Kansas laments possible loss of Williams

By Mindie Paget     Jul 4, 2000

Earl Richardson/J-W Photo
About 100 Jayhawk fans, some bearing signs of support, gathered outside Allen Fieldhouse during Roy Williams press conference Friday evening.

Matt Howe doesn’t remember Kansas basketball without Roy Williams.

Howe, a 22-year-old KU student, was listening to the radio Friday afternoon while working in a downtown Lawrence store, waiting for word that KU’s head coach would leave to become head coach at North Carolina.

Howe said customers had been speculating about Williams’ departure all day.

“People are still kind of holding on to ‘maybe he won’t go,'” he said.

They’ll have to hold on for a few more days. Williams might wait until July 7 to announce his decision. The uncertainty made the KU coach’s future the topic of discussion at coffeeshops and other gathering places across the state Friday.

Though news of the possible departure had many Lawrence fans lamenting, most were understanding.

“I thought maybe there was a chance he might stay forever,” said Mike Maxey, 45, Lawrence. “But he’s going home. I can’t blame him for that.”

Maxey said Williams’ leaving would be a bigger deal if KU’s basketball program weren’t so good.

“They can get pretty much any coach they want,” he said, adding that he’d like to see former assistant Matt Doherty replace Williams.

Rich Monhollan was less forgiving.

“Every time I hear him talk, he says he’s never going to leave,” said Monhollan, 19, Lawrence. “So I’m going to be (angry) if he goes.”

In Manhattan, Kansas State fans had a different take on the news. When the manager of the KSU student union bowling alley told patrons about Williams’ possible departure, they hooted and hollered in jubilation. Several expressed hope that perhaps the Wildcats could finally beat the Jayhawks.

“Now maybe we can win a game from KU,” said John Garetson, assistant manager at the bowling alley. “It’s unfortunate for KU, but it probably won’t hurt too many K-State fans.”

Elsewhere across the state, reactions were mixed.

Charles Richeson of Topeka, a self-proclaimed KU fan, said he’d never heard of Roy Williams before he saw news reports Friday about his possible departure.

Pat Baalman, 19, Garden City, said he thought Williams should rethink a move.

“I think it’s the wrong move because they have such good talent coming up,” he said. “I think it’s a mistake for him to go to North Carolina. It’s a surprise more than anything.”

PREV POST

Kansans squirm as Williams ponders coaching future

NEXT POST

285Kansas laments possible loss of Williams