Operation Hardwood

Coach Williams had a busy off-season, not unlike any other year when he mixes recruiting, speaking engagements, sponsor obligations, conference meetings, coaching clinics and day-to-day head coaching responsibilities with very limited "time off".

However, this year Williams' cluttered calendar was dominated by an even more deserving cause - the spirit and support of American troops in the Gulf War. Williams was one of 12 NCAA basketball coaches and sports personalities who toured the Persian Gulf region May 23-29, 2006, as part of "Operation Hardwood II", a goodwill tour sponsored by the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE).

During the tour, the participants coached basketball teams featuring the best military players who competed in a championship tournament. Fox Sports broadcaster Leeann Tweeden also accompanied "Operation Hardwood" on her 8th USA/AFE tour. Support for Operation Harwood II is provided by Nike.

The tour participants included:

Rick Barnes, Texas
Jay Bilas, ESPN commentator and former Duke player
Jim Crews, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.
Mark Gottfried, Alabama
Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Billy Lange, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
Bobby Lutz, University of Charlotte
Reggie Minton, NCAA
Dave Odom, South Carolina
Kelvin Sampson, Indiana
Tubby Smith, Kentucky
Gary Williams, Maryland

Six of the participants - Gottfried, Odom, Lutz, Izzo, Sampson and Bilas - are veterans of Operation Hardwood I and were inspired to become involved again on this year's tour.

Williams helped jumpstart the original tour, but was not able to attend because of a prior engagement. Rick Kell, who is the executive producer of the Gary Williams TV Show, is credited with developing the idea and bringing all the pieces together.

This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing professional athletes and sports-related events to troops serving far from home. Last year, NBA Legends Artis Gilmore and Darryl Dawkins visited military personnel serving in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Coach Williams' other recent charity work has benefited:

Coaches vs. Cancer

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

National Autism Research

National Physical Education Council

The Salvation Army

The Babe Ruth Museum