April 1, 2010
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF's introduction of Donnie Jones as the program's new head coach earlier this week drew praise from media members both locally and nationally. Jones' move to UCF has also garnered acclaim from some of his former colleagues, opposing coaches and former players.
Here is what they are saying about Donnie Jones:
"Donnie has done a great job at Marshall and will do a terrific job at UCF as well. He knows the state of Florida well and Keith (Tribble) chose a fantastic coach, a great recruiter and a terrific ambassador for the program."
- Florida head coach Billy Donovan
"Donnie is a terrific hire. Obviously, he has great ties in Florida. His teams have always played hard and are extremely competitive. I have no doubt that Donnie will do a great job."
- West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins
"I'm happy for Donnie to have the opportunity to take over a UCF program that has tremendous potential. Donnie is someone with great passion, vision and energy. He will no doubt lead UCF to the upper echelon on Conference USA and beyond."
- Alabama head coach Anthony Grant
"Donnie is a wonderful human being and a great family man. He is the type of coach that parents want to entrust their sons with. He will mentor student-athletes off the court, support them in the classroom and make them better people. Donnie will lead the UCF program with class and character."
- Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey
"Donnie is a great coach who will be very successful at UCF. He taught me so much in my time at Florida, especially about post play, the pick-and-pop and so many other things I've brought with me to the NBA. It's a great hire for UCF, and I'm happy for Donnie to get this opportunity."
- Former Florida star and current Atlanta Hawks standout Al Horford
"I played for Donnie for four years at Florida, and he taught me as much off the court as he did on. In my opinion, he is one of the best coaching minds in college basketball today, and I wish him nothing but the best at the University of Central Florida."
- Former Florida star and current New York Knicks standout David Lee
"It's a great move for him. I'm happy to see him back in the state of Florida. He's one of the best basketball minds that I have ever been around. He's a real upbeat, positive coach and a great recruiter."
- Former Florida star and current Miami Heat standout Udonis Haslem
"I think Coach Jones will do a great job, he's a great coach. He was real important for us at Florida, especially for us backcourt players -- me, Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey -- he really helped us. I think he'll do a great job at UCF."
- Former Florida star and current Minnesota Timberwolves standout Corey Brewer
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.