FILE - In this April 28, 2018, file photo, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan speaks to reporters in Oklahoma City. With his baseball program mired in its worst slump in five years, Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan wanted a different voice to talk to his players. Thumbing through his phone, one name stood out: Former Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan.(Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman via AP, File)

Billy Donovan Speaks To Gator Baseball; Will Return To Coach Thunder

Billy Donovan became the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015 following Scott Brooks’ departure. The former Florida men’s basketball coach is 150-96 in three seasons with the Thunder. However, Donovan is 14-15 in the NBA playoffs, losing in the first round in the 2017-18 season. Donovan coached a team containing 2017 Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Despite the talent, the head coach lost in six games to the Utah Jazz this past season.

Career Statistics (NBA)

Regular Season

2015-16 – (55-27)
2016-17 – (47-35)
2017-18 – (48-34)

Playoffs

2015-16 – (11-7)
2016-17 – (1-4)
2017-18 – (2-4)

Brady Singer said former Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan talked to Gators yesterday, "He was awesome. He talked a lot about facing adversity and overcoming adversity." #Gators

— Gatorhoops (@gatorhoops) May 31, 2018

Although Donovan is not a Gator anymore, he spoke to the Gator baseball team that is fighting to win back-to-back national championships recently. The two-time national champion coach will return to the Thunder for a fourth season per Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti.

Category: Basketball, College Basketball, Former Gators, Gators Men's Basketball, NBA, NBA Playoffs, SEC