Billy Donovan to Return to Florida

No second thoughts on the NBA jump, right Billy? Not so much. Maybe he was worried about the job security, the hours, the pressure, and other potential pitfalls of the NBA. Maybe he realized how great he had it at the University of Florida. No matter which way you slice it, Donovan will be getting the chance to rebuild his Florida program.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Orlando Magic will allow Billy Donovan out of his contract to return to Florida.

"It's over," said a source close to the situation.

Donovan had reservations about leaving the Florida Gators for the NBA on Friday and spent all weekend trying to find a way to get out of his contract. On Saturday, Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith went to Gainesville to try to convince Donovan to honor the deal. Smith talked with Donovan again on Sunday, and so did Magic President Bob Vander Weide.

Unless Donovan wakes up today and changes his mind, the Magic will let him go, the source said.

The Magic released this official statement regarding the Donovan situation.

While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at him since that time.

Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA.

We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue

In the end, going back to Florida is the best move. I was predicting he would be out of Orlando in a season and a half (tops) anyways.