Norm Roberts a candidate for an assistant coaching spot at Florida (update: Roberts to Florida)

Jeff Goodman reports that former St. John's coach Norm Roberts could be on Billy Donovan's wish list for an assistant coaching position for the Florida Gators.

Roberts previously was an assistant under Bill Self, and was known for his recruiting - especially of the New York area. As a head coach, he was known for working hard to get players. Roberts had an eye for under-the-radar talent, but struggled to convince high-level players to come to St. John's. Roberts also has some skill at teaching defense, fostering hustle, and getting his teams to rebound very well.

Why are there assistant coaching spots open at Florida? Billy Donovan may lose all of his assistant coaches. Richard Pitino is expected to rejoin his father at Louisville, Larry Shyatt returned to Wyoming for a head coaching position, and Rob Lanier is possibly returning to Texas. Donovan will be bringing in former Arkansas head coach - and his former assistant - John Pelphrey back to join him on the bench.

The Florida team loses three starters up front and recently had two possible frontcourt starters (Erik Murphy and Cody Larson) arrested in a post-drinking burglary.