"You can't mess with Happiness"

[UFWildcat]

I keep hearing this "you can't mess with happiness" talk down here.

Do you guys buy this?

Its no secret Donovan likes it at Florida. Everybody tells me that you can't mess with happiness because you may never get it back.

Obviously we are going to say "he can be happy here" but still...

[scfcats]

That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.

[UKcat]

I'm beginning to believe that they may be right. I did believe that Donovan was going to be our next coach, but as time as passed; so much has been said; so many points made, for and against; I just think he may not leave Florida; he does have a good thing going down there; they ARE happy; or so it appears; I just don't know if we can take that away from him. If it were me; I would probably stay in Florida too.:(

I hope I am wrong about that!:?

[Craig the Blueheart]

UFWildcat wrote: I keep hearing this "you can't mess with happiness" talk down here.

Do you guys buy this?

Its no secret Donovan likes it at Florida. Everybody tells me that you can't mess with happiness because you may never get it back.

Obviously we are going to say "he can be happy here" but still...

I think that idea is very true in this case. What this whole thing will boil down to, in my opinion, is if he is a guy that yearns the spotlight and celebrity status that comes along with being a UK coach. He is so tight lipped and all-business, that I cannot read into his aspirations as a human being. If he is the kind that does not yearn that attention, then he stays; if not, he comes. I for one would want the spotlight. Maybe it is my age, or the way I am wired, but I would want to have that buzz around me.

[audacious1]

scfcats wrote: That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.

Actually, it's a Jimmy V. line but since Vitale does promote his cause so much, he's been saying it too.

It's actually a great philosophy. If things are going well, why would any of us mess it up? The question becomes, is Donovan satisfied with where he is?

[UFWildcat]

audacious1 wrote: scfcats wrote: That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.
The question becomes, is Donovan satisfied with where he is?

That's exactly right.

I for one think you can "mess with happiness"

I think, if he doesn't take the job, he will always regret it. Yeah its great and all in Florida but there is better out there for him IN HIS PROFESSION.

He needs to look inside himself and his program and realize this is good as it gets, and it doesn't even compare to a "down" year for Kentucky.

[RaleighCat]

My wife and I were happy in Knoxville, but still moved to Atlanta for a better opportunity.

We were happy in Atlanta, but still moved to Raleigh for a better quality of life.

This stuff happens to everyone at some point. I bet Donovon is very happy at Florida.

But.....there is no doubt to anyone that if Donovon performs up to hiscapabilities at Kentucky, he'll be more appreciated, more famous, more powerful and more wealthy. Would that make him "more happy?" No one can say but Donovon.

[spfury]

I tend to agree, while the U.K. job is the best in the game he has it made down there. The weather is wonderful, close to the beach which I understand him and his wife love, BD and UM built the Catholic school, his parents and in-laws live around them (Maybe he wants to get away from the in-laws though), his dad coaches the high school team at the school they built and his son is a Freshman on that team, he has built a nice program at a school that never really had one. OTOH, he will always be second fiddle in Gainesville, and fourth of fifth fiddle in the state behind UM, BB, Miami’s football coach, and maybe even the Heats coach. If he wants to be the king of the program and state he can do that here and make more money in the process.

[Kantukeeslim]

UFWildcat wrote: audacious1 wrote: scfcats wrote: That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.
The question becomes, is Donovan satisfied with where he is?

That's exactly right.

I for one think you can "mess with happiness"

I think, if he doesn't take the job, he will always regret it. Yeah its great and all in Florida but there is better out there for him IN HIS PROFESSION.

He needs to look inside himself and his program and realize this is good as it gets, and it doesn't even compare to a "down" year for Kentucky.
I think if Donovan doesn't take the UK job, he only regrets it if UK surpasses the current state of UF. What I mean is, if UK continues to be, by fan's perception, mediocre and UF continues to flourish--what's there to regret?

Yeah, you can regret you did take the chance to rebuild a dynasty, but then again you built your own. and you didn't have to relocated half your family to do it.

It's the whole mountain/mahomed, only in reverse. Donovan may decide to bring the mountain to him.

