The Univ. of Florida men’s basketball team were honored for their national championship during halftime of the football team’s spring game on Saturday before an announced attendance of 56,563. Florida football was “more preliminary than premier attraction,” as the school becomes “college basketball’s new epicenter” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/12). Highlights from Florida’s six NCAA Tournament victories “flashed on the stadium replay boards as players and coaches were introduced one by one.” Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward presented basketball coach Todd Golden with a key to the city “so you’ll always know where home is.” Golden said that he and AD Scott Stricklin “are close to a contract extension.” Golden made $3.6M this season and ranks 12th in the SEC in annual salary. Golden: “I feel like we’re very close to putting something together that will keep the Goldens in Gainesville for quite a while. I think in the next week or two, we’ll get to the finish line on that.” Golden also “took time to thank fans and several key boosters,” one of whom donated $1M to the program this week. Florida also has an $8M renovation to the basketball team’s practice facility on tap this summer (AP, 4/12).
Florida hoops celebrates title at FB spring game
