Photo by Todd Melet

I love a coach who no longer has to prove anything.

When people ask me about Roy Williams, I give them my opinion: he’s just a good ol’ guy, using the adjective that Williams often does when referring to himself in the third person.

In the 31 years as a head coach, Williams has won so many games and championships that the only thing he cares about is trying to win next game and the next championship. He sounded that way after his Tar Heels took Washington out early in the second-round of the NCAA tournament and finished the 81-59 victory that was so ugly it, ironically, showed how good they really are.

Lots of stuff happened in this game – from Coby making his first three three-pointers to Nassir being his most dominant self in the second half. In between, Garrison took an elbow that split his lip and broke a tooth and Kenny Williams pulled up lame that appeared much worse than it turned out to be.

After the game, Ol’ Roy praised the fight of his team over its mistakes that were plentiful but not harmful to the outcome. Like in the first-round victory over Iona – running his record to 29-0 in NCAA openers – Williams apparently told his guys at halftime they needed to play with more passion. In both second halves, UNC took complete control and put the wins away with more than 10 minutes remaining.

He explained that having played against the Syracuse zone helped them prepare for Washington, coached by a long-time Jim Boeheim assistant, but said not to put too much stock in that since his freelance offense  knows how play against any defense.

He brought seniors Luke Maye and Cameron Johnson with him because they both played great but, more importantly, personify the work ethic of this team. They were all asked about being overshadowed by Duke and the Zion buzz all season, and Williams gave credit where credit is due to Zion, but more so to his own Heels for improving so much. He didn’t mention UNC’s three No. 1 seeds in the last four years compared to Duke’s one and two Final Fours to Duke’s none (so far).

No ego or analysis involved, answering every question with the right amount of elaboration and patience until he spotted his daughter-in-law in the back of the room. Then Ol’ Roy excused himself for more immediate matters – seeing his grandson.

After enjoying the night with his family, it was on to Kansas City.

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