[Trueblujr]

Just my own worthless opinion, but I see this opportunity for Donovan to propel himself into the elite coaching fraternity. Something he could no doubt also do by staying put. Heck, if he wins tonight, he will have surpassed his mentor in Rick Pitino as far as Championships go. He is a future Hall of Famer no doubt. That being said, Florida is a nice place to coach, great weather, easy to recruit to, great support system in place, one of the best AD's in America.But it's a football school first and foremost. From a basketball standpoint, Florida is a place where a cach can go and be content so to speak, for all the reasonsI mentioned above and because they can pay well, but that doesn't change the fact that it's still a football first mentality that Billy has to fight through for attention. If Donovan is content, happy and likes his current lifestyle then so be it, he should stay. If he is like most other career driven Americans and wishes to better himself both financially and within his chosen profession as well as accept new and tougher challenges then he would be foolish not to accept the opportunity presented to him by coming to UK. Billy will be a wealthy man regardless of where he is coaching, he will be able to go to the beach in his off time no matter where he's living. He splits his time between Florida and Long Island as it is. He can have a superb quality of life in Kentucky just as he can in Florida. There are some things about living in Florida that aren't all that appealing. Ultimately it really is his happiness that is the issue, but I don't think he has anything left to prove at Florida. He should look at UK as a new challenge and new opportunity to restore the luster to the Roman Empire of College Basketball.

[sobecatlanta]

The queston also remains whether Billy believes he can keep it up at Florida. Remember, not many guys he has landed have been big time recruits, they've just exceed expectations. Is he confident he can continue what he is doing at Florida over what he could do at UK?

[Kantukeeslim]

sobecatlanta wrote: The queston also remains whether Billy believes he can keep it up at Florida. Remember, not many guys he has landed have been big time recruits, they've just exceed expectations. Is he confident he can continue what he is doing at Florida over what he could do at UK?If he wins a second National Title tonight, 'big time' recruits aren't going to be a problem.

[Nashville Kat]

UFWildcat wrote: I keep hearing this "you can't mess with happiness" talk down here.

Do you guys buy this?

Its no secret Donovan likes it at Florida. Everybody tells me that you can't mess with happiness because you may never get it back.

Obviously we are going to say "he can be happy here" but still...

It's no secret he likes it in Florida because he says he likes it in Florida. Not that he doesn't...he likely does...but what do you expect him to say? He gets paid by the state's flagship university (apologies to FSU), coaches the FLORIDA Gators, his family lives there, eats there, shops there, etc... It's just sillyform opinions on whatBD may or may not do based on past comments he's made about being happy in Florida. OF COURSE he's happy in Florida.

Coaches ofDonavan'sstature and makeup are, by nature, risk takers. Not that taking the UK job would risky, but I'd venture to say thathis happiness, and the happiness ofothers of his personality type,does not depend on maintaining the status quo. In fact, doing so can sometimes be a miserable experience. Happiness is not a static thing.

[UFWildcat]

Nashville Kat wrote: UFWildcat wrote: I keep hearing this "you can't mess with happiness" talk down here.

Do you guys buy this?

Its no secret Donovan likes it at Florida. Everybody tells me that you can't mess with happiness because you may never get it back.

Obviously we are going to say "he can be happy here" but still...

He gets paid by the state's flagship university (apologies to FSU)

No apologies necessary! :ggrin:

[BigBlue75]

Well, I don't want to sound like an eager beaver, but here's what I know:

1.) In all that has been going on, NOT ONCE in any interview with Billy Donovan, have I heard him flat out say: "I'm not interested in leaving Florida. I'm not a candidate for any job, nor do I have any desire to be considered for any other coaching position."

2.) Everyone close to Donovan that has commented, including Florida's AD and Donovans' father, that Billy owed it to himself to at least hear the Kentucky offer.

3.) Donovan's comments have rightly been directed toward keeping his team focused on the goal of winning the tournament. I wouldn't expect him to do otherwise. Florida is, after all, still his employer, even if it is only for a few more days.

4.) (This is strictly IMO) I feel like all the schools and potential candidates are acutely aware of theway the hiring process was mishandled by certain high profile programs in recent years, and they don't want the PR nightmare that will follow if this is not resolved properly, so they're bending over backward to make sure everything is done above board.

I will finish my comments with this: I believe we're going to see BD in UK blue very soon. I'll believe otherwise when it's made official.

