Miami HEAT, Florida Gator Fans Come Together

He may always love the Gator chomp and sport orange and blue, but recently signed HEAT forward Udonis Haslem – Miami native and University of Florida standout – attended a recent Gator Club of Miami “Gator Gathering” in Coral Gables as a guest, this time representing the hometown Miami HEAT as one of the newest additions to the roster.

“I am so happy and excited to be in Miami now. I think it’s great for both the Miami HEAT and the Gators,” said Haslem. “It’s nice to have support from fans at home.”

Joining UF Head Basketball Coach Billy Donovan, the two reunited and were elated to visit with each other and catch up at the event. Seated together at the front of the room, spirited Gator alumni lined up to take pictures, get autographs and converse with Haslem and Donovan. Interestingly, this time Haslem was signing HEAT basketballs and jerseys, while his mentor Donovan stuck with the usual Gator paraphernalia.

“Udonis is one of the greatest players I’ve had the opportunity to coach,” said Donovan. “I love this guy to death because of what he represents and what he’s about. He is truly a special competitor, and I hope you all go out and support him as a HEAT player because he will make Miami proud.”

As Donovan addressed the attentive room full of fired-up Gator fans, he couldn’t stop referring back to Haslem’s character and achievements.

“Udonis’s attitude, his work ethic…It’s ultimately gotten him to the point where Miami wanted to sign him,” said Donovan. “It made me proud as his (college) coach to hear Stan (Van Gundy) talk about how well Udonis played in the summer league. I hope everybody gets a chance to watch him.”

The Gator Club of Miami is an affiliate of the UF Alumni Association and a group that organizes events for South Florida UF alumni to get together and enjoy guest speakers.

“The responses I have received from members when they heard Udonis was going to be with the HEAT was a lot of excitement, knowing we would have one of our own on the court,” said Marcelo Cortes, Gator Club of Miami President. “I have been a HEAT fan for a long time, so this is very exciting for us who support the Gators and the HEAT.”