Amid Indiana rumors, Billy Donovan affirms commitment to Thunder ‘while I’m here’

Billy Donovan left Florida to coach Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with the Thunder.

Now that Durant is in Golden State and the Indiana Hoosiers, an elite program, have an opening, would Donovan return to coaching college?

via, Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman:

“I am totally happy here,” Donovan said. “I love it here. I love the guys I work with every day. I love our staff, the organization. As far as I’m concerned, my commitment is totally here and doing the best job I can while I’m here.”

Those last three words – “while I’m here” – are ominous, but Donovan has earned staying power in the NBA. He shouldn’t be pushed out anytime soon.

Even if he’s not getting everything he hoped for in the NBA, he has the Thunder firmly in playoff position. Westbrook sets a hard-driving tone that his teammates follow, allowing Donovan to focus more on tactics. It seems Donovan has a productive working relationship with his superstar.

I’d be surprised if Donovan – whose reputation is still tarnished is some circles by bailing on the Magic a decade ago – slinks back to college so quickly. Or at all. Even if things eventually go south in Oklahoma City, he’ll probably have NBA interest.