[sobecatlanta]

Kantukeeslim wrote: sobecatlanta wrote: The queston also remains whether Billy believes he can keep it up at Florida. Remember, not many guys he has landed have been big time recruits, they've just exceed expectations. Is he confident he can continue what he is doing at Florida over what he could do at UK?If he wins a second National Title tonight, 'big time' recruits aren't going to be a problem.


Not in the immediate future, but what if things fall off for a few years, the fans get even less supportive, etc. That's not going to happen at UK.

[Will Lavender]

sobecatlanta wrote: Kantukeeslim wrote: sobecatlanta wrote: The queston also remains whether Billy believes he can keep it up at Florida. Remember, not many guys he has landed have been big time recruits, they've just exceed expectations. Is he confident he can continue what he is doing at Florida over what he could do at UK?If he wins a second National Title tonight, 'big time' recruits aren't going to be a problem.


Not in the immediate future, but what if things fall off for a few years, the fans get even less supportive, etc. That's not going to happen at UK.
I'll have to disagree.

If Donovan signs this enormous contract and he doesn'tproduce wins and blue-chip recruits, thenUK fans aren't going to "supportive" of Donovan in the least. In fact, whatever the opposite of "supportive" is, UK fans will be that.

[sobecatlanta]

Will Lavender wrote: sobecatlanta wrote: Kantukeeslim wrote: sobecatlanta wrote: The queston also remains whether Billy believes he can keep it up at Florida. Remember, not many guys he has landed have been big time recruits, they've just exceed expectations. Is he confident he can continue what he is doing at Florida over what he could do at UK?If he wins a second National Title tonight, 'big time' recruits aren't going to be a problem.


Not in the immediate future, but what if things fall off for a few years, the fans get even less supportive, etc. That's not going to happen at UK.
I'll have to disagree.

If Donovan signs this enormous contract and he doesn'tproduce wins and blue-chip recruits, thenUK fans aren't going to "supportive" of Donovan in the least. In fact, whatever the opposite of "supportive" is, UK fans will be that.
When I say supportive, I mean showing up for games. Florida sold out a 12,000 seat arena coming off of national championship one time last season. They have a couple of down years they probably fall down to about 6,000/game. Recruits would then be VERY tough to get under than scenario. Billy D understands this, I assure you.

[Nashville Kat]

UFWildcat wrote: Nashville Kat wrote: UFWildcat wrote: I keep hearing this "you can't mess with happiness" talk down here.

Do you guys buy this?

Its no secret Donovan likes it at Florida. Everybody tells me that you can't mess with happiness because you may never get it back.

Obviously we are going to say "he can be happy here" but still...

He gets paid by the state's flagship university (apologies to FSU)

No apologies necessary! :ggrin:

I thought you might like that UFWildcat ;)

[UFWildcat]

On a side note...

I joined up with this forum one year ago today. The night UF won their first National Championship. It's been a long andbumpy ride this past year.

I needed a place to express my feelings on my situation and college basketball. I have a feeling more will be expressed very soon.

Thanks to all that have listened :thumbup

http://www.wildcatnation.net/forum/view_topic.php?id=19082&forum_id=2

[Doug Hardin]

BigBlue75 wrote: Well, I don't want to sound like an eager beaver, but here's what I know:

1.) In all that has been going on, NOT ONCE in any interview with Billy Donovan, have I heard him flat out say: "I'm not interested in leaving Florida. I'm not a candidate for any job, nor do I have any desire to be considered for any other coaching position."

2.) Everyone close to Donovan that has commented, including Florida's AD and Donovans' father, that Billy owed it to himself to at least hear the Kentuckly offer.

3.) Donovan's comments have rightly been directed toward keeping his team focused on the goal of winning the tournament. I wouldn't expect him to do otherwise. Florida is, after all, still his employer, even if it is only for a few more days.

4.) (This is strictly IMO) I feel like all the schools and potential candidates are acutely aware of theway the hiring process was mishandled by certain high profile programs in recent years, and they don't want the PR nightmare that will follow if this is not resolved properly, so they're bending over backward to make sure everything is done above board.

I will finish my comments with this: I believe we're going to see BD in UK blue very soon. I'll believe otherwise when it's made official.

I agree on all points.

