Roy Williams has two national titles and almost 600 wins to his name.
And now, he’s got a book as well.
“Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court,” the autobiography of North Carolina’s head basketball coach, was released today.
The book reveals the long road to success for one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history.
Williams discusses growing up with an alcoholic father and his mother’s struggles to make ends meet as a single mother in rural western North Carolina, as well as his coaching progression — one that includes decisions to turn down the UNC head coaching job in 2000 and later accept it in 2003.
“Hark Work” created buzz in October when excerpts from the book ran in The (Raleigh) News & Observer.
The excerpts described a confrontation between Williams and his alcoholic father. When his father came home drunk, the 14-year-old Williams pulled his father off his mother, put a glass bottle under his father’s chin and threatened to kill him if he didn’t leave.
Later in the book, Williams recants the emotional process of reconciliation between he and his father.
Williams gives a behind-the-scenes account of both his 2000 decline of UNC’s head coaching position and his 2003 acceptance of the offer following Matt Doherty’s resignation.
Also discussed in detail is Williams’ reasoning for returning to his alma mater to coach and the influence that being near his family held. With both his father and sister in failing health, Williams said he wanted to be closer to home.
Writing the book with Williams is Tim Crothers, a lecturer at the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication, former senior writer for Sports Illustrated and author of “The Man Watching,” a biography of UNC women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance.
“I think we’re all curious about what the reaction is going to be,” Crothers said. “I don’t think anyone picking up this book will expect coach Williams to be this candid. There are very personal details about his life and his childhood.”
Williams and Crothers will have two local book signings this week. The first is tonight at Fearrington Village. The next is Thursday at the Bulls Head Bookshop at 7:30 p.m.
How to get a copy
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bull’s Head Bookshop
Only 75 tickets will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Anyone who does not get a ticket may start lining up at the store any time after 5 p.m.
Williams will only sign copies purchased at Bull’s Head Bookshop. A ticket guarantees a spot toward the front of the line.
Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.
