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UNC Basketball Champ Wins Debut as Head Coach in Summer League

UNC basketball alum Jawad Williams is clearly a well-liked member of the coaching staff in Sacramento.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball forward Jawad Williams
Former UNC basketball forward Jawad Williams / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
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Former four-year UNC basketball forward Jawad Williams retired as a player in the Japanese B.League two years ago. The 2005 Tar Heel national champion, who went undrafted following his senior campaign that year and spent most of his career overseas, then remained in Japan as an assistant for a year before joining the Sacramento Kings staff as a player development coach last July.

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Now, the 41-year-old from Cleveland, where Williams came off the bench for the Cavaliers from 2008-09 through the 2010-11 season, is serving as the head coach for one of Sacramento's two teams at the California Classic Summer League. The responsibility is a testament to the trust that Williams has already earned in his one season with the Kings.

And on Saturday, in Williams' debut as a head coach at any level, albeit in a temporary role, his Sacramento Kings 2 squad notched a 108-94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Golden State Warriors' Chase Center.

On Sunday, though, the Kings 2 fell to the Miami Heat, 102-86, dropping Williams to 1-1 when sitting in the lead seat.

The UNC basketball program's 2004-05 All-ACC Third Team selection and his bunch of young NBA/G League talents wrap up their California Classic Summer League slate when they face the Warriors at 10 p.m. ET Wednesday (NBA TV).

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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