“I’m staying. If that’s okay why don’t we just end this press conference right now. I guess I could’ve just called in from the beach, and said that I’m staying, and let that be it, but it didn’t seem that that was the right thing to do and the right way to do it. And, I’ve even planned a statement for you guys and the fans outside too. The decision here, that I’ve made, came after the toughest seven days of my life. That’s quite a statement because that also means that I’m the luckiest basketball coach to ever live. I had the options that I had from two universities and basketball programs that I love.”
“Before I go on to say things about Kansas, I would like to thank North Carolina and their administration. Athletic director Dick Baddour was sensational during this process. My decision, as I said, was the toughest time period I have ever had. Mr. Baddour did everything he could possibly do — he gave me the answer I wanted to every question. He was very sincere and recruited me harder than I ever been recruited. I sincerely apologize to him. The phone conservation I had with Coach (Dean) Smith was as painful an experience as I’ve ever had. I apologize to him and just those words aren’t enough. Coach (Bill) Guthridge was another hard call. He and Coach Smith are the reason I am here today, and I can’t help but feel that I have let them down in some way. I wish I also would have been able to call Eddie Fogler, who is so important to me and like a brother, and who is also one of my mentors. B.W. Miller, my financial adviser and guru that I listen to about everything. Those people are like family to me, and I make no decisions without talking to them. To all my family and great friends in North Carolina I am sorry that I didn’t get to speak with many of you before this, but it just became very hectic.”
“I hope that all the UNC former players and members of the UNC family will understand. I did what Coach Smith, Coach Guthridge and Eddie Fogler told me to do. I made the decision based on the most important thing — my players. My mentors taught me that loyalty is the most important thing. And, that was the decision — I couldn’t leave my players. The love I have for the UNC family will never die. I hope those in that family will understand. Now, while I am still here, I just told you that, I couldn’t trade my players, that became more important than my dream of being at North Carolina. Here, at Kansas, I’m able to run a basketball program with my idea of success. Being good every year representing the university the right way. And, having an academic emphasis and giving everything I have. I still want to win it all, that hasn’t changed. But, if I don’t and still do those other things, and still have the feelings I have about my players and they have about me then I’ll consider my life a success. KU and Lawrence, what a great place to be. I truly appreciate Chancellor (Robert) Hemenway and Bob Frederick (athletics director) for giving me the time and the space, and believing that I would really think this through. And, God knows I’ve really thought this through. My family is standing over there, Wanda (wife) and Kimberly (daughter) and my son Scott in Charlotte (N.C.). I couldn’t talk to them for the last seven days without getting tears in my eyes. I’d say what time it was, and start to cry. It’s been a difficult time period.”
“I hope the Kansas fans are pleased. And, I hope they’ll continue to make Allen Fieldhouse and KU the greatest place there is to play college basketball. Incoming Chancellor Moeser at North Carolina made a statement that it’s not immoral to love two institutions, and I do, but I made the best decision for me. When I look around and see Jacque Vaughn, Ryan Robertson, Nick Bradford, C.B. McGrath and Jerod Haase — Scot Pollard and Danny Manning live here. I had Mike Maddox, Rex Walters, Alonzo Jamison and Mark Randall call my house. As long as I can do what I think is right for my players nothing else makes any difference. I am here and I am ecstatic to be here. It’s been an excruciating seven days, and again that shows what a lucky person I’ve been. If this is a good moment for Kansas basketball, I wanted the fans and everybody to be able to enjoy it.”
“That’s not the reason I made the decision, to say the least. The other coaches will have to find something else to talk about, we’ll have to see how creative they are. In Durham during the last couple of days they have printed whatever they have wanted to print, but Duke is in Durham, so you’d expect it to be anything against North Carolina probably. I think that this question is put to an end. North Carolina will get a fantastic basketball coach. They’ll get a basketball coach that’s better than I am. My major emphasis is the players I have here at Kansas.”
“North Carolina people have been fantastic with me. It’s hard to have the same feeling for someone if there has been some type of rejection. I’m hoping that this is not a divorce. I am just hoping that this is something that they will understand. I am doing what I was taught to do and that is to put my own players before my own dream.”
“He was disappointed, a little surprised but at the same time he said he ‘would want what’s best for you. I want what you want.’ That’s what I expected him to say.”
