Chapel Hill, NC (Sports Network) - North Carolina men's basketball coach Roy
Williams underwent surgery Wednesday to have a tumor removed from his right
kidney.
According to the school's release, doctors discovered the tumor during a
physical earlier this month and the 3 1/2-hour procedure went "according to
plan."
Williams might undergo a second operation to remove a tumor from his left
kidney next month, but should be able to resume his duties when the Tar Heels
begin practice in October. A second procedure might force him to miss a few
practices.
"Coach Williams did great," said Dr. Eric Wallen, a professor of urology at
the university who also led the surgical team. "I fully expect him to coach
this season and for years to come. He could miss some practice time if we
perform another procedure sometime in October, but he would be able to resume
his coaching duties prior to the start of the regular season."
Williams is set to enter his 10th season at North Carolina and has a mark of
257-68 with the Tar Heels.
The 62-year-old Hall of Fame coach led his alma mater to NCAA championships
in 2005 and 2009, and has a career record of 675-169 in 24 seasons at North
Carolina and Kansas.
North Carolina opens the upcoming season against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 9.
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