Roy Williams Encourages Gaucho Fans to Keep It Up

Posted Nov 22, 2008
After his top-ranked basketball team survived its first game in a hostile environment, North Carolina coach Roy Williams gave Santa Barbara a pep talk. “The enthusiasm of the crowd was sensational," Williams said. “If they keep that up, I know it will help them in their conference.” Williams was talking about the 6,000 spectators who packed the Thunderdome and the UCSB Gauchos, who put up a spirited fight Friday night in an 84-67 defeat to the Tar Heels. (Santa Barbara Independent)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Why Henri Veesaar is UNC Basketball's most indispensable player
Outside of Caleb Wilson, center Henri Veesaar is UNC Basketball's most important player. On a roster built around Wilson’s star power, Veesaar has become the...
Sat Jan 17, 2026

Video: Tyler Hansbrough, John Henson Diagnose UNC's Disappointing Defense
Former North Carolina basketball greats Tyler Hansbrough and John Henson discuss the Tar Heels' concerning defensive play as part of the The Field Of 68:...
Sat Jan 17, 2026

North Carolina vs. California Basketball Preview: Tar Heels Try to Right the Ship
The Golden Bears have hit a midseason lull and provide the opportunity for the Tar Heels to iron out some defensive issues that have plagued...
Sat Jan 17, 2026

When players see one thing and coaches see another, UNC’s defense suffers
"They ran the same play, pretty much every time down the court," Caleb Wilson said after UNC's loss to Stanford. When a reporter relayed Wilson’s...
Sat Jan 17, 2026