Donovan recalls how Arch got away from Gators
Billy Donovan told a story about one of his coveted recruits that got away during his time coaching at the University of Florida.
Bulls guard Ryan Arcidiacono, who was in the high school class of 2012, was on the verge of signing with Donovan and the Gators.
"I always tell this story, I was recruiting him and he wanted to come to Florida, but he's like, 'Coach, you've got to talk to my mom and dad,' " Donovan said Monday. "So I talk to them as he's on a visit and I look over and his mother starts to cry. I'm like, 'This can't be good.'
"And she says it's too far away from home, it's too far. I said, 'Arch, I can't get in the middle of this right now.' Little did I know Villanova came in late to offer him a scholarship and it was a lot easier, both his parents went to Villanova. But he made the right choice. Won a national championship and had a great career."
Donovan was jokingly asked if he'll limit Arcidiacono's playing time with the Bulls as payback for the Florida snub.
"No I cut him from the USA team, that was my getting back at him," Donovan said with a laugh. "I'm just teasing. He's a great kid, great family."
Arcidiacono, who is from suburban Philadelphia, figures to be in the rotation when the regular season begins since Tomas Satoransky has been sidelined for the past week while dealing with NBA-mandated protocols, possibly due to contact tracing.