Roy Williams undergoes knee replacement surgery

North Carolina coach Roy Williams underwent surgery on Friday to replace his right knee and was “resting comfortably,” UNC basketball spokesman Steve Kirschner said.

Williams’ surgeon, the Charlotte-based Dr. Walt Beaver, told Kirschner the surgery went “very well.” Williams said earlier this month that he hoped to be recovered and ready to travel by July, in time for a busy college basketball recruiting season.

After the Tar Heels ended their season with a defeat against Villanova in the national championship game, Williams spent weeks seeking treatment evaluations for his ailing knees. He had considered having both of his knees replaced, and still might eventually have his left knee replaced.

Williams’ knee troubles limited his mobility on the UNC bench last season, and they’ve also limited his time with his favorite off-season activity: golf. After a particularly painful round in late April, it became clear that knee replacement surgery was his only option.

“I was so bad and I hurt so much during the course of it, so that was the final straw,” Williams said earlier this month. “And I interviewed four different doctors, and they told me there wasn’t much left to do (except for surgery).”

Though Williams plans to be ready for the July recruiting period it’s unclear how long his recovery might last.

“They say some guys are up walking without any assistance – crutches, cane, anything – after three weeks,” he said. “Some guys are playing golf at eight weeks and I’m sure there’s some guys that aren’t doing as well.

“So I think it depends on the individual. They will not give you a definitive time.”

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Roy Williams undergoes knee replacement surgery."