After back-to-back National Championship seasons, Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan was faced with a dilemma: stay in Gainesville, FL, or move on to the NBA and the Orlando Magic. Eventually deciding to return to the Gators, Donovan was met with a young team highlighted by a star in guard Nick Calathes, who would leave two seasons later after failing to lead his team to a single NCAA Tournament appearance.

Throughout those two seasons, Donovan was aggravated with many of the younger players on his team – it even went so far where, on an occasion or two, he locked them out of the gym and refused to let them wear Florida colors.

In an interview with FOX Sports‘s Jeff Goodman, senior forward Chandler Parsons explains that he was one of those problem children causing Donovan so much grief.

“Coach found out [the players were talking about North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough] and told me he’d take one season of Hansbrough over four seasons from me,” Parsons said. “When I came in as a freshman, my mindset was wrong. I didn’t buy into coach’s philosophy, I didn’t play defense. I just didn’t get it. I just didn’t understand what it takes. […] I just wish I had realized everything earlier.”

While speaking with Parsons, Goodman came to the conclusion that he once was “high maintenance” and was in Donovan’s “doghouse” but is now someone who can laugh at his past and focus on the future.

“I know I’ve got to be a more consistent shooter – from three and from the line,” Parsons added. “My confidence is there now. I think I can play with anyone.”

1 » Former Florida Gators center Joakim Noah had a coming out party of sorts for the Chicago Bulls in his third NBA season, averaging career highs in points (10.7), rebounds (11.0) and assists (2.1). After a busy offseason and free agency period, Chicago is now looking to sign Noah to a long-term deal, according to ESPNChicago.com. Apparently Noah’s agent Donald Dell is already in talks with the Bulls, and the two sides are relatively close to an agreement. “I’m not really worried about it. I think everything’s going to happen with time and at the end of the day, I’m really excited about the upcoming season,” Noah said.

2 » In the meantime, Noah had the opportunity to play basketball with none other than President Barack Obama (and a few other NBA All-Stars) in an effort to entertain wounded troops in Washington, D.C. over the weekend (see picture above).

3 » Back in May, OGGOA looked at what some college basketball experts had to say about Florida entering the 2010-11 season ranked in the top 10 in preseason polls. The result? All three agreed that the Gators would hold such a distinction when the season began. And while that may be the case, two Florida players realize that is all talk. “Obviously, we like that people are showing us attention, ranking us high, but we also know that none of that stuff matters, senior forward Chandler Parsons said last week. “Really it feels the same way,” sophomore guard Kenny Boynton said about the upcoming season.. “We haven’t accomplished anything this year. It’s basically just people talking right now. My expectations definitely are a way better record than what we had last year. We want to definitely get deep in the tournament. Overall, I think we should be a much better team.”

4 » Augie Greiner, a former player and friend of Florida basketball, passed away this past weekend. OGGOA did our best to pay tribute to his contributions to the Gators, but in a special to FOXSports Florida, Bill Koss does perhaps an even better job. Do yourself a favor and learn a little bit more about Greiner, a man who has had a greater impact on the University of Florida basketball program than you know.

Photo Credit: White House

A day before the football team was set to begin fall practice, Florida Gators senior forward Chandler Parsons and sophomore guard Kenny Boynton spoke with members of the media about a number of topics including the extremely deep incoming freshman class. Click below to read what each player said about his new teammates.

PARSONS

On literally growing in college: “They measured me and I was 6-foot-9 barefoot, and I used to be 6-9 with shoes on. So I’m pretty sure I’m about 6-10, 225 pounds now with shoes.”

On the freshman class as a whole: “They ask so many questions and they really want to get better. During pick up they’re not taking bad shots and they’re playing hard. They’re really willing to learn and we have some older guys and they are willing learners and trying to get better every day.”

On four-star power forward Patric Young (Jacksonville, FL)’s toughness: “He must have elbowed me and Vernon [Macklin] over 19 times in pickup [games]. The guy is just out of his mind, the way he plays, just so hard and physical. He brings something that I’ve never played with before. He’s just an absolute animal. [...] When he plays, it’s like he’s pissed off, he’s mad. It’s a good thing because he can help us a lot, he’s gonna rebound, he’s gonna block shots, he’s not gonna back down from anybody and as a freshman that’s a good quality.”

On four-star guard/forward Casey Prather (Jackson, TN): “He can knock down jump shots and of defense he really gets in passing lanes. He’s gonna help us out, really athletic in transition and can finish well.”

