Van Gundy : Donovan Feels Terrible

Former Houston Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy, a close fiend and confidant to Billy Donovan, says the Once and Future head coach of the University of Florida, feels horrible about the situation he put the Orlando Magic through this week. Donovan backed out of what was believed to be a five year deal to be Orlando’s bench boss, because of second thoughts about leaving the school.

Donovan who according to Magic G.M. Otis Smith was reluctant about leaving Gainesville from the jump seemed to reach a change of heart during a farewell press conference this past weekend. By Monday, rumors of his mixed emotions started to spread. The Magic announced Tuesday, that Donovan would not take the job after all.

Van Gundy said that Billy, never really wanted to leave the Gators, but was intrigued with the challenges of having new mountains to climb. Donovan won back to back NCAA Championships the last two seasons. Donovan especially feels bad that the change in attitude came after, a huge media conference last week introducing him as the new Orlando coach. Van Gundy’s brother Stan, former Miami Heat head coach, is thought to be a candidate for the now vacant Magic post.