Billy Donovan already has his plans set for the All-Star break.
Providence College announced on Wednesday that they will honor the former Friars guard over the weekend of Feb. 14. Donovan will become the 16th former member of the men’s basketball team to be honored as part of the Friar Legends Forever Tradition. The celebration will include raising Donovan’s No. 34 jersey into the Amica Mutal Pavilion rafters.
The Friars athletic department will also throw a reception in Donovan’s honor, which will feature a seated dinner and several notable speakers. If you happen to be in the Providence area, you can already buy tickets to the event
Before Billy Donovan rose to fame as a historically successful college coach, he played four years at Providence College from 1983-1987. Donovan started his career averaging just 2.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in his first two seasons, but he took on an increasingly important role during his junior and senior campaigns.
After averaging 15.1 points and helping Providence to 17 wins in his junior campaign, Donovan burst onto the scene as a senior. He became one of the top point guards in the league despite his undersized frame. Donovan averaged 20.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 2.6 steals per game, helping lead the No. 6 Friars on a stunning run to the Final Four.
Donovan was also one of the very first three-point shooting stars. The NCAA added the line during his breakout senior season, and Donovan shot 40.9 percent on 7.0 attempts per game.
When we consider Billy Donovan’s role on one of the best teams in program history, as well as all the success that followed in the coaching world, it felt like only a matter of time before his jersey would reach the rafters. Nonetheless, I’m sure this will be quite an unforgettable weekend for the current Bulls coach.
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