Story

Capturing their first national championship in dominant fashion, the Florida Gators defeated the UCLA Bruins by jumping out to a big lead and never looking back. Led by the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, Joakim Noah, and standouts Al Horford and Corey Brewer, the Gators were never threatened by UCLA. A protégé of Rick Pitino, Gators coach Billy Donovan became the winningest coach in Florida history during the course of the 2006 season.