[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 4925] [From the U.S. 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 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! ____________________