Brian Snyder / Reuters

Why would Billy Donovan give up the great program he has built up at Florida?

Donovan should be celebrating another title, not talking about whether he’s headed to Kentucky. But that’s what he’s going to have to do. Somehow, word leaked out of the athletic department in Lexington that he’s the man the Wildcats would like to have.

I’d say it would be nice if Donovan did a sound check on his next visit with the microphones and announced in a tone that brooked no argument, “Hell no, I won’t go. I’m a Gator for life.” The reason I don’t is because every time a coach says that, he’s taking the new job within the week — often earlier.

Better that he says: “I’ve just won two straight championships, and next year, I'd like to go for three.” If the question comes up again, just do a Bush and say, “I’ve already addressed that question,” then move on.

I’m sure it was tempting to Donovan. His mentor and coach at Providence, Pitino, spent eight years in Kentucky and won a championship. It would have been nice to follow that example. It’s also got to be a challenge to prove you’re the guy who can make them, if not forget about Rupp, at least stop talking about him so much.

But I’m also sure he’s in a better place because it’s his place. He created Florida basketball. He took it to the Final Four, built it, recruited it, and won the school’s first hoops titles. He’s won't be 42 until May, but he’s already invested 11 years in the place.

Donovan’s got 25 more years — good years — if he wants them, and in that time he can build a legend and a program in Florida that will be the envy of all. And he can do it without freezing in the winter and without having to hear about the guy who went before him.

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