Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE
North Carolina head coach Roy Williams underwent a three and a half hour procedure on Wednesday to remove a tumor from his right kidney. While news continues to emerge about Williams’ health, it remains unclear if the tumor was cancerous or not.
The two-time national champion is also expected to have a second operation in the coming weeks to remove another tumor from his left kidney, a procedure that will likely sideline him for a few practices. Williams is expected to be ready for the Tar Heels’ opening game against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 9.
Despite Wednesdays’ operation, Williams is slated to also be ready for North Carolina’s first practice when the college basketball season officially kicks off in three weeks.
Williams will be released from the hospital in the coming days and will begin to move forward with his tenth season at Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels were eliminated in the Elite 8 last March at the hands of Williams’ former team, the Kansas Jayhawks.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Williams and his family for a full recovery,” North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said. “Obviously his health and prognosis are my greatest concerns. He’s in great hands with the medical staff at UNC Hospitals. The basketball team is also in outstanding hands with Steve Robinson, CB McGrath, Hubert Davis and Joe Holladay.”
In 24 seasons as a head coach, Williams has compiled an outstanding 675-169 mark. UNC is moving forward without a number of their stars from a season ago, but the Tar Heels once again reload with the ability to compete for an ACC crown.
North Carolina will officially kick off the 2012-13 season on Oct. 12 with its annual “Late Night with Roy Williams” event.
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