Whatever initial shock that developed in Gainesville following Donovan's departure to coach the Oklahoma City Thunder was soon tempered by realism, an understanding that Donovan had given nearly two decades of work and devotion to developing the University of Florida into a perennial basketball powerhouse.
"It definitely was a shock," redshirt senior forward Alex Murphy said. "I was here in Gainesville late that week … so I was able to see him in person. It was emotional, but it was exciting, too.
"I don’t think he would have been able to live with himself if he passed up on that one.