"Due to the amount of media speculation regarding my involvement with the University of Florida coaching vacancy, I felt it necessary to address the situation," the statement read. "I have been contacted by the University of Florida regarding their coaching vacancy. I have not had any in-person contact with any Florida representative, nor have I been offered the job.
"At this point in time, I will have no further comment on this situation as my focus is on my responsibilities at VCU."
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Grant has Gator Support, New Website GatorsGrowlforGrant.com
UF players support hiring Grant
Written by David Jones
June 3rd, 2007
GAINESVILLE — If Anthony Grant is hired as the replacement for Billy Donovan at Florida, as many expect in the next few days, it would be a move that would make a lot of people happy.
Donovan became part of the past Friday, when he officially signed a long-term contract with the Orlando Magic after 11 years as the Gators' basketball coach, winning the last two national titles to conclude his tenure.
Grant, 28-7 in his first year at Virginia Commonwealth after working under Donovan the previous 12 as an assistant at Marshall and UF, could be the future. It wouldn't be a surprise. More than 100 newspapers and Web sites nationwide published stories forecasting the 41-year-old as the likely next Florida coach.
And that appears to be just fine with current and past Gators. Grant and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley were expected to meet Saturday to discuss the job.
"He coaches the same style, so it would be good for us if coach Grant came back," said Walter Hodge, who will be a junior next season.
Support for Grant's hiring was instant. A Web site, GatorsGrowlforGrant.com, was started by one fan. UF recruit Adam Allen said Saturday that Grant is certainly his choice.
"I know him pretty good," he said. "He recruited me all my junior year and I feel pretty comfortable with him. If I was in that position to choose a coach, I'd pick him. All the recruits have said, if he comes, we're all staying. He's obviously a pretty good coach."
And if someone else gets the job?
"Then I've got to look into it more," Allen said.
Donovan promised the 6-foot-8 Allen that he could also pitch on the baseball team. There's also a concern about fitting into a different system than what Donovan — and Grant — have used.
Allen agreed that time is running out, if Florida wants to keep together a recruiting class that has been ranked No. 1 nationally by some. If one of the recruits becomes impatient and asks for a release from his scholarship, others may quickly follow.
Allen said that could easily happen. And if others decided to depart, would he also start thinking about getting out of his commitment?
"Of course," he said.
Recruits are supposed to arrive on campus in about three weeks.
"I don't want to go into a situation that you really don't know what's going to happen," Allen said. "If this had happened a month ago then it would have been a lot easier instead of right before I need to go off (to college). It really would help if they make the decision quick. It would put me in a better situation."
Grant was an assistant during Hodge's first year at UF. Hodge admitted that the team was "kind of" in shock after Donovan told the players he was leaving.
"But," said Hodge, "you have to move on."
That advancement could include Grant. Hodge said it will make the loss of Donovan a much smoother transition.
"If coach Grant comes back, it's not like it's a big difference," Hodge said. "It's the same style. It's almost the same thing. It would be good for us. That's a great situation for us. That's going to be interesting for us if coach Grant comes back."
Hodge is one of the few veterans on the team. He is faced with a situation where he will now be one of the leaders who must try to pull the team back together.
"All the freshmen, they are ready to shine," Hodge said. "They feel they will have to keep building something special, so they feel good about it. I will help them to develop that."
Taurean Green, who left after his junior year for the NBA Draft this month, agreed that Grant is the perfect guy to take over for Donovan.
"Definitely, I would love to see coach Grant come back," Green said. "That would be great. I love coach Grant to death. I don't know what's going to happen, but I would love to see coach Grant back."
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070603/SPORTS/706030433/1075
Written by David Jones
June 3rd, 2007
GAINESVILLE — If Anthony Grant is hired as the replacement for Billy Donovan at Florida, as many expect in the next few days, it would be a move that would make a lot of people happy.
Donovan became part of the past Friday, when he officially signed a long-term contract with the Orlando Magic after 11 years as the Gators' basketball coach, winning the last two national titles to conclude his tenure.
