Billy Donovan ’87 was a part-time player during his first two seasons at Providence College, one who averaged barely 3 points per game.

But, when Rick Pitino became the Friars’ head coach in 1985, the Friar who became known as “Billy the Kid” was born.

Donovan, Pitino, and other members of the 1987 team that advanced to the NCAA Final Four will attend the squad's 20th anniversary gala in Providence on May 12 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

“I’m very excited to be coming back to Providence College in May as our 1987 Final Four team will be honored and commemorated,” said Donovan, who is the head coach of defending NCAA Division I national champion University of Florida. “There are so many great memories from a great season. Certainly, the fans and the people of Providence have meant so much to me and this team.”

Donovan averaged 15.1 points per game as a junior and 20.6 points as a senior when he earned Honorable Mention All-America honors. He still holds four school records, including single-season 3-point baskets (97).

“Because Coach Pitino coached in the NBA, he understood the 3-point line better than any coach in the country,” Donovan said of a primary reason for the Friars’ success.

Donovan, who was inducted into the Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999, was a graduate assistant and then a full-time assistant coach with Pitino for five years at Kentucky. He was named the head coach at Marshall in 1994 and posted a 35-20 overall record in two seasons.

Now in his 10th season at Florida, Donovan compiled a 226-98 record with two trips to the Final Four heading into this season. His Gators currently are ranked No. 1 in the nation and had a 19-2 record going into their January 31 game against Vanderbilt.

All proceeds from the May 12 gala will benefit the Friar Athletic Fund. Sponsorship packages, tables of 10, or individual tickets for the event can be purchased by contacting Steve Napolillo, associate athletic director for the Friar Athletic Fund, at 401-865-2677 or at snapolil@providence.edu.

To order tickets online click here.