From Lexington Roots to Coaching Heights: The Life of William Donovan III
I often think of William Donovan III as a sapling growing in the shadow of a mighty oak, drawing strength from deep roots while reaching for his own sunlight. Born on February 10, 1992, in Lexington, Kentucky, he entered a world already buzzing with basketball energy. His father, Billy Donovan, was then an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky, a powerhouse program under Rick Pitino. Those early years in Lexington, amid the roar of Rupp Arena crowds, planted the seeds for a life intertwined with the sport.
By 1996, the family uprooted to Gainesville, Florida, where his father took the head coaching helm at the University of Florida. William, or Billy Donovan III as he’s often called, spent his formative years there, attending St. Francis Catholic High School and graduating in 2010. High school wasn’t just about classes for him. He balanced academics with hoops, though not as the spotlight-stealing recruit one might expect from such lineage. Instead, he honed a quiet determination, much like a steady dribble building to a fast break.
College beckoned at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., from 2010 to 2012. There, he suited up as a guard, appearing in 46 games and averaging 4.0 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in his sophomore year, helping the team to a 19-9 record. But basketball wasn’t his only pursuit. He dipped into politics, interning for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and the Department of Homeland Security. These detours, like side paths in a vast forest, broadened his view before pulling him back to the court. In 2012, he transferred to the University of Florida, redshirting his junior year. As a walk-on reserve point guard, he played sparingly, logging 16 games in the 2013-14 season with 0.4 points per game. He didn’t suit up in 2014-15 but was part of the Gators’ Final Four run, contributing from the sidelines. Graduation came in 2015, a degree in hand and a future in coaching crystallizing.
The Donovan Family: A Tight-Knit Unit Forged in Relocations and Triumphs
I’ve always admired families like the Donovans, where bonds act as the invisible threads weaving through chaos and success. At the center stand William’s parents, Billy Donovan and Christine D’Auria Donovan. They tied the knot on August 5, 1989, in Long Island, New York. Billy, born May 30, 1965, in Rockville Centre, New York, built a legendary career, culminating in his 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction. Christine, born in 1964 and daughter of Anthony J. D’Auria, has been the family’s anchor through moves from Kentucky to Florida, Oklahoma City (2015-2020 for the Thunder), and Chicago (2020-present for the Bulls). In January 2021, they settled into a $3.5 million mansion in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, a haven amid the NBA’s whirlwind.
William, the eldest at 33 years old, shares this foundation with three siblings. Hasbrouck Anne Donovan, born around 1999, embodies versatility. She claimed a national equestrian championship at Auburn University and now thrives as a fitness coach at Orangetheory in Florida. Her name, a nod to family tradition on Christine’s side, reflects the Donovans’ blend of heritage and individuality. Then there’s Bryan Donovan, born circa 2003. He battled through two knee surgeries in high school yet pursued basketball, starting at Providence College before transferring to Roger Williams University. His resilience mirrors the family’s grit, turning setbacks into stepping stones.
The youngest, Connor Donovan, born around 2008, rounds out the quartet. As a high school junior in earlier reports, she excelled in volleyball and tennis, showcasing athletic prowess beyond basketball. The siblings’ paths diverge yet converge in support, much like players executing a flawless pick-and-roll. Growing up Catholic, the family emphasized values that shielded personal lives from public glare, fostering privacy amid fame. No details surface on William’s romantic ties or children, a deliberate veil that lets his professional story shine.
| Family Member | Birth Year (Approx.) | Notable Roles and Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Billy Donovan (Father) | 1965 | Head Coach, Chicago Bulls; 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee; Back-to-back NCAA Titles (2006-2007) |
| Christine D’Auria Donovan (Mother) | 1964 | Family Anchor; Supported Multiple Relocations |
| William Connor Donovan III | 1992 | Head Coach, Windy City Bulls; Two G League Titles Contributor |
| Hasbrouck Anne Donovan (Sister) | 1999 | National Equestrian Champion (Auburn); Fitness Coach at Orangetheory |
| Bryan Donovan (Brother) | 2003 | College Basketball Player (Roger Williams Univ.); Overcame Knee Injuries |
| Connor Donovan (Sister) | 2008 | High School Athlete in Volleyball and Tennis |
This table captures the essence of their collective journey, numbers grounding the narrative in reality.
