BREAKING NEWS: Legendary Coach Billy Donovan Launches Groundbreaking Mentoring Program for Florida Gators Players
GAINESVILLE, FL – In a move that has sent waves through the college basketball world, legendary coach Billy Donovan has announced the launch of a groundbreaking mentoring program for current and future Florida Gators basketball players. The initiative, called the Donovan Legacy Mentorship Program, aims to support player development both on and off the court, continuing Donovan’s storied legacy at the University of Florida.
Donovan, who led the Gators to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, returned to Gainesville to unveil the new program during a special press conference held Monday morning at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The announcement drew a packed crowd of former players, coaches, university officials, and fans.
“This program is about more than basketball,” Donovan said. “It’s about developing leaders, teammates, and successful individuals beyond their playing days. Florida gave me everything—and now it’s time to give something meaningful back.”
The Donovan Legacy Mentorship Program will pair current Gators players with former players, alumni, and professionals from various industries, including sports, business, and education. The mentorship structure will include monthly workshops, one-on-one guidance sessions, and an annual leadership summit hosted in Gainesville. Mental health, financial literacy, career planning, and community service will all be key components.
Current head coach Todd Golden praised the initiative, calling it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our players to benefit from the wisdom and experience of one of the greatest minds in basketball.”
Several former Gators stars, including Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer, have already committed to joining the program as mentors. “Coach D was more than a coach—he was a life teacher,” Noah said via video message. “Now we get to pass on what we learned to the next generation.”
University of Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin emphasized the importance of Donovan’s continued involvement in the program: “Billy Donovan is synonymous with excellence, and this mentorship program will set the gold standard for how college programs develop student-athletes.”
The program is set to officially launch this fall, with its first cohort of mentor-mentee pairings expected to be announced in August. Donovan, who currently serves as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, confirmed he will stay closely involved in the program through regular virtual check-ins and annual campus visits.
“Legacy isn’t just about banners,” Donovan said in closing. “It’s about the people you impact. And for me, that starts right here with the Gators family.”