Wednesday, July 12, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 9
Basketball on the big screen
Former Kansas basketball players Ryan Robertson and Nick Bradford watch basketball highlight videos on the Mega Vision with head coach Roy Williams. The videos were part of a post-press conference celebration Thursday night when Williams announced he would stay at Kansas. Photo by Aaron Lindberg/KANSAN.
Letter to the Editor
True Tar Heel fans support Williams' decision to stay
As a 1994 graduate from UNC, I was extremely disappointed, but not surprised, that Coach Williams turned down the offer to return as our head coach. Certainly, it was a gut-wrenching decision for the coach, but in my mind it was the correct one.
Coach Williams has an incredible opportunity to be associated with KU basketball much as Dean Smith is with UNC basketball. He has 329 wins, 2 Final Fours, and has more wins than any other coach after 12 seasons. He has the chance to write his own legacy, rather than living in the shadows of Dean Smith in Chapel Hill. He also has great fan support and an exciting arena on a beautiful campus in Kansas. Looking at these facts, it almost seems like a simple decision.
Regardless of the heat certain Tar Heel fans will give the coach, he should know that the true Tar Heel fans will recognize these facts and support his decision. No one should find fault in Roy Williams, for in the end, he conducted himself with the style and grace, the dignity and loyalty that he learned from his days at UNC. Roy Williams is, and forever will be, a greatly admired and respected member of the Carolina family. My best wishes and sincerest admiration go to Coach Williams.
Loss of the fashion maven coach would have been too much
Greg Fansler
Columbia, Mo.
UNC 1994
By Jenny Oakson
Kansan guest columnist
When I heard the news June 30, I shed a tear. Sure, I was hung over, but I cried out of sadness, not pain. Roy Williams was being lured away from Kansas..how could we hear to lose such a fashionable coach?
Don't get me wrong. I follow basketball.
But, even more so, I follow a man in a well-
put-together suit. I remember a couple of
years ago when I spotted Roy on TV at one
of the annual preseason Hawaii tournaments. His bronzed face brought out the white highlights in his Ken Doll hair. His
light-colored suit made the opposing team's coach look like a mobster. And he was committing an act more daring than starting T.J. Whatley — he was wearing sandals with a tie. But he could work it.
I'm not alone in noticing Coach Williams' (or his wife's) impeccable taste. In Spike Lee's He Got Game. Roy was debonair as he played a less shiny version of himself. Spike knows what's up. Roy's photogenic. Why else would my mom tape the games? It's all about freeze-frame.
This past season, Roy showed off his knack for accessorizing. His oh-so-Ben
Commentary
Franklin eyeglasses were not only stylish, but also flattering to his oval face shape. Yes, some ties were hideous, but the man is a risktaker. Anyone can look good in paisley, but how many men can wear a multicolored, spectrum-themed prop from "A Clockwork Orange" piece of neck candy?
I wouldn't have been so devastated if I had thought potential new coaches could be as suave. Oh yeah, and as good at coaching as Roy. But just look at who the candidates
were:
were.
That big guy from Utah who always wears sweaters — All I have to say is Mr. Belvedere. Boo-hiss.
■ Rick Pitino — Make the pass or you sleep with the fishes. This man can wear a suit and gets extra points for cuff links, but is that a pinky ring I see?
Bob Hill — Boring. If this coach were a dish he'd be boiled carrots. I see no flair and lots of earth tones.
Matt Doherty — Hmmm. He reminds me of Sam Malone back in the Shelley Long days of Cheers. As assistant coach under Roy for so long, he has definitely learned from the master, but I'm was worried he would have ventured into pastels. And with his winter features, he needs to embrace blues and reds.
We would have all missed you, Roy. But I would have especially missed your style, baby.
Oakson is a 2000 KU graduate and is assistant editor at U-WIRE.
Are you still excited about Roy's decision?
You and all the Jayhawk fans around the world can view Roy's press conference at
www.digitaljayhawk.org
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YOUR LAWRENCE WAL-MART SUPPORTS COACH ROY IN HIS EFFORTS AS HE LEADS OUR JAYHAWKS INTO ANOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESS.
Thanks for staying, Coach!
We look back on the past 12 years with pride; we look to the years ahead with great anticipation.
Can you expect the success of Kansas Jayhawk basketball to continue?
yes you can
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