So says no less an authority than Richard Konzem, a KU associate athletics director.

“I ensured he’s coming back,” Konzem said Saturday, his tongue planted firmly in cheek. “We played golf this morning, and I took a dollar off him. Knowing his competitive nature, he’ll want to come back and win it back.”

But seriously, folks

The decision whether to return to KU for a 13th season or to fulfill a lifelong dream and fill North Carolina’s basketball coaching vacancy is weighing so heavily on Williams is so excruciatingly difficult to make that even the select circle of friends close to Williams isn’t sure which road Williams will select.

“I’ve been asked several times over the last three days, and if I had to place money on something, I’m not sure that I could,” said Lawrence’s Scot Buxton, a close friend of Williams’ who also played a round Saturday before Williams boarded a plane for vacation in Charleston, S.C. “That’s a true testament to him and the university, in my opinion. If you put things down on paper, the pluses and minuses, North Carolina would have to come out ahead.

“I think what Roy’s going through right now is a testament to him and to Kansas, how tough this decision is. He feels that the family, this program, is his baby. It’s a tough deal. Most people that I know really would have made the decision and been gone. He truly hasn’t made that decision.”

On Friday, Williams addressed a media throng and asked for patience from fans as he agonized over a decision he vowed to make by this Friday, the day before the start of the recruiting period.

On Saturday, he hit the links and didn’t much want to talk about the decision he must make.

“When we’re on the golf course, we’re trying to kick each other’s tail,” Buxton said. “That consumes us. That’s all that went on. I couldn’t tell exactly you what he shot, but he played well. I think one of his frustrations was there was an indication that he was procrastinating on this decision. That frustrated him because this is arguably the biggest decision he’s had to make in his coaching career. It’s not one that anybody would make lightly.”

But surely Williams, a Carolina native who went to UNC and broke into the college ranks under the legendary Dean Smith, foresaw the day the Tar Heels would come calling.

“But this is a unique situation, and he’s a unique man,” Buxton said. “When I say he’s given 12 years of absolute concentration to the University of Kansas, that’s what he’s done. He doesn’t spend time thinking about things that aren’t actual.”

Another Williams confidant, Alvamar Country Club head professional Randy Towner, also empathized with his friend’s predicament.

“I’m sure it’s a tempting offer,” Towner said. “I have no idea what he’ll decide. But he’s had a career of making good decisions.”

Whichever direction Williams heads, Buxton vowed his support.

“I’d be fine with it whichever he decides to do,” Buxton said. “I know he’ll make the right decision. He has a tough decision to make, but his family will support him, his friends will support him, and hopefully the community will support him.”