Billy Donovan Named to Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2025

San Antonio, Texas – Billy Donovan, the acclaimed former coach of the University of Florida men’s basketball team and current coach of the Chicago Bulls, was officially announced as a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on Saturday.

This significant announcement coincides with Florida’s appearance in the Final Four, where they are set to face Auburn at the Alamodome on Saturday night. This marks the Gators’ first Final Four since Donovan led them there in 2014.

Donovan’s induction comes a day after the inclusion of his former mentor Rick Pitino, alongside Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, further highlighting Donovan’s illustrious career. “Billy is like a son to me,” Pitino expressed in December. “He deserves to be up in that rafter,” he added, emphasizing Donovan’s impact on the sport.

During his 19 seasons as the head coach of the Gators from 1996 to 2015, Donovan achieved remarkable success, including back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. He also advanced to four Final Fours, secured six Southeastern Conference regular-season championships, and won four SEC Tournament titles, accumulating an impressive 467 wins.

Donovan’s tenure at Florida was characterized by consistent excellence, evidenced by five seasons ranking No. 1 nationally, 16 consecutive 20-win seasons, and a staggering 17 postseason appearances. His win total ranks second among SEC coaches, trailing only Adolph Rupp.

Prior to Donovan’s arrival, the University of Florida’s men’s basketball program had faced significant challenges. However, after his hiring by athletic director Jeremy Foley on March 27, 1996, Donovan transformed the Gators into a national powerhouse, making formerly elusive achievements a reality.

On February 28, 2015, Donovan made history by becoming only the second coach in college basketball to secure 500 Division I victories before turning 50, joining the ranks of coaching legend Bob Knight.

Notably, Donovan’s accomplishments at Florida included guiding the Gators to their inaugural appearance in the NCAA Championship game in 2000, culminating in victories in 2006 and 2007. He also led Providence College to its best season in 1987, culminating in a Final Four appearance.

The Gators’ impressive run includes 17 consecutive postseason appearances from 1997 to 2014, with 14 of those being NCAA Tournament entries and six appearances in the Elite Eight. Donovan is also recognized for his exceptional contributions to SEC basketball, having led the Gators to six conference titles, a stark contrast to the single SEC championship the program achieved in 77 seasons prior to his appointment.

In the years following his time at Florida, Donovan transitioned to the NBA, where he has now completed a decade on the coaching staff, amassing 400 wins over his five-year leadership with the Oklahoma City Thunder and approaching that milestone again with the Chicago Bulls.

Donovan is part of a distinguished Hall of Fame Class for 2025, which includes renowned figures such as Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles. Howard is noted for his defensive prowess during his early career, including becoming a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, while Bird and Moore both boast illustrious WNBA careers.

The ceremony at the Final Four continues to celebrate the rich history and contributions of basketball legends. Donovan’s nomination represents the culmination of a career marked by transformative achievements and legacy in both college and professional basketball.