College basketball world reacts to retirement of North Carolina coach Roy Williams

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Following the news of Roy Williams’ retirement on Thursday, college basketball coaches around the country reacted to the departure of the North Carolina coach and one of the greatest leaders in the history of the game.

Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton:

“Growing up in North Carolina and being a tremendous fan of ACC basketball, I recognize the historical importance of North Carolina to the ACC and college basketball. Coach Williams carried on so well the rich tradition of the UNC basketball program, and he did so with great professionalism and loyalty. He has been a fantastic ambassador for our great sport. The landscape of college basketball has changed tremendously but the Carolina tradition because of Roy Williams is as strong as it has ever been. He is a Hall of Famer in every sense of the title, and we want to wish him and his family well as they begin this new phase of their lives.”

Georgia Tech’s Josh Pastner:

“He is one of the greatest to ever coach in the history of any sport.”

North Carolina Central’s LeVelle Moton:

“When I first got the job at North Carolina Central, the first person to reach out and offer his support was Roy. That meant a lot to me. He didn’t have to do that. He once came to NCCU to do a banquet. He did everything for free. He’s just a good friend. Anything he could do to help me, he did.”

Purdue’s Matt Painter:

“He did so much for the game. A true gentleman. He always had time for others. He will be missed in our game.”

Marquette’s Shaka Smart:

“One of the all-time greats! I learned a great deal watching him coach his teams. College basketball will miss him!”

Ohio State’s Chris Holtmann:

“I absolutely love Coach Williams! As a younger coach growing up, he was a guy I always admired and I’m forever grateful for the time we spent together on the road recruiting or when our teams competed against each other. He is quite simply one of the greatest coaches our game has ever seen. And he did it the right way! Enjoy your family, a lot of golf and all that comes with retirement, Coach. You’ve earned every minute.”

Baylor’s Scott Drew:

“Coach Williams was such a great ambassador of the game and mentor to young coaches. He was class on and off the court. Personally, I will miss seeing him on the recruiting trail because I always became a better coach and person after spending time with him.”

UCLA’s Mick Cronin:

“I’m so happy for him. He’s a great coach and a better person. Coach, now you can come to L.A. and play all the best courses with me!”

Pitt’s Jeff Capel:

“Congrats on one of the greatest coaches sports have ever seen. Coach Williams is the epitome of sustained excellence. On top of that, he is one of the true gentlemen of the game. He will be sorely missed.”

National Association of Basketball Coaches:

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