With Billy Donovan being named 3rd Thunder head coach in OKC history, there’s a lot expected of the former Florida Gator.
Expectations are already soaring for the first time NBA coach. Talks of a Larry O’Brien trophy are already looming so long as the Thunder stay healthy next season. That’s closely followed by the power to try and keep Kevin Durant in an OKC uniform for the foreseeable future. Can he make transition from the college game to the pros?
Donovan’s road to the Thunder isn’t as long as many coaches have to deal with making a jump to basketball’s highest level. He spent time at Providence, Marshall and nearly 20 years at Florida. 19 years at one school? There’s no question the perfect opportunity had to open up for Donovan to make the leap to the next level.
The support system is clearly there for Donovan to succeed. Not only with the Thunder, but others around the state. He coached OSU head coach Travis Ford as an assistant at Kentucky and succeeded OU coach Lon Kruger at UF. Both were in attendance at his introductory press conference today.
There’s no doubt Donovan will be speculated about up until the basketball season starts, but after being introduced as the Thunder head coach, he’s already off to a great start.
Dylan Buckingham spent the afternoon with the new “voice” of the Thunder and shows us why Billy Donovan is ready to attack this challenge head on.