Grant, 28-7 in his first year at Virginia Commonwealth after working under Donovan the previous 12 as an assistant at Marshall and UF, could be the future. It wouldn't be a surprise. More than 100 newspapers and Web sites nationwide published stories forecasting the 41-year-old as the likely next Florida coach.
And that appears to be just fine with current and past Gators. Grant and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley were expected to meet Saturday to discuss the job.
"He coaches the same style, so it would be good for us if coach Grant came back," said Walter Hodge, who will be a junior next season.
Support for Grant's hiring was instant. A Web site, GatorsGrowlforGrant.com, was started by one fan. UF recruit Adam Allen said Saturday that Grant is certainly his choice.
"I know him pretty good," he said. "He recruited me all my junior year and I feel pretty comfortable with him. If I was in that position to choose a coach, I'd pick him. All the recruits have said, if he comes, we're all staying. He's obviously a pretty good coach."
And if someone else gets the job?
"Then I've got to look into it more," Allen said.
Donovan promised the 6-foot-8 Allen that he could also pitch on the baseball team. There's also a concern about fitting into a different system than what Donovan — and Grant — have used.
Allen agreed that time is running out, if Florida wants to keep together a recruiting class that has been ranked No. 1 nationally by some. If one of the recruits becomes impatient and asks for a release from his scholarship, others may quickly follow.
Allen said that could easily happen. And if others decided to depart, would he also start thinking about getting out of his commitment?
"Of course," he said.
Recruits are supposed to arrive on campus in about three weeks.
"I don't want to go into a situation that you really don't know what's going to happen," Allen said. "If this had happened a month ago then it would have been a lot easier instead of right before I need to go off (to college). It really would help if they make the decision quick. It would put me in a better situation."
Grant was an assistant during Hodge's first year at UF. Hodge admitted that the team was "kind of" in shock after Donovan told the players he was leaving.
"But," said Hodge, "you have to move on."
That advancement could include Grant. Hodge said it will make the loss of Donovan a much smoother transition.
"If coach Grant comes back, it's not like it's a big difference," Hodge said. "It's the same style. It's almost the same thing. It would be good for us. That's a great situation for us. That's going to be interesting for us if coach Grant comes back."
Hodge is one of the few veterans on the team. He is faced with a situation where he will now be one of the leaders who must try to pull the team back together.
"All the freshmen, they are ready to shine," Hodge said. "They feel they will have to keep building something special, so they feel good about it. I will help them to develop that."
Taurean Green, who left after his junior year for the NBA Draft this month, agreed that Grant is the perfect guy to take over for Donovan.
"Definitely, I would love to see coach Grant come back," Green said. "That would be great. I love coach Grant to death. I don't know what's going to happen, but I would love to see coach Grant back."
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070603/SPORTS/706030433/1075
Friday, June 1, 2007
Donovan supports Grant
By KEVIN BROCKWAY and BRANDON ZIMMERMAN
Sun sports writers
June 01. 2007
www.Gainesville.com
Florida's search for a new men's basketball coach will begin with Anthony Grant.
Gators athletics director Jeremy Foley is expected to meet with Grant on Saturday regarding the head coaching permission, sources close to the situation told The Sun.
Grant was an assistant under Donovan for 10 years before taking the head coaching job at Virginia Commonwealth prior to last season. Grant led the Rams to a 28-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Donovan gave Grant a strong endorsement when asked about who his successor should be Friday morning at his introductory news conference in Orlando.
"The one guy I feel very strongly about is Anthony Grant," Donovan said. "When you look at the success we were able to have at Florida over the last 11 years, he was a very strong instrument in that success because he was there 10 of the 11 years I was there.
"But this is really the University of Florida's decision. It's Jeremy's decision. Jeremy knows Anthony very well."
Foley will not comment on the coaching search until it is completed.
Grant, 41, served as Donovan's top aid in all phases of coaching, including recruiting, on-floor coaching, scouting, and practice planning at Florida before taking over the VCU program last season. Grant played a key role in helping the Gators to the 2006 NCAA title, the 2005 and 2006 Southeastern Conference Tournament titles, three SEC Eastern Division titles and back-to-back SEC Championships in 2000 and 2001.
