April 3, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Former Providence College men's basketball star Billy Donovan '87 guided his Florida Gators to their second consecutive NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship posting an 84-75 win over Ohio State in the title game in Atlanta, Ga., on April 2. Florida became the first team to repeat as the NCAA Champions since Duke accomplished the feat in 1991 and 1992. Last season, Donovan led the Gators to NCAA Championship with a 73-57 victory over UCLA on April 3, 2006 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Twenty years ago Donovan was a senior point guard for the Friars. He helped lead Providence to Final Four. In recognition of that fantastic season in 1987, Providence College is honoring Donovan and the other members of the team with a gala on May 12 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Donovan is scheduled to return to the Ocean State to take part in the celebration. Tickets are still available for this special night and can be obtained by calling SteveNapolillo at 401-865-2677.

Donovan is just the third PC alum to lead a collegiate program to a national championship as Ray Treacy '82 and John Thompson '64 also coached national champions. Treacy directed the Providence women's cross country program to a national championship in 1995, while Thompson led the Georgetown Hoyas to a men's basketball title in 1984.

Last year, Head Coach Billy Donovan became the third person to play in a Final Four (for Providence in 1987; third-place finish) and then win an NCAA Championship as a coach. Bobby Knight and Dean Smith are the other coaches to win national titles after playing in a Final Four.