Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Florida's Al Horford celebrates while helping cut down the net after the Gators won the national title on Monday.

“But now’s not the time to address it, as it wasn’t when it got asked over the last week. It’s all about these kids, our program and what happened.”

Donovan paused.

“It was a good try though,” he told the reporter who asked.

Donovan proved his value again Monday night. The Gators didn’t mind giving Oden 25 points and 12 rebounds as long as they contained the Ohio State perimeter game. The Buckeyes were 4-for-23 from 3-point range, they were outscored 22-11 from the free throw line and Florida won the battle on the boards 38-28. About the only blemish on Florida’s side of the box score were those 15 turnovers that Ohio State converted into 14 points.

Every time Ohio State cut the lead, Florida had a response. Donovan utilized his big men to perfection, making sure he had plenty of fouls to give. He even got two points and two rebounds in six minutes from freshman Marreese Speights, a new face to this Florida dynasty.

Oden had better numbers than Horford (18 points, 12 rebounds) and Noah (8 and 3) but Donovan also got eight points and eight rebounds from Richard before he fouled out.

That’s what Donovan meant when he talked about “team.” The Gators even sat down together on the championship podium and watched the “One Shining Moment” video on the Georgia Dome video board.

They looked like a bunch of teenagers watching TV at a slumber party.

“It almost makes you cry,” said Brewer, who was named Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four.

Any tears will be tears of joy. The Gators worked hard to get to this point. They deserve credit for what they’ve done. There are big decisions to be made, but these guys are always living in the moment. Those issues will be dealt with in the coming weeks.

Right now it’s time to celebrate. The Gators have earned it.

“People can say whatever they want,” Noah said. “But at the end of the day, the Gator boys have two championships in a row.”

More news

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Ex-Bruin reacted to article right way

CBT: Drew Gordon is taking a different approach than Reeves Nelson, one much more likely to result in hearing his name called come draft day.

C. Mich. transfer Zeigler cleared to play at Pitt

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Former Central Michigan guard Trey Zeigler has been cleared by the NCAA to play at Pitt next season.

Headlines

• Label

CBT: 4 Indiana schools extend Crossroads Classic

CBT: Stony Brook says it's staying put ... for now

CBT: Will Michigan re-hang the Fab Five banners?

CBT: Fine's wife to sue ESPN for libel

CBT: Coach K gets a lot of bucks and bennies

CBT: ACC will include all 14 teams in tournament

Recruiting rundown: ‘Bama lands Jimmie Taylor

CBT: Nolan Richardson's son found dead