Michael Jordan, just like plenty of other legendary players that played in North Carolina, paid respect to Roy Williams after the coach retired following 33 years of career as a head coach. Now it’s time to spend more time at home but he didn’t leave without receiving a lot of love from the players that he coached.
The best player he had the chance to coach was none other than Michael Jordan, who played in North Carolina when Williams was an assistant coach to Dean Smith. They created a very good relationship and MJ didn’t miss his chance to praise Williams and wish him the best in the next chapter in his life.
”Seeing him sell those calendars all around the state — he had a backseat full of them — demonstrated a work ethic that really registered on my father,” Jordan told the Charlotte Observer. “They ended up with a bond that lasted for years.”
“It’s important to talk about the passages these coaches go through to get where they are. He certainly earned his success.”
Now that he’s free, Jordan is happy for Williams and the fact that he can spend more time with his family. He said he had mixed feelings about this departure but he’s sure it is for the best.
“To choose your own path, to walk away from the game when he wants,” Jordan said. “It’s great he now gets to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.
“I’m sad that he’s leaving because he has meant so much to basketball,” Jordan said. “He and my father formed an unbelievable bond that meant so much to me.”
After 18 years as the coach of the Tar Heels, Williams stepped down as the head coach, leading the team to three NCAA championships and leaving a lot of memories in his players. MJ was one of those and there’s no doubt the impact of Williams on his life is huge. Everything comes to an end, even the good things and now it’s time to wish Roy a happy retirement.