On young point guard Scottie Wilbekin (Gainesville, FL): “You can tell sometimes when his eyes are wide open and [he’s thinking] ‘Wow, this is different.’ We try to make him feel comfortable because he’s going to be a big part of our team this year. He brings a different style of point guard to our team. He’s athletic. He’s long and he really gets after it on the defensive end.”

BOYNTON

On Young: “Patric got me one time. He’s really strong. Patric rebounds every play and never takes a play off so we’re definitely looking forward to him playing.”

On Prather: “He’s a really athletic two-guard. He’s had some concussions lately, but he was back yesterday and he looked really good.”

On three-star forward Cody Larson (Sioux Falls, SD): “Cody, definitely, athletically, he’s dunking on all of the freshmen. So he’s showing some good things, too.”

On three-star forward Will Yeguete (Melbourne, FL): “I like Will’s game. He just needs to improve his outside shooting. He’s working, too.”

On Wilbekin: “Scottie, he’s surprised me. This is the first time I’ve seen him play, once he got here. He’s a scoring guard. He and Casey Prather play really good defense.”

Special thanks to The Gainesville Sun, CBS Sports and Scout.com for the quotes and information utilized in the above post.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

1 » Drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, Florida Gators junior closer Kevin Chapman realized his dream and solidified his future by officially signing with the team on Monday. Posting a 1.64 ERA and 3-0 record with 11 saves in 43.2 innings last season, Chapman struck out 44 batters and only walked seven. He has been assigned to the Royals’ Class A affiliate Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League and will do his best to work his way through the minor leagues and into the majors soon.

2 » While a number of the NBA’s top free agents were deciding their futures last week, some of college basketball and high school basketball’s top players participated in the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, OH. ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla was on-site and had this to report about the two Gators who were invited:

Redshirt senior forward/center Vernon Macklin
Macklin is not a fluid athlete but is tough around the basket and gives a very good effort. He’s a big key for a Gator resurgence this season.

Senior forward Chandler Parsons
Parsons played well at the camp, showing an ability to slash to the rim and make jump shots, as well. For a right-hander, he’s a very dominant left-handed driver. I would work on that right hand the rest of the summer if I were Parsons.

An interview with Jenn Brown and update on Dwayne Schintzius…after the break!

3 » As OGGOA reported Monday, former Florida softball player Jenn Brown has been promoted by ESPN and will join College Football Primetime as a sideline reporter during its Thursday games this season. She is also the subject of an Esquire Magazine piece focusing on her past, present and future as perhaps the “next” Erin Andrews. Below are a few excerpts from the interview:

ESQUIRE: Your colleague Erin Andrews is going to appear as a host on GameDay this fall. Do you see her career path as one to aspire to?
JENN BROWN: Yeah, Erin and I both went to Florida — it’s funny, because we didn’t know each other back then, but she’s always been somebody I’ve looked up to. She’s been doing it longer than I have, but she’s done a great job, and I think it’s amazing that they’ve given her that opportunity to be involved in the ESPNU show before it, and doing more features and stuff. I’d like to think that we’re doing pretty similar things, now that I’m doing sideline. We’re pretty similar in the roles that we’ve got, and… she’s done it. Why reinvent the wheel when you can go to somebody and ask them for advice and help?

ESQ: Looking ahead to fall, you’re a Gator by degree — summa cum laude, no less — if officially objective by trade, but how do you think Tim Tebow’s going to fair as a rookie in the NFL? Things seem, shall we say, complex in Denver right now.
JB: I thought it was interesting when there was the talk about moving him to halfback. What you’re gonna get with Tebow is someone who’s gonna go out and work his butt off. Not that any of those other young guys — Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy — aren’t great, but Tebow, he’s so passionate —

ESQ: Clearly. It wasn’t just those of you on the sidelines who saw him cry his was out of college.
JB: Well, that’s passion, but he’s also such a hard worker, and he gets it. But Tebow wasn’t supposed to go that high — there was a reason, and we have to assume the Broncos know what they’re doing. I’m excited, and I think he’s gonna do great.

ESQ: On the college scene, do you see any surprises this season? Any teams to keep your eyes out for?
JB: Man, it’s been so crazy, and I’ve — they can call me at any point to do a story for SportsCenter, and it means I really have to be studied up. But I am excited about Miami this year. Just don’t tell any of my Florida fans I said that.

