Even though Steve Spurrier is no longer in Gainesville, Fla. at the head of the Florida football program, “Fun N’ Gun” offense still thrives in Gator Country. Except it is on the basketball court.
Mention Gators coach Billy Donovan to LSU basketball players and they will give one common response. Offense. Lots of offense.
For the past four seasons, Florida basketball has averaged 25 wins a season and earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country, scoring more than 80 points a game.
Donovan’s 2004 Gators are no different as Florida leads the Southeastern Conference in scoring at 79.5 points per game. LSU and Florida lock horns in Gainesville on Saturday at 2 p.m.
“I think [Donovan’s] teams are run and gun teams,” said LSU point guard Xavier Whipple. “They’re very offensive minded. They can hurt you on offense. Some teams can hurt you on defense, but they’re very tough on offense. If you don’t come out and guard them, they can score a bunch of points on you.”
Donovan’s Gators lead the SEC in field goal percentage at 48 percent and 3-point percentage at 38 percent. According to LSU guard Darrel Mitchell, they are dangerous from anywhere on the floor.
“They shoot the ball from wherever they get the ball,” Mitchell said. “You have to cut down on their 3-point shooting and play tough defense on their floor.”
Offense has always been Donovan’s specialty. As a college star under Rick Pitino at Providence in 1987, Donovan guided the Friars to the Final Four and averaged 20.6 points per game.
Guard Antonio Hudson said Florida has the offensive personality of its head coach, who at 38 is nicknamed “Billy the Kid.”
“His teams depend on outscoring people and not on defense like we do,” Hudson said. “His teams play hard for him. They have a belief system in him and what he brings to the table. He’s young and energetic and his teams are young and energetic.”
But Donovan also brings a no-panic type attitude to the floor as well, Whipple said.
“I think that coach Donovan is always calm,” Whipple said. “He has himself together. He’s a young guy and I feel he does a good job with his team.”
Donovan is in his eighth season as Florida’s head coach. In his tenure, the Gators have racked up a 163-79 record, two SEC titles and one trip the national championship game in 2000 that resulted in a 89-76 loss to Michigan State.
He has guided the Gators to five straight 20-win seasons and five straight appearances in the NCAA tournament.
This season the Gators find themselves in somewhat of an unfamiliar position. They are 5-4 in the league,14-6 overall and ranked No. 20 in the country after being ranked No. 1 in the nation earlier this season.
LSU coach John Brady said that is a reflection of the balance of the talent in the league. He said Donovan is one of the best coaches in the SEC, particularly on the offensive end, and he knows the Gators will be ready come Saturday.
“Billy’s teams are always well coached and well prepared,” Brady said. “We’re going to have to play one of our better games to beat them, particularly in Gainesville.”