GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Gators Basketball team returned home to a flurry of fans on Tuesday following their National Championship victory against the Houston Cougars on Monday night.
The team flew into Gainesville Tuesday afternoon, greeted by an on-campus celebration at Flavet Field.
National championship posters and merch were given out to fans looking to retrieve a memorial item to remember a piece of history.
But the fans certainly had to wait their fair share for the newly crowned national champions: the team showed up almost two hours late to the rally after their flight arrived in the Gainesville Regional Airport at 2:11 p.m.
Once the team finally arrived at the airport, Florida’s Mr. Two Bits announced to the crowd that “the boys are on their way,” and were boarding a team bus.
The appearance of the Gators marching band and cheerleaders helped make up for the team’s late arrival, which was originally scheduled for 1 p.m.
“It’s hot…” ” Can they just start, already?” “They have until 3, or I’m leaving,” murmured the crowd as the packed, warm conditions brewed frustration.
The sudden appearances of Albert and Alberta saved the uneasy emotions of the frazzled crowd.
A few minutes after the clock struck 3 p.m., a big blue bus bearing the Gators’ logo pulled into a roadway next to Flavet Field.
As the team began unloading from the bus, Sean Kelly, the Voice of the Gators, took the stage.
“I think we have a new cheer… and I want to try it out with you,” said Kelly, before shouting, “Gator boys!” The crowd responded with, “Stay hot!”
Kelly then talked about the Gators’ journey to the top, which started with an SEC championship victory and ended with a thrilling 65-63 win against Houston.
It was then time to welcome back the boys from San Antonio. Walter Clayton Jr., the standout player for the Gators throughout the tournament, held the National Championship trophy high as he paraded around the stage.
He was joined by fellow stars Alex Condon, Will Richard, and the head coach, Todd Golden.
“Thank you all so much for being here right now,” said Golden. “I know you had to wait a while, but you guys have been amazing for us all year. Your support has carried us to the highest level, and I know myself, my staff, and my players appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know. Go Gators, baby.”
Kelly asked Golden how it felt when Alex Condon jumped on the loose ball that sealed the Gators’ victory last night. Golden responded, “Pretty good, man… pretty good.”
Clayton Jr. then took the mic.
“I simply want to say thank y’all… we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did without your support all year… Gator boys, stay hot,” he said.
The team then jumped down to take photos and sign autographs for the fans.
There’s a lot going on this weekend in Gainesville, including the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kelly says that before the game, the Gators’ basketball team will be celebrating a “blowout celebration” of their championship victory and promises more information within the next 24 hours.
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