Florida turns to Billy D for help before NCAA regional play

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — With his baseball program mired in its worst slump in five years, Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan wanted a different voice to talk to his players.

Thumbing through his phone, one name stood out: Former Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan.

Donovan happened to be in town, too, so O'Sullivan lined up the high-profile guest to speak to the team Wednesday.

The Oklahoma City Thunder coach delivered a clear message about dealing with adversity. Donovan used an example from his time in Gainesville, when the defending national champion Gators dropped three of four down the stretch in 2007 — all by double digits — and then regrouped in the postseason by winning 10 straight and the second of back-to-back titles.