Tuesday, March 8, 2005 | Men's Basketball
By: Emily Hedges
UF Sports Information
With about 30 seconds left in the game last Sunday, Carlos Powell made a jump shot to put South Carolina up 65-64 over the Gators. Florida had battled back from a 17-point deficit to be in this position. The team brought the ball down the court, and Anthony Roberson pulled up for his own jump shot. The ball hit the rim and bounced. From out of nowhere, senior David Lee, gritting his teeth, unwilling to see his team lose, jumped above all the defenders and tipped the ball in for the lead and the win.
Lee, the basketball player, has aligned with Lee, the competitor.
Hailing from St. Louis, David Lee has been a contributor since he came to UF as a McDonald's All-American. He became the 34th member of the 1,000-point club in his last game as a junior. Currently, he is tied with Matt Bonner for 10th on the career double-double list with 19, nine of those coming this year. He is tied for third in career field goal percentage at .585. He is sixth in career blocked shots (100) and eighth in blocked shots per game (0.83) He is third all-time in dunks at 143.
But David will be remembered for more than his numbers. He will be remembered for his dedication to his team. During a tumultuous four years during which he had the opportunity to explore leaving for the NBA, Lee has stuck it out for his entire college career. He has been an upperclassman when there were few upperclassmen. He has been a leader when no one else wanted the job.
"I hope that people will remember me as a guy who worked hard for his team," Lee said. "I hope they will remember me as someone who did what the team needed."
In four years, Lee has always been a fan favorite, and Billy Donovan called him the best rebounder he has ever coached. After floundering in an early game against Florida State this year, Lee was challenged to step up his game. He responded strongly and is averaging a double-double in SEC play.
"David Lee is a confident team player who is unselfish, who doesn't take bad shots, who totally sacrifices for the team," Coach Donovan said. "I don't know the last time a (Florida) guy averaged a double-double in our league. I'm really proud of his development and the progress he has made."
Today is his last game in the O'Connell Center after a four-year roller coaster ride with far more ups than downs. David said he has never been unhappy with his decision to come to Florida and has no regrets.
"I don't think I'll know how it's going to feel until I step in there on the last day," David said. "I'm sure it's going to be emotional."
Lee thinks that having a senior day game against Kentucky, which is always a emotionally charged match-up, is a great way to end his final regular season. He is very thankful for his coaches, teammates and the Gator basketball fans.
"I want to thank the fans for all their support," he said. "They have made this place (the O'Connell Center) one of the best places to play. I don't deserve any thanks or applause for what has happened here. The fans deserve it all."
