Tonight the curtain will fall the applause will fade and the spotlight dims for the last time. Yet the echos of their impact - not only at Florida but also across the nation - will be heard for decades to come. They were a team in the truest sense of the word. Their time at UF has given us our moment of seashells and balloons as they did it all and did it all right. Magic such as this doesn’t go away. It stays with you. Years later we’ll still marvel and wonder at this team and what they did.

Four individuals of differing personalities and upbringing – a Dominican, the son of a coach, a New Yorker, and a kid from rural Tennessee came to UF as strangers and not only formed the core of the greatest team the school has ever seen, but they became the closest of friends in doing so.

They were lovable, they were characters, yet they were focused and determined too. They came out of nowhere in a season most had thought would be a rebuilding year. Instead they achieved far, far beyond expectations. They are unforgettable. Corey with his headband, smile and a deep Tennessee accent. Joakim with NY jive, the wild hair and unlimited passion. Al the quiet giant who owned the boards and flexed the guns. Taurean the sparkplug, directing the team and guiding the way.

In light of the ethos they exemplified I would be remiss not to embrace the whole of the team. For while the heart and soul of the squad were the 04s, they better than anyone recognize that Lee Humphrey, Chris Richard, Walter Hodge, Adrian Moss, Marreese Speights, Dan Werner, Brandon Powell, Jonathan Mitchell, Jack Berry, Brett Swanson, Garrett Tyler, and David Huertas are all Gator Boys too. Within the games some have contributed more than others, but that is only part of the story. The countless hours of practice with and against each other, the dinners and barbecues, the training and running. They were there together and helping the team become not only the best it could be, but something more. As close to a family and friends that a sports team can get. This is much more special and rare than we are routinely led to believe. So our goodbyes are not just to the quartet. So long and thanks to Lee Humphrey the humble son of a school teacher, a rock solid perimeter defender and the deadliest three point shooter the NCAA tournament has ever seen. Farewell to Chris Richard, a mountain of a man both in stature and heart who perhaps sacrificed the most so that this team could be its very best.

Can an era only last two years? Truly time is elastic as these past two seasons packed with so many memories, so many unforgettable moments seemed to stretch across a span of years far longer than what the calendar tells us has passed yet which seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye.

From the first exhibition against Embry Riddle where every starter took at least 8 shots and none took more than 12 the first hint of the unselfishness that would become their trademark. And the first suspicions that these guys might actually be kind of good came when we watched them handle Wake and Syracuse in the 2K Sports College Hoop Classic. Next we got a glimpse of the heart of these players as we saw them fall behind by 17 to FSU only to come roaring back and win going away. A school record 17 game winning streak and the fans were buzzing; not only because they were winning, but because of the manner of play and the pure emotion they displayed while doing it. Battling to an SEC tournament championship and their first of what would almost become a routine – the cutting down of the nets.

Then they transcended all that had come before. In a surprisingly easy and overwhelmingly enjoyable run they reached the heights of college basketball bringing home to Florida the first title in basketball it had ever known. Each step of the way the belief that this might be possible swelled. When they won the regional it seemed like destiny, we knew these guys would not – could not – be denied. They delivered and in splendid fashion. They were heroes, the toast of the town. A collection of engaging personalities that seemed larger than life.

Yet they took it a step further and made a decision to return to UF and defend their title endearing them for all time to Gator fans everywhere. They accepted the burden, donned the bulls eye and settled under the weight of the highest expectations. A year long journey of taking the best shot of every team they faced. Winning the SEC regular season title, hitting a slump that was righted in large part by Taurean’s dad, Big Sid, taking time to bring them back together and show them the joy they had lost and how to recapture it. After that night they never lost another game roaring through the SEC tournament and capturing a second straight NCAA title. Rarefied air indeed. But most important was that the team won. It wasn’t just the 04s. It was everyone pulling together.  No individual stepped up and took over, they ALL stepped up, played their parts, and made the games, the championship and history theirs. . As Bruce Pearl said, "They honor the game by the way they play it." Their like will not be seen again soon.

Their announcement yesterday that they were leaving was full of contrast. Sad yet happy, over too quickly yet packed with a lifetime of unforgettable images and words. They could leave no other way , the four of them together who have shared a bond as close to brotherhood as can be. Their love for each other is rich, honest and unmistakable. Their tears were real as even at their tender age they recognize this story is told and no matter how joyous the ending, an ending it is. Like the best book we ever read as we turn the last page we are left wanting more yet knowing that it was just right as it was.

Thanks to the coaches who helped mold them into the team they were. Thanks to the parents who guided and helped them become the fine young men they are. Thanks to them for learning, accepting and growing right before our eyes.

As Joakim walked off the floor at the Georgia Dome he is reported to have said, "Remember us, remember us!" He has no worries on that count. The Gator Boys are forever hot and they will continue to burn brightest in the memories of their grateful fans for as long as the mind holds firm.

Thanks for everything guys, you gave oh so much more than can ever be repaid.