WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Coach Williams’ Mother-in-Law Getting Her Pompoms Ready

Apr 3, 2008

San Antonio — North Carolina takes on Kansas Saturday night for a shot at the men's NCAA basketball championship.

Three years ago, Roy Williams coached the Tar Heels to an NCAA title.  His mother-in-law talked with WRAL Thursday about the upcoming game.

“We have it (Final Four date) on the calendar from the time it's published in the fall,” Cleo Jones said.

Jones says basketball is a family affair. Her daughter, Wanda, is married to Coach Williams.

“They went to high school together but didn't date until they went to Carolina,” Jones said.

All three of Jones' daughters went to UNC, and she says Tar Heel blue is her blood.

Jones says she has her pompoms ready for a win in San Antonio.

“A win, a win would be great,” she said.

A win could finally silence the critics of her son-in-law's decision to leave Kansas after 15 years for North Carolina, she said.

Jones also spoke fondly about the festive Texas welcome she and the team received from Tar Heel fans.

“I think it's great, but I knew it would be that way when we first met Roy. He's very family oriented and these are his children,” Jones said.

Jones will be in the stands watching as UNC play this weekend, just as she was when the team won the 2005 Final Four in St. Louis.

• Reporter: Ken Smith
• Photographer: Edward Wilson
• Web Editor: Minnie Bridgers