Gator fans flooded the San Antonio River Walk late Monday night to watch their team celebrate its third national title.
After the Florida Gators wrapped up their third men’s basketball title with Monday’s dramatic 65-63 win over Houston, fans clad in orange and blue lined the San Antonio River Walk where they waited a few hours to celebrate with their team.
So many of these Gators faithful who traveled a few states away for the Final Four were happy to see their team come out on top.
“I’m really just so proud of this whole team,” said Ralph Jacobi, a Florida alumnus. “It’s been a joy watching them the whole year. Just the fight, the grit they’ve shown the whole time.”
Fans were thankful the team managed to pull out some emotional wins throughout the tournament, including a second-round defeat of defending champion UConn and comeback win over Texas Tech.
“We are feeling ecstatic, very proud of our team,” another fan said. “We Literally cannot believe it.”
It was nearly 1 a.m. Tuesday – more than two hours after the final buzzer sounded – that the team entered Arneson River Theatre on a river barge, arriving to cheers and applause. Some Gator fans traveled across state lines just to support their team.
“It was great. I’m from Ohio, so it’s nice being out here,” said Joseph O’Connell.
“I’m totally excited. This is the best experience ever, so I’m glad we made a drive,” added Phillip O’Connell. “We’re driving straight back to Ohio from here.”
Even some disappointed Cougar fans came to the River Walk to take in the elation.
“I’m just glad that they get the trophy, it was a close game,” said Taylor Jayne, one of those devoted Houston fans.
“At least it wasn’t Auburn,” added Eric Ornelas. “I just got to watch it and accept.”
After a long tough season, many Gator fans say their team deserved this win.
“People have counted them out a lot,” one said. “A lot of people picked against them throughout the tournament, every time they came back and won it.”
And while the Gator’s championship is just hours old, some are already thinking about next season.
“I think we are going to come in and people are going to underestimate us, because (senior guard) Walter Clayton is going out, (senior guard Will) Richard, (senior guard Alijah) Martin going out. I don’t think that’s going to be the case,” said Jacobi. “I definitely think we’ll make another run in the tournament, and we’ll scare some teams.”
Next year’s Final Four will be hosted by Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.