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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

UNC’s Roy Williams no fan of ESPN’s focus on NBA prospects

North Carolina coach Roy Williams had some choice words for ESPN. (Gerry Broome / Associated Press)

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina coach Roy Williams is no fan of how ESPN touts NBA prospects playing in college games aired by the network.

During his regularly scheduled news conference Friday, Williams went off topic to criticize the network for focusing “about the frickin’ green room” – a reference to where prospects wait to hear their name called in the NBA draft – in January during the peak of conference play.

Williams called it “the most ridiculous thing we’re having to put up with in college basketball” and said to put his critique “in capital letters and send it to ESPN.”

The Atlantic Coast Conference and ESPN are in a TV and media rights deal through the 2026-27 season.

Williams’ No. 2 Tar Heels (18-2, 7-0 ACC) host Boston College on Saturday.