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On This Day 19 Years Ago: Florida Gators Secure Back-to-Back Titles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 2:02 PM ET

On April 2, 2006, the Florida Gators men's basketball team etched its name in history, defeating the UCLA Bruins 73-57 to claim the programs elusive first NCAA National Championship.

Exactly one year later, on April 2, 2007—19 years ago today—the Gators did it again, beating the Ohio State Buckeyes 84-75 to secure back-to-back titles under head coach Billy Donovan.

This remarkable feat, made Florida the first program since the Duke Blue Devils in 1992 to repeat as champions, a distinction that held until the UConn Huskies' repeat in 2024.

Donovan, in his 11th season at Florida, transformed a football-centric school into a basketball powerhouse. The 2006-07 Gators, led by stars Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, and Lee Humphrey, returned their entire starting five after the 2006 triumph, defying NBA draft temptations.

Their chemistry was unmatched, blending selflessness with talent. Noah, the 2006 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, anchored the defense, while Humphrey’s sharpshooting—setting an NCAA Tournament record for three-pointers—stretched opponents thin.

The road to the 2007 National Championship wasn’t easy. The Gators faced a prolific Buckeyes team featuring Greg Oden, fresh off a football championship loss to the Gators months earlier.

Despite foul trouble, Florida’s depth shone, with reserves like Marreese Speights stepping up. Donovan’s motivational flair—once donning a police uniform to rally his squad—kept the team focused amid sky-high expectations.

Finishing 35-5, the Gators capped a 68-11 two-year run, cementing Donovan’s legacy as a head coach with the program. Nineteen years later, that back-to-back brilliance remains a golden chapter in Gators basketball lore.

With Todd Golden at the helm, the Gators are two wins away from a national title, poised to enhance their storied legacy with a third championship in program history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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