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Character of a champion: Roy Williams

Sporting News, The, May 6, 2005

When he took over a North Carolina team that hadn't been to the NCAA Tournament in two years and found the Tar Heels ranked in the preseason top 10, Williams had a quick response: "Ol' Roy ain't that good." You sure about that?

After leaving Kansas in 2003, Williams needed time to reach the talented team at Carolina. He battled to keep the Heels together throughout his first two seasons. But he never relented and, with a 75-70 win over Illinois, celebrated his first title last month.

Four times at Kansas, Williams reached the Final Four. He coached four other KU teams that gained No. 1 seeds. That record became as much of a burden as a measure of his excellence.

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"It's a nice feeling. But I don't know that I'm that better a coach," Williams said after winning the championship. "It is pleasant now that next year you'll be talking about how many hole-in-ones I've had or something like that."

SPORTING NEWS editors choose someone each month whose performance demonstrates the "Character of a Champion."

Character of a champion: Roy Williams

Sporting News, The, May 6, 2005

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