Roy Williams didn’t pick up a copy of USA Today this morning.
Hence Williams, Kansas’ basketball coach, didn’t see the report in Peter Vescey’s column that Williams has surfaces as a possible candidate for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ coaching position.
Is Williams, who turned down a million-dollar offer to coach the Los Angeles Lakers lsat year, a candidate for the job?
“Not that I know of,” he said today. “I have not spoken with the ‘Wolves. I’ve not spoken with one person from Minnesota. People that know me know this is nothing to worry about.”
A two-time national coach of the year in his four years here, Williams has developed a reputation as one of the best young coaches in the business. Recently, a national publication wrote, “Kids don’t want to play for older coaches anymore. They want to play or Krzyzewski and Williams.”
Williams says it’s flattering to be known as a good coach, but he’s bothered by rumors in columns.
“I like to be respected, but that was out of the blue. He probably needed four or five lines to fill a column,” Williams said.
On another topic, Williams late this morning discussed the AP’s All Big Eight basketball picks released Tuesday. Rex Walters made first team and Steve Woodberry second. Adonis Jordan, a first-teamer last year, was honorable mention.
“I’m really pleased Rex made first team. I’m a little surprised it was not unanimous,” said Williams.
Walters was one vote shy of joining Oklahoma State center Bryant Reeves as a unanimous pick.
I”m very happy for Steve,” Williams said. “Again it shows the kind of player he is. I’m disappointed Adonis wasn’t selected. Our team has won 24 games and he’s the leader of our team. He’s had some physical problems and not used them as an excuse one single time. I think he was deserving of all-conference.”
