Fans are already calling local stores about merchandise featuring the man of the hour, coach Roy Williams. T-shirts declaring a new era in Carolina basketball are on the way. Up and down Franklin Street, fans are welcoming a member of the family back to the fold.
"We are so excited that someone with a history in North Carolina is going to come back and continue the legacy that we have enjoyed for so long," said UNC fan Carla Monroe.
Carolina fans predict Williams will bring renewed enthusiasm to UNC hoops.
"Fast breaks with Felton, man-to-man defense," said UNC fan Jamie Warner, "they're all positive signs for next year's season."
Williams' return to Chapel Hill also was front-page news down Tobacco Road in Durham. Duke fans agreed that hiring Williams was a slam dunk.
"I think he's an excellent coach," said Duke fan Aaron Glaspie. "He'll be great for the program. They have a lot of good players. A coach is what they need to get them back on top."
That's exactly what some of the Cameron Crazies are afraid of. They hope a competitive Carolina team will be good for the ACC -- but not too good for the Blue Devils.
"I think it'll do good things for the UNC program," Duke fan Lauren McQueen said, "which, unfortunately for us Duke fans could be troublesome. But it'll make the games good."
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