[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 41 (Tuesday, April 4, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E513-E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING 
                         THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 4, 2006

  Mr. BILIRAKIS.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
University of Florida men's basketball team on winning the 2006 NCAA 
national championship.
  None of college basketball's so-called experts picked the University 
of Florida to do much, if anything, this season. In fact, they were not 
even ranked in the preseason polls. This was to be a rebuilding year 
for the Gators. They lost three prolific scorers to the NBA last season 
and were considered too young and inexperienced to play with most of 
the Southeastern Conference, let alone the elite teams in the NCAA 
tournament.
  However, Coach Billy Donovan and his unwavering team knew 
differently. Through hard work, drive, discipline, and determination, 
the Gators soon made their presence felt. Led by four sophomores and 
one junior, they began their historic season with a 17-game winning 
streak, the longest in Florida basketball history. And they concluded 
their title run by winning their last 11 games, including an SEC 
tournament championship, an unbelievable run through the Minneapolis 
region, and a dominating performance in the Final Four.
  In the championship game, the Gators faced a very talented UCLA team, 
heralded for their defense and rich with basketball tradition. But on 
this night, Florida wrote the next and best chapter of their basketball 
tradition. Poised and focused, the Gators took the court where their 
balanced offensive attack swamped

[[Page E514]]

UCLA's defense. Furthermore, the Gators quickly demonstrated that their 
defense was the more domineering on the court, limiting their 
opponents' scoring options.
  I want to recognize Coach Donovan and his assistant coaches, who have 
helped lead the Gators to national prominence. This is Coach Donovan's 
second title game appearance with UF, and with this victory, he becomes 
the second youngest head coach to win a national championship. I also 
would like to acknowledge the Gators' starters. Joakim Noah, the Final 
Four's Most Outstanding Player, led the Gators with 16 points, nine 
rebounds, three assists, and six blocked shots, a title game record. 
Taurean Green ran the point nearly to perfection, refusing to allow 
UCLA's pressure to lead to turnovers. Corey Brewer had great offensive 
statistics; however, it was his shut-down defense which held UCLA's 
leading scorer scoreless for most of the game. Al Horford helped 
control the interior and defend UF's basket, and Lee Humphrey's barrage 
of three-point jump shots helped put the game out of reach. 
Additionally, I would like to congratulate the Gators' only senior, 
Adrian Moss, who finished his college career with a sensational game, 
posting nine points and six rebounds in only ten minutes of play.
  I also want to applaud the rest of the Gator team: Chris Richard, 
Walter Hodge, David Huertas, Garrett Tyler, Jimmie Sutton, Jack Berry, 
Brett Swanson, and everyone involved with the Men's basketball program. 
They are all to be commended for their contributions to the Gators' 
success.
  This young team showed their maturity by playing unselfish 
basketball. We have seen the results when players are out for the 
greater good of the team, rather than playing for themselves. This 
Florida squad epitomizes that philosophy. They shared the ball, always 
looking for an open teammate rather than seeking personal glory.
  I'm tremendously proud of these young men and honored to be an 
alumnus. It truly is great to be a Florida Gator!

                          ____________________