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Good news for UNC: the tumor on Roy Williams’ kidney is benign

NCAA Basketball Tournament - Vermont v UNC

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 16: Head coach Roy Williams gestures from the bench against the Vermont Catamounts during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 16, 2012 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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For the first time in what seems like a decade, there is some good news involving the University of North Carolina: the tumor taken off of head coach Roy Williams’ left kidney is benign.

“We are pleased with how well Coach Williams is doing. If everything continues to progress as expected, he should be back to his normal activities soon,” says Dr. Eric Wallen, professor of urology at UNC that led the surgical, said in a statement. Williams also has a tumor on his right kidney, but if that also turns out to be oncoctytoma, he won’t have further surgery.

“Number one, I want to express how overwhelmed I have been by the outpouring of support, concern and good wishes by everyone, especially members of the Carolina Basketball family,” Williams said in a statement. “I’ve just been blown away by the calls, cards, prayers and well-wishes from people all around the world in and out of the basketball community. My family and I are thankful to all that have expressed your concerns.”

“I also want to thank the entire medical team and staff at UNC Health Care. The treatment and care were exceptional. My family and I also deeply appreciate the support shown to us. As someone who spends every day stressing the value and importance of a team, I can confidently say that UNC Health Care has an extraordinary team. I can’t thank them enough. There is still work to be done, but we will continue to deal with that over the next few weeks and get through it with the help of first-rate medical care and the continued support of my family and our extended family and friends through Carolina Basketball.”

Williams is expected back on the court when practices begin in a couple of weeks.

Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.