4 » Doctors were hopeful that former Gators All-American center and NBA first-round draft pick Dwayne Schintzius‘ long battle with leukemia came to an end in March, and a recent article from The Tampa Tribune finds the big man recovering nicely and grateful to be alive. “There was a time when I just fell on my bed and cried and said, ‘Why me? What have I done to deserve leukemia?’” Schintzius told the paper. “But then it became, ‘OK, time to stop feeling sorry for yourself. I’ve got work to do. I’ve got to beat this.’ And that’s what I emphasized to all the doctors. ‘OK, what are you going to hit me with next? Let’s go.’ I wanted to give everything I had.” Now cancer-free, Schintzius, 41, has a new outlook on life. “You’ve got to enjoy every day you’re on this planet. I never knew there were so many people who cared about me. I’d tell anybody to tell people you love them and make up with the ones who you feel have done you wrong. Relationships keep you going. They kept me going. I never felt alone,” he said. The Gators’ fifth all-time leading scorer (1,624 points); the team’s career blocks leader; the only player in SEC history with more than 1,000 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists and 250 blocks; and a nine-year NBA veteran who was drafted No. 24 overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1990, Schintzius received a bone marrow transplant on Jan. 12 from his brother Travis.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Caren

ESPN‘s Andy Katz and Pat Forde and CBS Sports‘ Gary Parrish have given the Gators this distinction. But the question is: Do they deserve the love?

See what the experts and OGGOA have to say…after the break!

Let’s first take a look at what they think in brief paragraph form:

KATZ – 10. Florida: I’m back on board with the Gators. This is hardly 2005-06 or 2006-07, but Florida does return all five starters from an NCAA tournament team. This will be a group that has experience, understands how to play for Billy Donovan and will find ways to win. Kenny Boynton, Erving Walker, Chandler Parsons, Alex Tyus and Vernon Macklin aren’t going as a group to the NBA. Who knows if any of them will even make the league? But this is a solid college squad that can win the SEC East. A quality recruiting class will add much-needed depth and having Rutgers transfer Mike Rosario working out with them every day will help push them.

FORDE – 9. Florida: The Gators were well behind Kentucky and Tennessee in the SEC East pecking order last season, but they return an entire starting five of double-figure scorers while the Wildcats and Volunteers have experienced significant personnel losses. It might be time for Billy Donovan to reassert himself after three lean seasons.

PARRISH – 10. Florida: All five starters are back thanks to Alex Tyus’ decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft. Freshmen Casey Prather and Patric Young will add depth and should help the Gators not only make the NCAA tournament again, but perhaps win an SEC title on their way.

Four reasons why they might be right:
» There is something to be said about continuity. Having five guys who played the vast majority of game minutes together (mostly due to a lack of bench players) and are all simultaneously honing their games over the summer should bring some added familiarity and confidence to the court – something the team has desperately needed since it had its top six players depart in 2007.

» Sophomore forward Erik Murphy showed flashes throughout the season and could become a major factor for the team in 2010-11. Though he will not be sharing minutes with Dan Werner (graduation) any more, Murphy will have freshman Patric Young (perhaps already the team’s most physical player) battling for time on the floor.

» Senior forward Alex Tyus will be motivated. Not only does he want to prove he is more talented than people give him credit for, Tyus desires to gain experience playing small forward. While the Gators are giving minutes to Murphy and Young in the post, Tyus may get an opportunity to shift to the 3 when fellow senior Chandler Parsons needs a rest.

» Redshirt sophomore center Kenny Kadji will be healthy. Now, when redshirt senior Vernon Macklin comes out of the game, the team will not have to “go small” and can continue running the offense with a true center in the middle. Kadji developed nicely as a freshman and should continue his growth getting plenty of minutes behind Macklin.

Four reasons why they might be wrong:
» Roster depth is important and with five (or six) new players coming in, it is assumed to be a strength next season. However, as it pertains to 2010-11, almost all of that depth is coming in the frontcourt – where the Gators were already strong. That being said…

» Junior point guard Erving Walker, as we have contended for quite some time, is neither talented enough nor physical enough to be a legitimate starting ball handler. He does not finish inside, lets defenders shoot right over him (due to his size) and seemingly has a shoot-first mindset when he should be concentrating on distribution. This is where roster depth comes into play. One could feel comfortable with Walker if there was a point guard capable of effectively spelling him on the court; unfortunately, the only option (if he is ends up being signed) would be 17-year-old Scottie Wilbekin. Then again, Wilbekin does bring size and a vast amount of potential to the position.

