Friends Sendek and Donovan Square off with trip to NYC at Stake
The first meeting between good friends Herb Sendek and Florida head coach Billy Donovan will take place tonight under circumstances neither anticipated. Florida, the two time defending national champion, began the year 18-3 and appeared destined for another run in the NCAA tournament. Yet a slide in the SEC part of the Gator's schedule put them in the NIT, where they will square off with ASU tonight at 6:00pm at Wells Fargo Arena.
The Sun Devils had tournament aspirations of their own after a 14-2 start to the season which included the first 4 games of the Pac 10 schedule.
The Sendek - Donovan relationship dates back to their days at Providence, when the 19-year old Donovan was known as "Billy the Kid." Sendek, then 22, was a graduate assistant under Rick Pitino and coached with Donovan under Pitino's staff at Kentucky years later. The two share a special bond of friendship, and Donovan values the lessons he learned from Herb in their time together.
Donovan, who was hired by Florida in 1996, said Arizona State made the correct decision in bringing on Herb Sendek.
Both coaches said that when the ball is tipped on Tuesday night friendship will be put on hold. At stake is a trip to New York City and Madison Square Garden for the NIT semifinals. Junior forward Jeff Pendergraph talked about the unique opportunity of playing in basketball's most famous venue.
Tune in tonight for Live coverage of the NIT Quarterfinal contest between ASU and Florida. Ben Benya and Adam Ostrow will be bringing you all the play-by-play action beginning at 6:00pm. For a look at the complete NIT Bracket click the logo below.
last updated on 08.03.23 at 11:04 AM