The Gators had five players who averaged double figures and Billy the Kid, a month from 41, made this a team that shares.

I remember watching Florida in the SEC Tournament in New Orleans several years ago and listening to Kentucky people make snide remarks about Donovan and how he could recruit, but not do anything with the talent once he got it to Gainesville.

Donovan, they seemed to say, would never be fit to coach their wonderful program.

I hope the UK folks got a look at Lee Humphrey, the Gators junior guard. Once upon a time, he was a standstill shooter from Maryville, Tenn., a nice player who could hit an open 3, but heaven help him if the ball had to be bounced.

Look at him now. Humphrey can bounce the ball and pass it and escape pressure. He hit two three-pointers with hands in his face Monday night. He was also a very good man-to-man defender, a big reason UCLA’s guards got outplayed.

He is a product of Billy Donovan, as is Noah. If anybody had a reason to whine here Monday night, it was Donovan. He got exactly zero votes for SEC Coach of the Year. Not one.

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Donovan was a superb coach here Monday night because he attacked UCLA. He pressed the Bruins and made them go fast. UCLA cannot go fast. Point guard Jordan Farmar was by himself in a speed game and the Bruins were out of their comfort zone, which is to play half-court defense and create offense with defense.

Donovan worked over the Bruins. He coached with confidence and while it is a little late to be making suggestions for coach of the Year we can always remember him next year and how he and Florida finally arrived and became a program that deserves a little more of our respect.