Yep, It's Billy Ball In Rupp - But A Different Billy

So ... actually to his credit - Billy Donovan decided to remain at the University of Florida and spurn UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart's millions of Kentucky dollars.

In a rare (in these days of money over everything) demonstration of loyalty, Donovan elected to stay at Florida where (when he leaves - as he surely will eventually) his next move will probably be to the pros. Maybe he'll eventually replace another old Wildcat, Pat Riley, when he (finally) steps down for good as the coach of the Miami Heat.

However, Kentucky did get their own Billy. It's just a different Billy. Ours is now named Billy Gillispie - most recently of Texas A&M.

He worked wonders in College Station and in El Paso, leading both Texas A&M and UTEP to NCAA appearances only one year after previous poor seasons. The Big Blue Faithful hope that his wonder working talent will continue in Lexington.

Most importantly, were all hoping that a couple of Tubby's prize recruits will keep their commitments and favor the Bluegrass with their presence - making Billy G's task a bit easier than starting over from scratch.

A survey on the Lexington Herald Leader's website is currently asking fans how long it ought to take to get UK back to the NCAA's Final Four again. The votes were averaging 3-4 years.

That's definitely a rather tall hill to climb, especially in light of recent Wildcat performances, but that is the challenge that Billy G's accepted and he claims to be up to it. I sure hope so!

At least Florida will also be rebuilding after it's own Fab Four (Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford and Joakim Noah) announced that they will all enter the NBA draft.

Good Luck, Billy G! ... and congratulations on a class move to Billy D!

On, U of K!