A Chicago Bulls star traveled to Springfield this weekend to take in his head coach’s induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Billy Donovan, who recently signed a mysterious, multi-year contract extension to stay in Chicago long-term, numbers among the starry Class of 2025.
Several of Donovan’s former players and current Bulls charges were in attendance at his induction Saturday to celebrate his big moment
A Chicago standout pays tribute to Billy Donovan
Donovan isn’t exactly getting into the Hall for his 195-205 record with the Bulls across the past five seasons.
Still, Chicago guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, wing Dalen Terry, and forwards Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams were all there anyway. Former two-time All-Star Bulls center Joakim Noah, who won two titles under Donovan at Florida in 2006 and ’07, also showed up to support of old college coach.
Ayo Dosunmu, Dalen Terry, Matas Buzelis, Coby White and Patrick Williams arriving at Symphony Hall for Hall of Fame ceremony pic.twitter.com/Q0INlAZtwK
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 6, 2025
The attendance of these key Chicago figures reinforces the notion that Donovan is a player-friendly coach.
Coby White on why attending Billy Donovan’s HOF ceremony was important for him and his teammates 🔊 (@CHSN_Bulls) pic.twitter.com/Hoo5fkqZje
— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) September 7, 2025
“To support our head coach,” White said of his decision to head to Springfield. “I can speak for myself but I can also pretty much talk for the guys, especially the guys [who are] here. For the most part we’ve been with him the longest, since he’s been with the Bulls, so it’s good for us to come out here, support him, be there for him. I mean this is an amazing accomplishment, being in the Hall of Fame… only happens once.”
White added a rave review for Donovan’s approach to the job.
The 6-foot-5 North Carolina product, 25, is coming off his most prolific scoring year yet, having averaged 20.4 points on .453/.370/.902 shooting splits, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 74 healthy bouts.
“He’s honest. He pushes you, he’s going to get the most out of you. And for the most part, he’s always been upfront with me,” White added. “But he also believes in his players. He gets his players to compete every night. He builds relationships with his players.”
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