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Gators Repeat Mantra: Returning Was Right Move

By ANDY STAPLES The Tampa Tribune

Published: Apr 4, 2007

ATLANTA - Joakim Noah remembers the critics. Are you crazy, they asked. How could you turn down all the money that goes to the top pick in the NBA draft?

As he sat at his locker in the Georgia Dome early Tuesday morning following a championship-clinching win, the University of Florida junior forward explained why he turned down a chance to be the NBA's top pick to chase a second consecutive national title with the Gators.

"A lot of people criticized me for coming back. You know what? I don't care," Noah said. "People can say whatever they want. At the end, you've got to say this kid is a two-time national champion. That's rare. That's more important to me than money. A lot of guys on this team feel the same way."

Indeed they do. Center Al Horford and forward Corey Brewer had the same option last season, but both chose to come back for the same reason as Noah.

"I wish people knew what this really felt like, winning a national title. It's unbelievable," Brewer said. "Money's great. Everybody wants money. But I love this feeling right here."

Though Noah, Horford and Brewer all rejoiced in their decision to return, none would talk about the future. They brushed off talk of a third consecutive title as adroitly as they slipped past questions about whether they will skip their senior seasons.

As soon as he finished singing the praises of the players' return, Noah seemed to realize he'd opened up a Pandora's box of questions. The pro question came first. Then came the three-peat question.

"You guys are not going to get me to say anything about three-peat or the next level. No. I'm not talking about it," Noah said. "You guys can say whatever you want. Right now, I'm living in the moment like [Gators coach Billy Donovan] taught me."

Donovan, who is dealing with speculation as to whether he will entertain an offer from Kentucky, said everyone needs to wait and give the players time to make their decisions about next season.

"It's amazing to me how we fast-forward into the future all the time," Donovan said. "Everybody wants to talk about repeating, repeating, repeating. All of a sudden, we repeat less than 24 hours ago, and then we're on to the next thing. … Everybody's so far down the road, it becomes difficult sometimes to enjoy.

"All these things that we're talking about are going to happen in due time. I will definitely sit down and talk with those guys and find out where they're at."

Stay or go, Noah believes this group of Gators set a precedent. He hopes young players will look at Florida's success and follow their hearts instead of worrying only about their wallets when they face a similar choice.

"I feel like we stand for something. That's a great feeling," Noah said. "College students can look at this and see it's not always about making money. There are things that are bigger than that. Winning championships is bigger than money - for some people."

Before he declined to discuss whether he'll turn pro or chase a third title, Horford echoed Noah's sentiment.

"I'm so glad I came back. It's been a great experience for me," Horford said. "I don't care how much money you give me. Money can't buy this. You can't put a price on this."

ANOTHER HONOR: Wheaties will issue a special edition cereal box commemorating the 2007 NCAA champion Gators.

General Mills Inc., which makes the cereal, said the box will be available nationwide in two to three weeks.

The company said the box will be the first time it has recognized an NCAA men's basketball champion.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.