Climbing the Coaching Ladder: William Donovan III’s Professional Path
William’s career, in my opinion, is a carefully thought-out strategy, with each move creating momentum. After graduating from college in 2015, he worked as a local coach and high school history teacher in Gainesville. His first official position was as head coach of Saint Francis Catholic Academy, which he took on on March 23, 2016. In 2017, he made the transition to the professional ranks as an operations assistant with the Austin Spurs. The 2017–18 G League championship, a taste of triumph, marked the conclusion of that season. He demonstrated his abilities by helping to win another championship after being promoted to assistant coach for 2018–19.
Changes sped up. He was the Phoenix Suns’ assistant video coordinator in 2019–20 and the San Antonio Spurs’ Summer League guest coach. He began working as the video coordinator for the Chicago Bulls in 2020, following in his father’s footsteps. From 2020 to 2023, he spent three seasons there honing his analytical skills. He prepared at the highest level after being promoted to assistant coach for the Windy City Bulls in 2023–2024. Henry Domercant’s ascension to head coach came on June 5, 2024. His club had a 5-4 record by the beginning of the 2024–25 season, focusing on making efficient shots with ideas like the “Value Line.”
His accomplishments are numerous and include two G League titles as a teammate, a reputation for defensive tactics, and the ability to inspire players. G League head coaches normally make between $50,000 and $150,000 a year, with bonuses for player call-ups, though specifics are kept confidential. William succeeds despite the challenges, adjusting NBA tactics to nurturing talent like a conductor arranging an orchestra.
A Timeline of Milestones: Tracking the Donovan Legacy
Timelines fascinate me; they’re like roadmaps revealing the twists in a journey. For William Donovan III, it starts in 1992 with his birth. 1996 marks the move to Gainesville. He witnesses his father’s back-to-back NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007. Graduation from St. Francis in 2010 leads to Catholic University until 2012, with internships adding flavor. Transfer to Florida in 2012, redshirting, then sparse play through 2015.
Post-grad, 2016 brings his first head coaching gig. 2017-19 with Austin Spurs yields championships. 2019 Suns role, 2020 Bulls entry. Assistant in 2023-24, head coach from 2024 onward. His father’s 2025 Hall of Fame nod adds luster. This chronology, spanning 33 years, underscores steady ascent.
FAQ
Who is William Donovan III’s father, and what are his major accomplishments?
Billy Donovan, William’s father, is the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. He led the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, coached the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2020, and earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
What education did William Donovan III pursue, and how did it influence his career?
He attended St. Francis Catholic High School, graduating in 2010. College started at Catholic University (2010-2012), where he played basketball. Transferring to the University of Florida in 2012, he graduated in 2015 after limited play. Internships in politics, including with Senator Marco Rubio, briefly diverted him but reaffirmed his coaching passion.
How many siblings does William Donovan III have, and what do they do?
He has three siblings. Hasbrouck Anne, around 26, is a fitness coach and former national equestrian champion. Bryan, about 23, plays college basketball despite injuries. Connor, roughly 18, excelled in high school volleyball and tennis.
What is William Donovan III’s current role in basketball?
As of 2024, he’s head coach of the Windy City Bulls, the NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls. His team started the 2024-25 season 5-4, focusing on player development and efficient strategies.
Has William Donovan III won any championships in his coaching career?
Yes, he contributed to two G League championships with the Austin Spurs: one in 2018 as operations assistant and another in 2019 as assistant coach.
Where has the Donovan family lived over the years?
They began in Lexington, Kentucky (1992-1996), moved to Gainesville, Florida (1996-2015), then Oklahoma City (2015-2020), and Chicago since 2020, where they bought a $3.5 million home in January 2021.
What unique experiences did William Donovan III have outside of basketball?
He interned in politics with a lobbying firm on military weapons, Senator Marco Rubio (who later became Secretary of State), and the Department of Homeland Security, exploring paths beyond the court before committing to coaching.
