes glaze over, and then I was like, ‘Dude, it sucks here. Unless you like Mickey Mouse and fans who don’t know dick about basketball, hop in a helicopter and high tail it out of here.’ Next thing I know he’s going back to Gainesville. I wonder if it was something I said.”


yeah, because red neck Gainesville is alot better....

[jballa838]

that wouldve been crazy just seeing howard and shaq thats just domination down low

They would have never got howard. Howard was a lottery pick and with Shaq and all them they would have never got a lottery pick

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

Well hey, at least you guys got Ron Jeremy...

[Shiver]

Stan Van Gundy > Billy Donovan

[BigDawg819]

Stan Van Gundy > Billy Donovan

Anybody is better then someone who doesn't want to be there.

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2897946

Now it makes sense. Sure, Donovan loves Florida, but it would take a fool to not realize that this new contract played somewhat of a role in his recent "change of heart."

[Phrost]

The Magic must be the unluckiest NBA team in the last 15 years.

Player wise.

[sweetness34]

From a coaching standpoint, the Magic should be happy with Van Gundy over Donovan. College coaches have a bad track record when they jump to the pros. Stan is a proven winner in the NBA. I like the hiring of Stan better than Billy. I don't think Donovan would've faired too well in the NBA.

[TPFKA#1SaintsFan]

Ladies and gentlemen, the new head coach of the Orlando Magic:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/hazeleyegrl1/RonJeremy.jpg

[M.O.T.H.]

Ladies and gentlemen, the new head coach of the Orlando Magic:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/hazeleyegrl1/RonJeremy.jpg

Gorgeous...

[D-Unit]

D-Unit's New Plan!

1. Resign Darko

2. Save our cap space for 2008.

3. Tank the season, to get a high enough pick to draft a PG...Rose, Mayo, Gordon, Lawson...

4. Sign Gilbert Arenas in the summer of 2008.

[-black]

I cant take another year of the Magic not being a contender in the weak East

[JeffSamardzijaIRISH]

Mayo and Gordon aren't PG's. Mayo's a ballhog, and Gordon is jut like Ben Gordon.

[D-Unit]

I cant take another year of the Magic not being a contender in the weak East
LOL. I think I've just learned to accept it.

Don't get your hopes too high though. They'll break your heart.

[D-Unit]

Mayo and Gordon aren't PG's. Mayo's a ballhog, and Gordon is jut like Ben Gordon.
Dude, they're both in High School. They don't understand the concept of team yet. A real college system will do them good.