To the editor:

When Roy Williams decided to stay at Kansas University three years ago, I wrote to tell him that I understood, even though my heart ached for the Tar Heels. I’ve cheered for the Jayhawks for 15 years and see no reason why my “other team” should not continue to merit my support. A few selfish individuals have been very vocal in trashing Roy Williams, and that is unfortunate because the man loves KU and Lawrence, Kansas.

On at least two occasions, KU tried to lure Dean Smith back to Kansas. I don’t blame you. The man is a basketball genius, and you’d be remiss if you did not try to lure the best. KU now has lured Bill Self away from Illinois. I don’t blame you; the man is at the top of his game and can sustain what Roy built at KU. But consider how Tar Heel fans could have trashed the state of Kansas and KU as you sought to lure Smith and yet we understood. The Illinois fans might feel that it is hypocritical of Jayhawk fans to condemn UNC while watching their coach be enticed by the University of Kansas.

Roy Williams did a masterful job at KU. He leaves, with a heavy heart, to follow a lifelong dream of returning home to coach his beloved alma mater. How can any fair-minded person resent his decision? Who among us would not make the same decision, as painful as that might be? Thank the man for his mammoth contributions and let him know that he is always welcome in Lawrence. To do less will say more about Kansas than it does about Roy Williams.

Tom Joyner,

Cary, N.C.