As Kansas coach Roy Williams meandered out of the Parrot Center from his press conference, the 49-year-old KU icon took in his surroundings.
He had a lot to absorb.
About 100 people held an impromptu rally on the steps outside the Parrot Center on Friday evening, complete with signs, chants, cheers and hugs. They were hoping to influence Williams to stay at Kansas instead of taking the recently-vacated head coaching job at North Carolina, his alma mater and ex-employer.
Chants of “Roy, Roy, Roy” rang out from the mixed gathering of children, KU students, KU alumni, season ticket holders and Lawrence residents. People held signs saying “We love Roy,” “Don’t leave us” and “Home is where the hawk is.”
Sheila Fields, a 21-year-old KU student, handed Williams two red roses and gave him a hug.
Williams shook hands, thanked people for coming and hugged fans as he slowly made his way to his silver Lincoln Towncar. He looked back and waved a half dozen times, his face flush with emotion.
Before getting in his car, he autographed 11-year-old Nicholas Muller’s picture, patted the youngster on the head and waved a final farewell to the adoring crowd.
Williams looked like he might break down and cry.
“I’ll understand if he leaves because it’s his dream and everyone wants to fulfill their dream,” Fields said. “But everyone here students, fans, the KU community love Roy. He is KU basketball.”
Williams made his way through cheering fans at about 6:55 p.m. for the press conference, where he denied rumors he already had accepted the UNC job. During the press conference, people crowded around cars listening on the radio. The mood was somber and people quiet.
Despite Williams’ announcement that he has not made a decision whether to stay at KU or leave for North Carolina, most of the people talked as if he already had decided to depart.
“He’s gone,” said Troy Claycamp, 26. “We hope he stays but we brought along our ‘We want Pitino’ hats in case.”
Claycamp was referring to former Kentucky coach and current Boston Celtics coach Rick Pitino.
“Only time will tell how much he meant to KU basketball,” said Brian Hoffman, 29. “He’s pretty well loved.”
KU students Kim Giacobbe, 20, Amherst, Mass., and Claire Durwood, 18, Mission Hills, held the signs that read, “Honk for Roy,” “We love Roy” and “Don’t leave us.”
They worried about a KU without Williams.
“Roy Williams and KU basketball is one of the reasons I came here,” Giacobbe said. “If he leaves it will devastating.”
Added Durwood, “If he is gone, it will deter students from coming here. I don’t think there will be quite as much spirit.”
A sign that read, “Roy-U-R KU basketball, don’t leave us.” summed what many in attendance thought.
“When people say, ‘Rock Chalk Jayhawk,’ I think of Roy Williams and his basketball team,” said KU student Emily Curtis, 21, who drove four hours from Hays. “I just hope Roy pays for my gas.”
Many said they will understand if he returns to where he began his coaching career.
“I’d hate to see him go, but I would understand,” said KU alum Clint Scroggins, 34.
Mary Jo Cousins, 48, and Mimi Nagle, 41, both from Kansas City, Mo., drove to Lawrence so their sons and their friends, five young boys between the ages of 13- and 15-years-old, could see the man they love.
“He is their hero,” Nagle said. “If he leaves, my house will be wearing black; it will be day of mourning. This is all they have talked about all day long.”
The fans all agreed it will be a nerve-racking period until Williams announces a decision.
“It’s going to be a hard week,” Fields said. “We expected a decision today.”