It was a surprise for many when Udonis Haslem ended up at the University of Florida. For his rebounding talent, there were a lot of offers, but what the Florida Gators provided was something emotional for the Miami Heat legend. In a recent YouTube podcast, the Gators reunion took place where Haslem was joined by his NCAA teammate Mike Miller and head coach Billy Donovan. Well, this was the perfect time for Haslem to show his gratitude to Donovan, who was the reason behind him to join the Gators.

Coaches are indeed meant to change the lives of their players. One such was the story between Haslem and Billy Donovan. The Chicago Bulls head coach made sure that he handpicked his team, for which he went all the way to Haslem’s house to have a word with him. Haslem shared, “You still took the time to come down, and you just didn’t put it on the relationship of other guys… You remember coming down here?” An excited Donovan went, “Listen, I used to hang out at the 3 fingers all the time”. 

Donovan also shared a small insight from his recruitment story. “I’ll never forget, I went by Brent Wright’s house. He was the first guy we signed and I mean, his mailbox had four bullet holes in it.” Despite facing scenarios like this, 2x NCAA Champion wanted to assemble the best team. Haslem continued, “You guys came down and visited me at my grandmother’s house in the city. Like they actually spent the time, and that was the difference.” 

Hold on! There is another reason.

What was another hilarious reason for Udonis Haslem to join forces with Billy Donovan? 

Coming all the way to the house was all emotional. But there was another hilarious reason why Haslem agreed to play for the Gators. Donovan was a New Yorker, and just like anyone else from there, he was too quick with his English. You can also witness it in the podcast where he goes on to speak a hundred words in 10 seconds. Well, this was another selling point. 

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Haslem shared, “Another thing I remember was, I never met nobody from New York. You talked so fast, I don’t know what he said, but I was like ‘I’m in’. I’m buying whatever the f*** he sold me. I’m there, I’m in. That s*** was coming quick, and I was like I’m in, I believe.” 

Watch this story: “Who has reached 10,000 career points faster than Luka Doncic?”

Well, this decision worked out well for Haslem, after all! What are your thoughts on the above story? Share your take in the comments below.