I’ve spent the last 24 hours or so trying to put my thoughts in words.. Even as a blogger/podcaster I’m at a loss for words with the retirement of Roy Williams. Here’s my best shot:
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your love and devotion to the University of North Carolina can’t and won’t be understated. For the last 18 years you’ve been the greatest ambassador for such a special place.
I didn’t go to school in Chapel Hill yet I am a Tar Heel in large because of you. Every memory I have of Carolina Basketball starts and ends with you. Because of you I grew to love the game of basketball to a degree I didn’t know possible. I grew enamored with Chapel Hill, and like you I get goosebumps every time I visit what we all like to Southern Heaven. I discovered Carolina Basketball as a sixth grader and ever since then my life, like so many other devout Tar Heels revolve around the program. One of my fondest memories was being waken up in third grade by my dad being told “Good morning son, the Tar Heels won the national championship.” I didn’t know what that meant then but after 2009 & 2017 I knew how special that feeling was. While we’re talking about it, thank you for all the wins, the Final Fours, we’ve gotten to experience because of you these last 18 years. As much as you say Dean Smith & Michael Jordan are Carolina Basketball, you are the truest example of our program.
While I don’t you personally the impact you’ve had on my life is immeasurable. From reading your book, to listening to your press conferences or radio show, I’ve hung on to every word because you are My Coach.
As you said goodbye you said “we did okay”. Coach you did more than okay. You did the best daggum job both on and off the court.
The selfish part of me wants more of you on the sidelines in a building that’s named after your mentor, and a floor named after you. While that won’t be the case anymore, and we’re all going to have to adjust to that, every time we watch the Tar Heels we’ll think of you.
Happy retirement, Coach Williams.
Roy's Boys Podcast: