Al Horford sent Billy Donovan a congratulatory text message after his college coach at Florida took the head job with the Oklahoma City Thunder this week.
He’s still waiting to hear back from the man that led him to consecutive national championships at Florida.
“He’s a little overwhelmed right now,” Horford said Friday. “I’m sure he’s pretty busy.”
Horford said he knew Donovan would eventually make the leap to the NBA. Donovan accepted the head coach position with the Magic in 2007 but later backed out. He could not take another job in the NBA for five years, the length of the deal he had signed with the Magic.
“It’s an opportunity he has been waiting for,” Horford said. “I know he’s always wanted to coach in the NBA. I’m real happy for him. … For him, it was going to be about timing and when he felt it was right. I think that he is ready now for this type of challenge.”
Horford said Donovan will have to change his coaching style and system to adapt to the NBA game. In the end, it’s about the players.
“He cares a lot about his players,” Horford said. “His players will see that. When you have a coach who is committed to you, you’ll play harder for him. He’s the type of coach you want to play for. I feel like those players will accept him. I’m sure they will buy in to what he is telling them and they’ll be fine.”
Horford is happy for Donovan for one other reason. Being in the Western Conference, he’ll only have to face his old coach twice a season.
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