Todd Golden Returns to Bay Area as Florida Faces Maryland in Sweet 16

Florida Gators men's basketball coach Todd Golden is experiencing a significant homecoming as his team advances to the Sweet 16 in San Francisco, where he previously coached at the University of San Francisco (USF) and played at Saint Mary's College. The Gators, who defeated UConn to secure their spot, will face Maryland next in hopes of reaching the Final Four for the first time in over a decade. Golden's return to the Bay Area is both nostalgic and strategic, as he plans to practice at USF's War Memorial Gym and visit his favorite restaurant, Original Joe's, despite initial difficulties securing a reservation for his large party. As a former player and coach in the area, Golden acknowledges the profound impact these experiences had on his career and aims to share this with his team, reminding them of their underdog beginnings. Friends and former colleagues, including John Duggan of Original Joe's, have expressed excitement and support for Golden's return. The trip is also an opportunity for Golden to reconnect with family and friends, although the demands of the tournament limit his availability.