July 6, 2000

University of North Carolina Director of Athletics Dick Baddour, July 6, 2000:

"Obviously, we are tremendously disappointed. Coach (Roy) Williams has informed Coach Smith, Coach Guthridge and me of his intention to remain at the University of Kansas. Coach Williams told each of us he simply could not leave his players and, of course, we respect that decision.

All along, even when reports indicated Coach Williams had accepted an offer, we knew he was wrestling with having to tell his team he was leaving.

Coach Williams had a good visit here earlier in the week and we felt good about his impending decision, despite knowing how difficult it would be for him to leave a program he has built for 12 years.

I want to compliment him for the direct manner in which he dealt with us and wish to say that we will always have a place in our hearts for him. Coach Williams has been a special part of our program for many years and his difficult decision tonight does nothing to change how we feel.

"I know many of our fans share our disappointment, but we are going to hire an outstanding coach to lead our basketball program. The search process continues. "With the start of a busy recruiting season, it is a critical time of year, and we will continue to aggressively search for our next head coach."

--UNC--