Recruits react to the Donovan news
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Florida announced on Thursday afternoon that head coach Billy Donovan was stepping down to take the same position with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 19 seasons Donovan won two national championships, reached four Final Fours and won six SEC titles, posting a 467-186 (.715) record with the Gators.
To put that in perspective, you need to know this:
Before Donovan arrived in Gainesville, Florida had exactly one SEC title in 77 seasons of play. All four of Florida's SEC Tournament championships came with Donovan at the helm. Florida had five 20-win seasons before Donovan, 16 with him. Florida won just four NCAA Tournament games before Donovan became head coach, but 35 with Donovan at the helm.
Simply put, Billy Donovan was Florida basketball.
Within minutes of Donovan stepping down, speculation began about recruit reaction, particularly the players who already signed their National Letters of Intent to play at Florida. Inside the Gators caught up with three of the four members of Florida's 2015 class and several targets in the 2016 class.
Signee Noah Dickerson: "Congratulations. It's a great job for him."
Signee Kevarrius Hayes: "I'm sad that he (Donovan) had to leave. It's a big loss, he's a great coach. I don't think his leaving will affect me. I'm going to stay with Florida I love it too much to leave now."
Signee Keith Stone: "I want to meet with the new coach. I trust in the AD to find the right guy to replace Billy."
Stone's high school coach John Guion: "We are happy for Coach Donovan and his family and wish him well! We are excited to see what is in store for the future of the Gators Basketball program."
2016 commit John Mooney: "I wish Coach Donovan and his family nothing but the best in the future. They are very kind and will be missed."
2016 four-star target Eric Hester: "I mean there is pros and cons, it's great for him and I'm excited for him. He's now coaching at the highest level. But now I don't know where I will stand with Florida."
2016 four-star target Nick Rakocevic: "It's definitely sad seeing him leaving to go to the NBA and knowing that he won't be at Florida anymore. Me and coach developed a great relationship so it's just sad to see he won't be there anymore, but I know he'll do a great job at the next level."
2016 four-star target Jonathan Isaac: "I just recently met Coach Donovan so I'm sad that I won't be recruited by him because he's a great Coach. But I'm also happy for him."
2016 four-star target Quentin Goodin: "It's (Donovan leaving) bothered my recruiting process, but he's gotta do what's best for him. That's difficult to say right now (if Florida will still be in the mix). I still liked the other coaches that I met and the facilities are unreal."
Charisse Hargrett, mother of 2016 four-star target Juwan Durham: "We wish him the best of luck on his new journey. I am sure Mr. Donovan will be very successful as an NBA Coach." When asked what impact Donovan's leaving has on her son's interest in Florida, she said "None."
Keep checking back for updates on this developing story.
Russ Wood is a contributing national basketball recruiting analyst for Inside the Gators & Rivals. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.