Two-time NCAA champion Billy Donovan was announced as a member of the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class..

In a career filled with accolades, triumphs, and transformative leadership, Billy Donovan has reached the pinnacle of basketball achievement. The two-time NCAA national champion and current head coach of the Chicago Bulls was officially announced as a member of the 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class — an honor that cements his legacy as one of the greatest minds in the sport’s history.

The announcement, made Saturday afternoon at the Final Four in San Antonio, was met with resounding applause from the basketball world, celebrating a journey that has spanned from college stardom under Rick Pitino to national dominance at Florida, and now a prominent presence in the NBA.

“It’s humbling. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible players and coaches throughout my career,” Donovan said in a statement. “This honor reflects the journey we’ve all taken together.”

From Underdog Player to Masterful Coach

Donovan’s basketball journey began as a gritty point guard at Providence, where under the tutelage of Rick Pitino, he helped guide the Friars to the 1987 Final Four. A second-round NBA Draft pick that year, Donovan had a brief professional playing career, including a stint with the New York Knicks, before transitioning into coaching — a decision that would shape the landscape of college basketball for years.

After assistant coaching stops at Kentucky under Pitino and a short tenure as the head coach at Marshall, Donovan took over the University of Florida men’s basketball program in 1996. At the time, the Gators were considered a football-first school with limited basketball pedigree. That would soon change.

Over the next 19 years, Donovan turned Florida into a powerhouse, leading the Gators to four Final Fours and back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. Behind a roster that included future NBA stars Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer, Florida became the first program to repeat as national champions since Duke in the early 1990s.

A Culture of Development and Winning

What made Donovan so unique as a coach wasn’t just his winning pedigree — it was his ability to connect with players, develop talent, and instill a culture of selflessness and relentless effort. Florida became a model of consistency, not just in terms of results, but in how Donovan ran the program.

From overlooked recruits to blue-chip prospects, Donovan built teams that bought into his philosophy of team-first basketball, elite defense, and high-IQ offense. Under his leadership, the Gators reached the Elite Eight six times and made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances.

He finished his college coaching career with a 467–186 record and was twice named SEC Coach of the Year.

Making His Mark in the NBA

In 2015, Donovan made the leap to the NBA, accepting the head coaching position with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In his first year, he guided the team to the Western Conference Finals, falling just one win short of an NBA Finals berth. Over five seasons, he amassed a 243–157 record in Oklahoma City, working with stars such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul.

Since 2020, he has served as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, where he continues to develop young talent and instill a competitive culture.

Donovan’s combined success at both the collegiate and professional levels is rare. He’s one of the few coaches in basketball history to post 250+ wins in both the NCAA and the NBA.

A Hall of Fame Career Built on Integrity and Impact

Beyond the wins and championships, Billy Donovan’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his lasting impact on the game. Dozens of his former players have gone on to successful NBA careers, while many others speak of the life lessons, mentorship, and leadership they gained under his guidance.

His influence has also extended to coaching trees across the country, with assistants and former players rising through the ranks thanks to his example and mentorship.

What’s Next?

As he enters the Hall of Fame, Donovan continues to coach at the highest level, and there’s no sign of him slowing down. His Bulls team remains competitive in the Eastern Conference, and he continues to be revered as a teacher of the game.

But now, the basketball world pauses to recognize a remarkable journey — from scrappy college guard to two-time national champion, from mentor to NBA tactician, and now, a Hall of Famer.

In every phase of his career, Billy Donovan has embodied what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and passion. The 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class just gained a coach whose influence transcends wins and banners — a true ambassador of the sport.