Basketball

Now that the Gators have won their second championship, it's time for Billy Donovan to decide he wants to be our new coach. He can leave Florida with a huge feather in his cap for bringing that program from almost nothing to a two-time NCAA champion. Joakim Noah and his classmates aren't going to be back - the NBA is way too strong a pull over a UF degree for them, so why should Billy stay? He was one of Pitino's assistants and so he knows first hand the adoration that can be bestowed on a beloved coach, the carnival that is game day on Rupp Arena, and the Big Blue following that will show up at away games - MUCH more loyal than the Gators who don't seem to know how to cross the state line. The other favorite choice in our household for the next coach is KY alum Travis Ford - but Billy is by far our first choice.

We're doing our best to develop an appreciation for basketball in Amelia. In her two basketball seasons of life, we haven't just taken her to Rupp to see the men play. We've taken her to Memorial Coliseum to see the women. We've also seen the women play at Wake Forest and Tennessee. We've also taken her to see the MD men play Clemson, as well as some local high school and college games. She seems to like them so far! (btw ... I am a closet TN women's team fan because I am in awe of their coach. Unfortunately, she probably won't still be coaching when Amelia is reviewing her college choices. But go Lady VOLS on that championship win Tuesday night!!!!)

[pictures dated 1/14/07; 2/18/07]