The Dawgs Ramblings

Billy the 'Kid'

You have to think that Billy Donovan’s ear was firmly attached to Rick Pitino’s yap in the last few weeks. Pitino has not been shy in saying that he should have never left Kentucky. He was happy there and now believes that when you achieve happiness in life you should not upset that equation.

I have always thought that Pitino’s analysis smacked of cowardice and denial. He took the Boston job because he wanted a challenge, he wanted to add another feather to his cap, he wanted people to say that this guy can win at both the NBA and college level. However, his spectacular failure with the Celtics has caused Pitino to forget that his success was due to his ambition, his desire to succeed, and thus the basis for getting the opportunity to even coach the Celtics. He took a swing for the fences and has never landed gracefully.

I feel that Pitino’s fall from “Success is a Choice’ played a large part in Donovan’s reversal of thinking. Somewhere in his mind, Donovan did not want to repeat the mistakes of his boss. Sure, Pitino probably said the decision is yours but Pitino’s recounting of that experience over the years must have resonated with Donovan as the process carried itself out.

The fact he took the job after much deliberation leads me to believe that Donovan has an itch he wants to scratch. He will go back to Florida and be content, be at one with his heart and think of how he lucky he was to have gotten out of Orlando unscathed. But, a few years from now, he will start to think about that next step. He will remember that he would like that next challenge just like he did in 2007. The question is, will anyone else give him that chance? The NBA’s 5 million dollar salaries are not for those that renege on signed contracts.

We all make choices about our professional life that are not easy. Most of us do not have nets to fall back into. If Donovan’s net allows him to continue his amazing work at Florida while being content then he made the right call. I just think the next chapter will be written in five years when someone sums up the courage to take that next step. Suitors may be another problem.

posted by oceanjay @ 3:58 PM