Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Link here to the Boston Herald story. Link here to the web site for the book.
In 14 chapters, the book covers everything from Williams’ relationship with his alcoholic father and loving mother; to reading “Goodnight Moon” about 8,000 times to his two children; to how he developed his superstitions and coaching philosophies; to his decisions to stay with Kansas in 2000, then return to North Carolina in 2003.
There are poignant memories, such as learning of the death of his mother while on a recruiting trip; speaking at his father’s funeral; and earning hugs from big men Sean May and Tyler Hansbrough after winning the 2005 and 2009 national titles.
He also says that former North Carolina coach Bill Guthridge didn’t speak to him for three years after he turned down the North Carolina job the first time. UNC tried to hire Williams after Guthridge, Smith’s successor, retired in 2000. In the book, Williams calls turning down the job one of the hardest decisions of his life.
Williams, 59, whose team opened practice last Friday, was not available to comment about the book. A team spokesman said he had made an agreement with the book’s publisher not to do any interviews about it until closer to the release date.
The book, published by Algonquin, will sell for $24.95. This is Williams’ first book. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has published several books on leadership and coaching, but never an autobiography.
Crothers, who interviewed Williams for a total of 64 hours over a two-month span at the coach’s home and office, said he was surprised about how much Williams revealed.
