Chapel Hill, NC – 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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