GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — It was fitting that Florida arrived nearly two hours late to its on-campus celebration Tuesday. After all, it was exactly how the Gators played while winning the NCAA Tournament.
Coaches and players returned to Gainesville roughly 16 hours after rallying to beat Houston 65-63 in San Antonio to secure the program’s third national title. They stepped off the plane and onto a bus wearing championships hats and T-shirts — some of them slept in them — while still holding hardware from the night before.
They arrived on campus to find thousands of screaming fans clamoring for photos, autographs and hugs.
“This is amazing, absolutely amazing,” coach Todd Golden told the crowd. “I know you guys have been out here for a while. You guys have been amazing all year. Your support has carried us to the highest level. I know myself, my staff and our players appreciate you more than you know.”
Fans started showing up around 10 a.m. for the festivities, which were held at Flavet Field — a short walk from the team’s practice facility. A helicopter circled the venue, and nearly two dozen camera crews showed up. Cheerleaders, dancers, the school band and eventually mascots entertained those in attendance.