The 1999 and 2000 teams made the first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in school history and the 2000 squad made UF's first appearance in the National Championship game.
The Gators have reached eight straight NCAA Tournaments, capped by the national title in 2006 in which Florida became the first team since the 1968 UCLA Bruins to win both the national semifinal and the final by 15+ points. The Gators are 226-98 (.698) during Grant's 10-year stint in Gainesville. Grant had been an integral part in the recruiting and coaching of nine McDonald's All-Americans and four NBA first-round draft choices. Four of the past seven signing classes for the Gators had been ranked in the top five in the nation by every major recruiting service.
Grant led VCU to a 28-7 record and an upset of Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
Before making the journey to Florida, Grant spent two years at Marshall, also under Donovan, helping the Thundering Herd to a 35-20 record. Grant also served as an assistant for a single season at Stetson, after wrapping up a seven-year stint as a prep coach in Miami. At the high school level, Grant's teams captured three state titles, five straight national rankings in USA Today and an overall record of 172-11.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Grant spent his collegiate playing career at the University of Dayton (1983-87), guiding the Flyers to a 70-49 (.588) overall mark, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, and one National Invitational Tournament berth. In his 105 appearances in a Flyer uniform, Grant registered 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds each time out and was named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior.
Grant is married to the former Christina Harrell of Miami. They have three sons, 10-year-old Anthony, 5-year-old Preston and Makai, 11 months. Their daughter, Jayda Danielle, is four years old.
Sun sports writers
June 01. 2007
www.Gainesville.com
Florida's search for a new men's basketball coach will begin with Anthony Grant.
Gators athletics director Jeremy Foley is expected to meet with Grant on Saturday regarding the head coaching permission, sources close to the situation told The Sun.
Grant was an assistant under Donovan for 10 years before taking the head coaching job at Virginia Commonwealth prior to last season. Grant led the Rams to a 28-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Donovan gave Grant a strong endorsement when asked about who his successor should be Friday morning at his introductory news conference in Orlando.
"The one guy I feel very strongly about is Anthony Grant," Donovan said. "When you look at the success we were able to have at Florida over the last 11 years, he was a very strong instrument in that success because he was there 10 of the 11 years I was there.
"But this is really the University of Florida's decision. It's Jeremy's decision. Jeremy knows Anthony very well."
Foley will not comment on the coaching search until it is completed.
Grant, 41, served as Donovan's top aid in all phases of coaching, including recruiting, on-floor coaching, scouting, and practice planning at Florida before taking over the VCU program last season. Grant played a key role in helping the Gators to the 2006 NCAA title, the 2005 and 2006 Southeastern Conference Tournament titles, three SEC Eastern Division titles and back-to-back SEC Championships in 2000 and 2001.
The 1999 and 2000 teams made the first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in school history and the 2000 squad made UF's first appearance in the National Championship game.
The Gators have reached eight straight NCAA Tournaments, capped by the national title in 2006 in which Florida became the first team since the 1968 UCLA Bruins to win both the national semifinal and the final by 15+ points. The Gators are 226-98 (.698) during Grant's 10-year stint in Gainesville. Grant had been an integral part in the recruiting and coaching of nine McDonald's All-Americans and four NBA first-round draft choices. Four of the past seven signing classes for the Gators had been ranked in the top five in the nation by every major recruiting service.
Grant led VCU to a 28-7 record and an upset of Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
Before making the journey to Florida, Grant spent two years at Marshall, also under Donovan, helping the Thundering Herd to a 35-20 record. Grant also served as an assistant for a single season at Stetson, after wrapping up a seven-year stint as a prep coach in Miami. At the high school level, Grant's teams captured three state titles, five straight national rankings in USA Today and an overall record of 172-11.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Grant spent his collegiate playing career at the University of Dayton (1983-87), guiding the Flyers to a 70-49 (.588) overall mark, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, and one National Invitational Tournament berth. In his 105 appearances in a Flyer uniform, Grant registered 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds each time out and was named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior.
Grant is married to the former Christina Harrell of Miami. They have three sons, 10-year-old Anthony, 5-year-old Preston and Makai, 11 months. Their daughter, Jayda Danielle, is four years old.
