Gators coach giddy for UF hoops

NEW YORK — Florida Gators football coach Jim McElwain couldn’t resist making the trip to Madison Square Garden in New York City to cheer on the UF basketball team in the Elite Eight Sunday.

McElwain was giddy while talking about rooting for the Gators during the team’s matchup with South Carolina.

He recalled some of the hoops legends who have played in the Garden, dreaming about seeing Earl Monroe and others. McElwain said it was one thing to be able “to see something in the Garden. But now being able to see your home team in the Garden, that’s even better.”

Robinson has decision

Florida head coach Mike White said as much as he would love to have junior forward Devin Robinson return for his senior season next year, White said he will let Robinson determine what is best for him.

“Iwant Devin to do what’s best for Devin and his family. Period,” White said. “I’d love to have him back. I love coaching Devin. He’s fun, he’s fallen in love with the game, I think he’s refocused on the game. It’s not about hype and talent anymore. He’s had fun learning what it takes to be a really good player and I think he’s proud of his development.”

Robinson, a 6-foot-8 forward who led the Gators past East Tennessee State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with 24 points, averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game this season.

Hootie in the house

Therewere plenty of celebrities in the crowd at Madison Square Garden for Sunday’s East Region final, and Beatles legend Paul McCartney was one of them.

The biggest celebrity fan, however, was Hootie and the Blowfish front man Darius Ru ck er, who sat one row behind press row, cheering for his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks.

As the South Carolina celebration began on the court right in front of him, Rucker was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face.

“Ohmy goodness. Ah man, I’ve been a Carolina fan for 30, 40 years,” Rucker said. “It’s unbelievable. It’s unbelievable. It’s unbelievable. Oh my goodness. Do you believe this?”

Deltona’s Hinson represents

Former Deltona High twosport star Evan Hinson was a happy man after South Carolina’s East Region championship.

Even though he was not a part of the play on the floor, the freshman, who also plays on the Gamecocks football team, takes pride in being a big part of the Gamecocks’ preparations in practice.

“To get here, just feels good,” H in son said .“To help the team out in practice, that’s whywe can play how we play in the game, play so intense.”