The only thing we know for sure about this year's NCAA Tournament is that there's not going to be a repeat champion. Make that a three-peat champion. The Florida Gators aren't in the field of 65 and won't be able to defend their crowns. Not too many people expected them to make a run for a third title but settling for the NIT obviously still burnt Billy Donovan. Burnt him so much, in fact, that he banned his team from practicing in Florida's main gym while they prepare for San Diego State.

"I think probably in some respects the confetti is still falling down around them. When you've had great, great success like we've had, I think it's very easy to become complacent and lose sight of how good things are around here, and have this attitude of well, I'm at Florida, this is what's going to happen."

This has nothing to do with 2007-2008. Even with five freshman playing 10 or more minutes, the Gators won 21 games which is about as much as you could expect from such a young team. They were also constantly reminded that they were the defending national champions. That was not a moniker they earned, of course, and Donovan's going out of his way to remind them that you need to earn the perks. If players like Nick Calathes and Marreese Speights get the message, the Gators could be right back in the mix this time next year.

Billy Donovan Starts Preparing for Next Season By Kicking His Team Out of the Gym originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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