Florida requests, receives OK to speak with Grant
By Mark Schlabach
ESPN.com
Friday June 1st, 2007
Florida isn't waiting a second to begin its search for basketball coach Billy Donovan's replacement. Athletics director Jeremy Foley requested and received permission to interview Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant on Friday, multiple sources told ESPN.com.
Grant is considered one of the bright, young coaches in college basketball.
A source close to the situation told ESPN.com's Andy Katz that Foley will be meeting with Grant on Saturday in Richmond, Va.
Donovan was named coach of the NBA's Orlando Magic on Friday.
Grant, who led the Rams to a 28-7 record and Colonial Athletic Association title in his first season, was an assistant at Florida under Donovan for 10 seasons. Virginia Commonwealth also upset Duke 79-77 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
Grant, 41, is a native of Miami and is credited with recruiting many of the players who led the Gators to back-to-back national championships the last two seasons. Grant played at Dayton and also coached under Donovan at Marshall.
Grant earned a little more than $300,000 last season, including incentives, and the school restructured his contract to increase his base salary to around $400,000 annually.
Mark Schlabach covers college football and basketball for ESPN.com.
ESPN.com
Friday June 1st, 2007
Florida isn't waiting a second to begin its search for basketball coach Billy Donovan's replacement. Athletics director Jeremy Foley requested and received permission to interview Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant on Friday, multiple sources told ESPN.com.
Grant is considered one of the bright, young coaches in college basketball.
A source close to the situation told ESPN.com's Andy Katz that Foley will be meeting with Grant on Saturday in Richmond, Va.
Donovan was named coach of the NBA's Orlando Magic on Friday.
Grant, who led the Rams to a 28-7 record and Colonial Athletic Association title in his first season, was an assistant at Florida under Donovan for 10 seasons. Virginia Commonwealth also upset Duke 79-77 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
Grant, 41, is a native of Miami and is credited with recruiting many of the players who led the Gators to back-to-back national championships the last two seasons. Grant played at Dayton and also coached under Donovan at Marshall.
Grant earned a little more than $300,000 last season, including incentives, and the school restructured his contract to increase his base salary to around $400,000 annually.
Mark Schlabach covers college football and basketball for ESPN.com.
Donovan supports Grant (and so do we!)
By KEVIN BROCKWAY and BRANDON ZIMMERMAN
Sun sports writers
www.GatorSports.com
June 1st, 2007
Florida's search for a new men's basketball coach will begin with Anthony Grant.
Gators athletics director Jeremy Foley is expected to meet with Grant on Saturday regarding the head coaching position, sources close to the situation told The Sun.
Grant was an assistant under Donovan for 10 years before taking the head coaching job at Virginia Commonwealth prior to last season. Grant led the Rams to a 28-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Donovan gave Grant a strong endorsement when asked about who his successor should be Friday morning at his introductory news conference in Orlando.
"The one guy I feel very strongly about is Anthony Grant," Donovan said. "When you look at the success we were able to have at Florida over the last 11 years, he was a very strong instrument in that success because he was there 10 of the 11 years I was there.
"But this is really the University of Florida's decision. It's Jeremy's decision. Jeremy knows Anthony very well."
Foley will not comment on the coaching search until it is completed.
Grant, 41, served as Donovan's top aid in all phases of coaching, including recruiting, on-floor coaching, scouting, and practice planning at Florida before taking over the VCU program last season. Grant played a key role in helping the Gators to the 2006 NCAA title, the 2005 and 2006 Southeastern Conference Tournament titles, three SEC Eastern Division titles and back-to-back SEC Championships in 2000 and 2001.
The 1999 and 2000 teams made the first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in school history and the 2000 squad made UF's first appearance in the National Championship game.
The Gators have reached eight straight NCAA Tournaments, capped by the national title in 2006 in which Florida became the first team since the 1968 UCLA Bruins to win both the national semifinal and the final by 15+ points. The Gators are 226-98 (.698) during Grant's 10-year stint in Gainesville. Grant had been an integral part in the recruiting and coaching of nine McDonald's All-Americans and four NBA first-round draft choices. Four of the past seven signing classes for the Gators had been ranked in the top five in the nation by every major recruiting service.