» Nobody will know what to expect from Kentucky until they take the court with their bevy of brand new five-star recruits, but Tennessee and Vanderbilt are two other SEC East teams playing at a consistently high level. Some are projecting Florida to win the division and perhaps even the conference, but in order to be a top preseason team, at least the first distinction should be a sure thing – and it’s not.

» They may have ended up as a No. 10-seed, but the Gators were on the NCAA Tournament bubble for most of the season even after posting 20 wins. Whether or not you agree that they barely got in (and many don’t because of their position in the bracket), a three overtime first-round loss to Brigham Young (who fell to Kansas State by 12 in the next round) was not awe-inspiring. That being said, a deep bench and more experience should easily take them over that hump – but this is not about making the tournament – it is about whether or not Florida is a top 10 team going into the season.

1 » Former Florida Gators defensive end Carlos Dunlap has decided to make it his mission to silence his doubters and do whatever it takes to help his new team, the Cincinnati Bengals, improve on defense this year. “My plan is to help contribute in the pass-rushing game,” Dunlap told the Dayton Daily News. “That’s one of the things I heard coach [Marvin Lewis] say the team lacked last year. Although I feel rushing the passer is one of the things I do well, it’s certainly not my best attribute. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get on the field and help the team win games. […] I want to go after defensive rookie of the year honors. People’s negative comments help motivate me. They say I should have been a first-rounder but I’m not. So all I can do now is make everyone who passed on me pay.”

2 » Though Dunlap is confident in what he can do this year, his team’s owner, Mike Brown, may see his selection with the No. 54 overall pick in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft as just another risky decision by Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. As Cincinnati was in the process cleaning up its image as a franchise accepting of bad behavior, they have recently signed or drafted players charged with drug possession (wide receiver Matt Jones), DUI (Dunlap and WR Chris Davis) and numerous arrests (defensive back Adam “Pacman” Jones). How Dunlap turns out – and whether or not he gets into further trouble – could be a strong indictment on Lewis’ job security.

3 » Florida junior forward Alex Tyus, who has kept relatively quiet throughout the entire process of deciding to return to school, has accepted that he will not start at small forward for the Gators, according to his fiancée Alli Cecchini. “He understands Chandler [Parsons] has won that position,” she told the Orlando Sentinel. “He hasn’t proven himself to be a 3 here. His chance to show he can play the 3 is at the professional level, but for now he respects where the team is coming from.” Cecchini also said that, contrary to what some may believe, Tyus remains close with head coach Billy Donovan. “We have a great relationship with Donovan, we talk to him all the time,” she added. “It’s not like a strained relationship at all.”

4 » Though some are discounting any chance he might have in making a team, former Gators cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis has already worked out for his second in a week, visiting the Baltimore Ravens after being dismissed by the New York Giants a few days ago. Pro Football Talk reports that Pierre-Louis “will be sent packing by the Ravens,” but The News-Press believes Baltimore has legitimate interest in him for a special teams position. “It’s not really that much different [than college],” Pierre-Louis said. “It’s a little bit faster because everybody knows what to do and where to go.”

Extra Bit » Florida junior Alexandre Lacroix and redshirt senior Antoine Benneteau have each been named to the 2010 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division I Men’s All-American Team, according to a release from the University of Florida. Lacroix, who posted a 32-9 record this season as a singles competitor, earned recognition in both categories (singles and doubles); Benneteau, however, only earned the doubles honor (Lacroix is his teammate and the duo holds a 17-5 record).

Photo Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

After being evaluated by experts and working out for NBA teams (including the Portland Trailblazers on Friday), Tyus chose to stick around the University of Florida for one more season in an attempt to hone his skills and improve his stock before entering next year’s draft.

“When I began this process it was with the intent of gathering information to see what I needed to work on to one day compete at the next level, and I believe I have been successful in doing just that,” Tyus said. “I have withdrawn my name from the NBA Draft and look forward to completing my senior year at the University of Florida. We made tremendous strides as a team a year ago that I look forward to continuing to build upon.

NBA analysts projected Tyus to go undrafted this year should he have kept his name in the draft and hired and agent. Nevertheless, that is the path his father and uncle hoped he would take; both criticized head coach Billy Donovan for incorrectly utilizing Tyus, claiming he could be an “unbelievable small forward.”

Tyus will begin next season as the Gators’ starting power forward. Fellow senior Chandler Parsons will hold down the small forward job. The Florida basketball team will be returning all five starters for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

“I will be returning to Gator Nation! Let’s get ready to make a run boys!” he wrote on his personal Twitter account.

