The North Carolina Tar Heels are on the hunt for a new head coach following the departure of Hubert Davis. With top candidates like Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and Michigan's Dusty May tied up in the Final Four, the Tar Heels' search is on hold. But there's buzz around another potential target: Billy Donovan.
Currently steering the Chicago Bulls, Donovan's name is generating excitement in Chapel Hill. His NCAA credentials are nothing short of impressive.
With 21 years of college head-coaching experience, 19 of those with the Florida Gators, Donovan boasts back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007 and four Final Four appearances. His career record of 502-206 speaks volumes about his capability.
Coby White, a former UNC standout now with the Charlotte Hornets, is a big fan. Having spent over five seasons under Donovan in Chicago, White has high praise for his former coach.
"He was a huge part," White shared, crediting Donovan for his development. Despite Donovan's modesty, White insists, "I always give him a lot of credit for how far I came."
White also highlighted Donovan's toughness, noting his New York roots and battle-tested nature. "That’s his way of kind of seeing how tough you are.
Can you respond?" White remarked.
Their bond goes beyond the court. "We built a relationship as player-coach, but he's been a guy that supported me off the court, as well," White said, cherishing a connection that he believes will last a lifetime.
It's clear that if Donovan were to take the helm at UNC, White would be thrilled with the choice. Reflecting on his own time at UNC during the 2018-19 season, where he averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, White's endorsement carries weight.
With such strong backing, Donovan's potential move to North Carolina is certainly one to watch.