CHICAGO – Billy Donovan, a native New Yorker and rumored Kentucky coaching candidate, has not heard from any of the NCAA’s top programs and says he is “committed” to the Bulls, at least for this year.
“I’m committed to being here and trying to help them as much as I can to finish out the year,” Donovan said. “Let’s get home court with the play-in.” [tournament] And try moving forward. ”
Donovan, a Long Island native, won back-to-back NCAA titles at the University of Florida in 2006 and 2007.
He has been coaching in the NBA since 2015, first with the Thunder and now with the Bulls.
Donovan said Bulls president Arturas Karnisovas asked him about the Kentucky job recently vacated by John Calipari.
“[Karnisovas] I asked, “Has anyone contacted you?” ” Donovan said. “And I told him, ‘No,’ I was determined to be here.”
Did Mr. Karnisovas ask for a follow-up on what would happen if the job was offered?
“He didn’t do that,” Donovan said. “He wasn’t as thorough as you.”
Calipari, who has strong ties to Knicks executive William Wesley, has reportedly been promised a huge amount of booster money by Tyson chicken giant John Tyson and will coach the Arkansas Razorbacks on a five-year contract.
Other potential candidates to replace the Wildcats include Baylor’s Scott Drew and Alabama’s Nate Oats.
Despite the Bulls’ struggles, Donovan’s job is “100 percent safe,” according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Knicks were once a haven for Kentucky players, but only one former Wildcat, Jacob Toppin, is currently on the active roster.
“[Calipari] I had a good 15 years,” Toppin told the Post. “I don’t know much about that. Obviously Kentucky has struggled the last few years. But he’s a great coach. Everybody loves him. So wherever he goes next… It will be good for him too.”