Photo Credit: Phil Sandin/Associated Press

At some point after his workout, Tyus will decide whether to return to Florida for his senior season or hire an agent keep himself eligible for the 2010 NBA Draft.

If the majority of his family has anything to say about it, Tyus will not be donning the orange and blue next year – at least that is the impression one receives according to interviews conducted by the Orlando Sentinel and Gainesville Sun.

The Sentinel spoke with his father, Thomas Tyus, who has suggested that his son leave the Gators because, in his opinion, head basketball coach Billy Donovan has been utilizing his son incorrectly since he arrived on campus.

“I don’t think he has anything to gain by returning to the University of Florida basketball-wise,” Thomas said. “I just feel he has not developed his full potential. [...] He can go back and get his degree at any time.”

Thomas believes his son could be an “unbelievable small forward” and blames Donovan for playing him exclusively at power forward and center over the last two years.

“He’s certainly capable of playing the small forward position, and he was the moment he stepped on campus,” Thomas said. “He’s never gotten the opportunity to do that. All the kid wants is an opportunity to be the best possible player he can be. [...] He tries to do everything the coach asks him to do. He also feels that, at some point, the coach should try to help him as well.”

His uncle, Charles Tyus, told the Sun that there is “no chance” Tyus plays for Florida next year, also citing issues with his nephew’s position. According to Charles, Tyus and Donovan have met extensively over the last month, with the coach explaining that fellow junior Chandler Parsons will start at small forward once again in 2010-11.

“I think right then and there, Alex made up his mind that he wasn’t coming back,” Charles said. “He’ll take his chances and go overseas if he’s not drafted.”

The only one denying that a decision has already been made is Alli Cecchini, Tyus’ finance, who also spoke with the Sun.

“We’ll sit down Friday and really, really talk it through,” she said. “He’s gotten a lot of feedback saying he should come back. […] We even talked last week quite a bit about him coming back.”

Upon entering his name in the draft, Tyus told the Sun that he would only keep himself eligible for selection if he was projected to be a first-round pick. Most NBA draft analysts have Tyus with a “second round or undrafted” grade as of press time.

However, as OGGOA noted early Thursday, it does appear that Tyus’ decision will hinge on “more than just his draft projection.”

PREVIOUS STORY: Will he stay or will he go? Tyus nears decision

“Mainly, I just want to see where I stand [with the NBA Draft Advisory Committee],” Tyus told The Gainesville Sun. “I want to go through the process, getting a chance to meet with some teams, working out against other players, trying to get better.”

Tyus, who explained to The Sun that he will likely stay in Gainesville, FL, unless he is projected to be a first-round pick, is the third UF basketball player in as many years to submit his name for consideration (Marreese Speights – 2008, Nick Calathes – 2009).

“It’s definitely a situation where I’ll have to think quicker,” he said. “Making that decision, that’s not really the goal right now. I just want to work out and see how I can get better.”

Averaging 11.8 points and a team-high 6.9 rebounds (tied with Chandler Parsons) in 2009-10, Tyus developed well as a forward this past season but will likely be told by teams that he needs another season to work on his game.

The Sun reports that “Tyus can begin to work out for NBA teams on April 25 and cannot miss class during workouts. But because UF’s classes are over, Tyus will be able to take part in mid-week workouts until May 8. Tyus would have to schedule some workouts between final exams from April 24-30.”

Photo Credit: Phil Sandlin/Associated Press

1 » Numerous college basketball analysts are predicting that Florida Gators basketball will have a strong 2010-11 season. In fact, many have even placed the Gators in their top 10 early preseason rankings. ESPN‘s Andy Katz takes a balanced look at Florida basketball in his latest piece:

13. The Gators return the entire core of their team, led by a backcourt that was underrated at times with Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton. Add a rising clutch shooter in Chandler Parsons and a top-10 recruiting class led by Patric Young and Casey Prather and it’s no wonder the Gators are confident they have turned the corner with their NCAA bid this season. Florida could be the pick in the SEC.

2 » The Gators appear to be leaving no stone unturned when it comes to backcourt help for the future. Potentially making a push for an Auburn commitment, Florida is also looking at potentially receiving a transfer from Rutgers. Sophomore guard Mike Rosario, who is “considering” transferring from the Scarlet Knights if head coach Fred Hill is fired, has the Gators as one of his top options. “It sounds like [transferring is] what he wants to do,” Rosario’s family friend and old coach Rex Durso told ZagsBlog.com. “Florida, USC and Michigan State are places he’s looking at.”

Photo Credit: Rob Tringali