Reactions to Roy Williams' retirement, tributes pour in

By Lauren Brownlow, WRALSportsFan columnist/reporter

When a coach like Roy Williams retires, there's going to be a lot of reaction from across the state and the basketball world. Here are some of the tweets and statements that have come out since Williams made his retirement official Thursday morning, including from his current players:

Freshman guard R.J. Davis tweeted out a thank you:

So did Caleb Love, who announced recently he would return for his sophomore season:

Carolina Hurricanes' coach Rod Brind'Amour:

Michael Jordan, who Williams recruited while an assistant coach at North Carolina, also issued a statement via the Charlotte Hornets as the team's chairman:

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski sent out a statement as well:

“Like everyone, I was surprised to read today’s announcement about Roy Williams’ retirement. College basketball is losing one of its greatest coaches and a man who genuinely cares about the game of basketball, and more importantly, the people who play it," the statement read. "Roy has led two iconic programs as a head coach and did so in exemplary fashion. I have the utmost respect for Roy and his family, who represented themselves and their institutions with class, grace and humility.

"While we were on opposite sides of college basketball’s greatest rivalry, we both understood how lucky we were to be part of it and always tried to represent it in the way it deserved. Personally, I will miss competing against him, seeing him at coaches’ meetings and having the opportunity to discuss how to make our game even better. Roy is a great friend, and our sport was very fortunate to have him as long as it did. We have all benefited from his longevity in and commitment to coaching. His legacy is secure as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.”

NC State head coach Kevin Keatts tweeted a tribute:

NC Central head coach LeVelle Moton:

UNC head football coach Mack Brown:

Former Duke star and current ESPN radio personality Jay Williams:

Former Duke guard Tre Jones also tweeted out a tribute, including a picture taken moments after a loss to Duke that Williams cited at his press conference:

Wisconsin basketball also referenced a gesture that Williams made for then-head coach Bo Ryan's late father during the 2015 Final Four:

Other than Krzyzewski, other ACC head coaches chimed in as well. Florida State's Leonard Hamilton, a North Carolina native, said: