James Taylor once said, "I'm cyin', ain't I? Gone to Carolina in my mind."
Well, in Chapel Hill on Monday night, the tears were real and they could be felt by the crowd.
On, Senior Night, after No. 8 North Carolina held off Syracuse, 75-70, senior Marcus Paige took the microphone at the Dean Smith Center. Paige started every game of his four-year Tar Heels career, with the exception of Senior Night his freshman and sophomore year.
"You've made me a better man," Paige said to Roy Williams through tears. "And that's the most important thing."
Marcus Paige delivered an incredibly emotional farewell speech that left Roy Williams in tears after the final home game...
Posted by Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday, February 29, 2016
Williams followed with an even longer tribute to his seniors. Williams is 65 years old and is in his 28th year as a head coach (13th with UNC). He was also a UNC assistant from 1978-1988. Williams has two national championships and seven Final Four appearances.
But this year has been different for the Hall of Fame coach. Vertigo forced Williams out of a game at Boston College earlier this month. His health is a lingering issue, and rumors have even swirled of a potential retirement.
When Williams took the mic Monday, he put all his emotion into his speech.
"This may be my favorite team of all time."Coach Williams speaks with the Smith Center crowd at the end of #UNCBBall senior night.
Posted by North Carolina Tar Heels on Monday, February 29, 2016
Carolina has one more regular season game remaining. The Tar Heels travel to Durham this Saturday for a showdown with arch-rival Duke.
