RIP Gators dynasty – a new champ is on the way…

A moment of silence, if you please, for the Florida Gators college basketball dynasty.

The young and inexperienced Gators crashed out of the SEC tournament last night to Alabama 80-69. The Gators fell behind 30-5 in the first half and were never able to recover.

Many analysts believe Florida was firmly on the bubble to make the NCAA tournament, but I did not believe that. They went 8-8 in a down SEC this season, and their best non-conference win was against Temple. They didn’t play anybody, and that was for a reason. Head coach Billy Donovan wanted to give his 5 freshmen players an easier schedule to help build their confidence, and he knew they would take their lumps in the SEC this season.

And now, their fate has been sealed with the first round exit against the Tide.

To paraphrase Jim Mora, “NCAA tournament? You’re asking about the NCAA tournament??? NCAA tournament?”

I don’t think so. It is the NIT for you, Florida fans.

Florida had a marvelous run the past few years – back-to-back national championships in basketball, and a national championship in football. That’s never been done before.

As a University of Florida alum, it was a great time to be a Gator.

But the magical run is over.

Thank you Billy Donovan for spurning the Orlando Magic and returning to Gainesville.

And now, it is time to get to work and whip these young basketball players into shape.

It’s time to start a new streak…