[Buckskin86]

Florida recruits remain hopeful coach will stay
Some say Donovan has secured UF's status at the level of the national powers.

Buddy Collings | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted June 5, 2007

Three of the state's top young basketball players said Monday that Billy Donovan's stunning return to the Gators would maintain UF's premier position among prospects.

And all three were forgiving when asked if Donovan's credibility on the recruiting trail will be damaged because he pulled out of an agreement with the Magic.

"He's brought two championships there; I think he could only bring more," said Brandon Knight, who starred for Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest as a freshman and is one of the top-rated Class of 2010 players in the nation. "That of course brings some recruits in. If he did leave, that's taking away part of the success Florida has had."

Knight, a 6-3 guard, listed UF, Miami, Connecticut, Clemson and Texas A&M. He said he has not yet built a personal relationship with Donovan and would not necessarily have removed the Gators just because Donovan left.

Florida recruits remain hopeful coach will stay - Orlando Sentinel : College Sports Florida recruits remain hopeful coach will stay - Orlando Sentinel : College Sports