GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators men’s basketball team celebrated its national championship run during halftime of the Orange & Blue Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday.
The event included remarks from Coach Todd Golden and players, with Voice of the Gators Sean Kelley, and highlights looking back at the Gators’ title run.
Almost 60,000 fans packed into the Swamp to get a sneak peak at the football team and honor the national champions that play on the basketball court across the street. It was the biggest Spring game since 2009.
Michael Price is a Gator fan, and he brought his daughter to her first game ever.
“She had a wonderful time; she learned how to chomp,” Price said.
It’s been a week of euphoria across campus and the Gainesville community.
“It’s been basketball everywhere,” UF Student Gabriele Argenton said. “I work a hospital, so people are asking everywhere I go, where I work, where I eat, ‘Did you watch the game?’ Yes, I watched the game; everybody watched the game.”
At halftime of the game, each member of the men’s basketball team was introduced before several stepped up to the mic. The message being “Gator Boys Stay Hot.”
It’s a saying that goes back to the last Florida team to reach the top of college basketball.
“They do a really great job of making sure all the different athletes that represent us well,” Price said. “Get a chance to shine in front of the big crowds. I think it’s special.”
They were also given a key to the city by Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward. He said this team will always be remembered and they may never have to pay for a meal in this city again.
Chants of ”It’s great to be a Florida Gator" echoed around the stadium before Oliver Rioux, the team’s 7′9″ giant, lifted the banner that will soon hang in the O’Dome.
“You ought to be very proud because they never quit, never panicked, didn’t complain against each other. They just came together and that’s why they are the champions,” Alan Tawes, another fan said.
Head coach Todd Golden said the last week has been unbelievable.
“There’s moments where it hits for a second,” Golden said. “It’s been pretty unbelievable. But big picture, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. The fact that we went 36-4, won the SEC tournament and a national championship. Been a couple of good months for Gators basketball.”
Golden said there are plans in the works to visit the White House to celebrate the title. He said he’s got a couple of days off, and then it’s back to work forming next year’s team.
“To be celebrated one last time before guys start going their separate ways,” Golden said. “Bittersweet in that regard, but awesome to be able to celebrate together.”
He also said talks of a contract extension are ongoing.