Grant led VCU to a 28-7 record and an upset of Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
Before making the journey to Florida, Grant spent two years at Marshall, also under Donovan, helping the Thundering Herd to a 35-20 record. Grant also served as an assistant for a single season at Stetson, after wrapping up a seven-year stint as a prep coach in Miami. At the high school level, Grant's teams captured three state titles, five straight national rankings in USA Today and an overall record of 172-11.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Grant spent his collegiate playing career at the University of Dayton (1983-87), guiding the Flyers to a 70-49 (.588) overall mark, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, and one National Invitational Tournament berth. In his 105 appearances in a Flyer uniform, Grant registered 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds each time out and was named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior.
Grant is married to the former Christina Harrell of Miami. They have three sons, 10-year-old Anthony, 5-year-old Preston and Makai, 11 months. Their daughter, Jayda Danielle, is four years old.
In addition, Sporting News radio reported Friday morning that Villanova coach Jay Wright would listen if approached by Florida. Wright, 126-70 in six seasons at Villanova, has guided the Wildcats to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2005 and Elite Eight in 2006.
Sun sports writers
www.GatorSports.com
June 1st, 2007
Florida's search for a new men's basketball coach will begin with Anthony Grant.
Gators athletics director Jeremy Foley is expected to meet with Grant on Saturday regarding the head coaching position, sources close to the situation told The Sun.
Grant was an assistant under Donovan for 10 years before taking the head coaching job at Virginia Commonwealth prior to last season. Grant led the Rams to a 28-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Donovan gave Grant a strong endorsement when asked about who his successor should be Friday morning at his introductory news conference in Orlando.
"The one guy I feel very strongly about is Anthony Grant," Donovan said. "When you look at the success we were able to have at Florida over the last 11 years, he was a very strong instrument in that success because he was there 10 of the 11 years I was there.
"But this is really the University of Florida's decision. It's Jeremy's decision. Jeremy knows Anthony very well."
Foley will not comment on the coaching search until it is completed.
Grant, 41, served as Donovan's top aid in all phases of coaching, including recruiting, on-floor coaching, scouting, and practice planning at Florida before taking over the VCU program last season. Grant played a key role in helping the Gators to the 2006 NCAA title, the 2005 and 2006 Southeastern Conference Tournament titles, three SEC Eastern Division titles and back-to-back SEC Championships in 2000 and 2001.
The 1999 and 2000 teams made the first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in school history and the 2000 squad made UF's first appearance in the National Championship game.
The Gators have reached eight straight NCAA Tournaments, capped by the national title in 2006 in which Florida became the first team since the 1968 UCLA Bruins to win both the national semifinal and the final by 15+ points. The Gators are 226-98 (.698) during Grant's 10-year stint in Gainesville. Grant had been an integral part in the recruiting and coaching of nine McDonald's All-Americans and four NBA first-round draft choices. Four of the past seven signing classes for the Gators had been ranked in the top five in the nation by every major recruiting service.
Grant led VCU to a 28-7 record and an upset of Duke in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season.
Before making the journey to Florida, Grant spent two years at Marshall, also under Donovan, helping the Thundering Herd to a 35-20 record. Grant also served as an assistant for a single season at Stetson, after wrapping up a seven-year stint as a prep coach in Miami. At the high school level, Grant's teams captured three state titles, five straight national rankings in USA Today and an overall record of 172-11.
Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Grant spent his collegiate playing career at the University of Dayton (1983-87), guiding the Flyers to a 70-49 (.588) overall mark, a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, and one National Invitational Tournament berth. In his 105 appearances in a Flyer uniform, Grant registered 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds each time out and was named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior.
Grant is married to the former Christina Harrell of Miami. They have three sons, 10-year-old Anthony, 5-year-old Preston and Makai, 11 months. Their daughter, Jayda Danielle, is four years old.
In addition, Sporting News radio reported Friday morning that Villanova coach Jay Wright would listen if approached by Florida. Wright, 126-70 in six seasons at Villanova, has guided the Wildcats to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2005 and Elite Eight in 2006.
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