RALEIGH, N.C. – The NCAA Tournament has reached its exhilarating Round of 32, and fans eagerly await an intense showdown between the Florida Gators and the defending champions, the UConn Huskies. Scheduled to tip off on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 12:10 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center, this matchup is more than just another game; it’s a testament to the lasting legacy of legendary coach Billy Donovan.
Both Florida head coach Todd Golden and UConn head coach Danny Hurley attribute part of their coaching philosophies to Donovan, who led the Gators to an astonishing two national titles and four Final Fours between 1996 and 2015. Billy Donovan's influence remains palpable, especially as Hurley, who considers him a coaching idol, basks in the reflective light of past triumphs.
“As a young coach, those were the teams that I admired. Billy's always been one of my coaching idols, and he's impacted me in terms of mentors as much as anyone outside of the Hurley clan,” said Hurley. This respect stems from Donovan’s extraordinary accomplishments, including back-to-back national championships with Florida in 2006 and 2007, a feat only recently matched by Hurley with UConn’s titles in 2023 and 2024.
For Golden, the significance of Donovan extends beyond admiration; it serves as a foundational source of guidance. Having taken the UF job in 2022, he recognized the urgent need to build a competitive team capable of matching UConn's formidable style after suffering a crushing defeat to them in early December of his first season. Following that humbling experience, Golden noted, “It definitely opened my eyes to how much we needed to improve to be able to compete at the highest level. It provided a good – not necessarily the blueprint, but our goal was to try to build something similar.”
After claiming the SEC Tournament championship, Golden reflects on how Donovan has been there for him as a mentor. “He was like whatever – as much as you want to connect with me or as little, I just want you to know I'm here for you and that I want you to be really, really successful,” Golden shared, alluding to a supportive relationship that extends beyond their shared coaching paths.
Sunday's clash comes with weighty stakes. The Gators, currently the number one seed in their bracket, aim to advance to the second weekend of the tournament for the first time since 2017 and they carry a seven-game winning streak. UConn, on the other hand, brings with them the momentum of winning an impressive 13 straight NCAA Tournament games and a resounding confidence built on a track record of excellence.
In the grand scheme of college basketball, this not only tests Golden's construction of a deep, capable Gators team but also serves as a critical moment for Hurley, who has worked tirelessly to replicate some of the success witnessed in Florida under Donovan. “Even though we might be favored, I think a lot of people still believe that UConn is going to win this game because of their track record,” Golden stated, illuminating the challenges of meeting expectations in a high-stakes environment.
Both coaches acknowledge that their respective teams embody a parallel philosophy. Hurley sees elements of Donovan's successful formula in how Golden has shaped the Gators roster. “What [the Gators] have in terms of their frontcourt is obviously similar to what we've had in our run,” Hurley remarked while recognizing the physical style of play and depth each team brings to the floor.
The flow of the game promises intrigue. Florida boasts a potent offensive lineup ranked number one in the nation, and is eager to exploit UConn’s defensive vulnerabilities, primarily leveraging their speed as they boast a 5-1 record against KenPom's top 10 teams this season. Conversely, UConn's rebounding prowess is no small feat, having been a well-regarded strength for the Huskies throughout their championship runs.
With both teams bringing distinct strengths, one must ponder which squad can impose its style of play effectively. Florida thrives on fast-paced offense, averaging an adjusted 69.6 possessions per game, while UConn opts for a slower pace at 63.8 possessions, a strategy that could help halt Florida’s fast break advantages.
The atmosphere is electric, and both coaches have emphasized the importance of this personal narrative tied to Donovan's impact. Hurley's playful remark about Donovan, saying, “He's not responding to texts or phone calls from me,” highlights their connection and the respect shared among coaches at this level.
As the matchup draws near, fans and analysts alike are drawn not only to the scoreboard but to the legacies these coaches are crafting. The outcome on Sunday will significantly impact the trajectory of their journeys while echoing the indelible mark left by Billy Donovan on both programs. With pride at stake and talent on full display, all that remains is for the two teams to step onto the court and define their destinies in what promises to be a hard-fought battle.