[UK/UF Alum]

As someone who is on both sides of the ball I'd like to make a comment. Everyone seems to be thinking that being #2 in Gaiensville is an issue. After the 2000 National Championship game loss in basketbal Billy Donovan missed the Sweet 16 for 5 straight years until last year. During that time noone in Gainesville even talked about the shortcomings of the basketball team. But, as soon as he won he was the toast of the town. I just want everyone to remember that he gets to be in the spotlight when he wins and does not have to worry about overhearing people talk bad about the basketball program when things are not going the way he wants! Again I graduated from UF and now attend UK college of pharmacy so I am not just talking out of my asteroid about this!

[colonelcatfan]

UFWildcat wrote: audacious1 wrote: scfcats wrote: That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.
The question becomes, is Donovan satisfied with where he is?

That's exactly right.

I for one think you can "mess with happiness"

I think, if he doesn't take the job, he will always regret it. Yeah its great and all in Florida but there is better out there for him IN HIS PROFESSION.

He needs to look inside himself and his program and realize this is good as it gets, and it doesn't even compare to a "down" year for Kentucky.

Back to back NCs don't compare to this years UK season? Are you on crack? I bleed as blue as anyone, but thats a completely ridiculous statement!!

[UFWildcat]

colonelcatfan wrote: UFWildcat wrote: audacious1 wrote: scfcats wrote: That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.
The question becomes, is Donovan satisfied with where he is?

That's exactly right.

I for one think you can "mess with happiness"

I think, if he doesn't take the job, he will always regret it. Yeah its great and all in Florida but there is better out there for him IN HIS PROFESSION.

He needs to look inside himself and his program and realize this is good as it gets, and it doesn't even compare to a "down" year for Kentucky.

Back to back NCs don't compare to this years UK season? Are you on crack? I bleed as blue as anyone, but thats a completely ridiculous statement!!
You failed to realize what I was getting at. All that fan support he gets in Gainesville. Thats as good as it gets!

[bleedbluelady]

UFWildcat wrote: colonelcatfan wrote: UFWildcat wrote: audacious1 wrote: scfcats wrote: That's a Dickie V line. I bet the Florida fans picked that up from him in that pre-final four show.
The question becomes, is Donovan satisfied with where he is?

That's exactly right.

I for one think you can "mess with happiness"

I think, if he doesn't take the job, he will always regret it. Yeah its great and all in Florida but there is better out there for him IN HIS PROFESSION.

He needs to look inside himself and his program and realize this is good as it gets, and it doesn't even compare to a "down" year for Kentucky.

Back to back NCs don't compare to this years UK season? Are you on crack? I bleed as blue as anyone, but thats a completely ridiculous statement!!
You failed to realize what I was getting at. All that fan support he gets in Gainesville. Thats as good as it gets!

I understand what you are saying UFWildcat. Donovan may not want the pressure cooker of the UK program. Only he knows that for sure.

Of course, you CAN mess with Happiness". That's why they make Prozac. ;):P

[surveyor]

sobecatlanta wrote: Not in the immediate future, but what if things fall off for a few years, the fans get even less supportive, etc. That's not going to happen at UK.
Yer kiddin', right?

[poodoo]

RaleighCat wrote: My wife and I were happy in Knoxville, but still moved to Atlanta for a better opportunity.

We were happy in Atlanta, but still moved to Raleigh for a better quality of life.

This stuff happens to everyone at some point. I bet Donovon is very happy at Florida.

But.....there is no doubt to anyone that if Donovon performs up to hiscapabilities at Kentucky, he'll be more appreciated, more famous, more powerful and more wealthy. Would that make him "more happy?" No one can say but Donovon.

Excellent post, RaleighCat. Well-said. Specifically, too, none of us can define "happiness" for Billy Donovan.

[audacious1]

Will Lavender wrote: sobecatlanta wrote: Kantukeeslim wrote: sobecatlanta wrote: The queston also remains whether Billy believes he can keep it up at Florida. Remember, not many guys he has landed have been big time recruits, they've just exceed expectations. Is he confident he can continue what he is doing at Florida over what he could do at UK?If he wins a second National Title tonight, 'big time' recruits aren't going to be a problem.


Not in the immediate future, but what if things fall off for a few years, the fans get even less supportive, etc. That's not going to happen at UK.
I'll have to disagree.

If Donovan signs this enormous contract and he doesn'tproduce wins and blue-chip recruits, thenUK fans aren't going to "supportive" of Donovan in the least. In fact, whatever the opposite of "supportive" is, UK fans will be that.

Definitely. Even I know that and I'm a Communist. ;)