Following in dad's footsteps, but with a different approach

Fearlessness, in other words, is something that must cross down through the Thompson family line.

"We haven't let others define who we are," the younger Thompson said. "Maybe I haven't used the word 'tough.' I've used resilient. It's the same thing. They're a tough group of kids. Tough-minded group of kids. Their toughness comes from competing every day and from believing in each other. You know, the comparison's to Pop's teams, much like the talk about Big Pat (Ewing), Little Pat, Big John, Little John, you guys can do that."

There is always a stunning juxtaposition in moments like these. While the son is lauded for his brilliance Williams is sure to be shellacked for what will not be remembered as one of his finest moments.

North Carolina's kids flailed and tossed bricks and Williams failed to slow the onslaught. It was as if Georgetown was playing Montclair State. It was hard to believe the Tar Heels were a premier program and Williams is a future Hall of Famer.

Williams made a multitude of errors. He did not go heavily to the deepest bench in basketball. He did not sit people down to cool the air. He did not seriously jiggle the lineup to get a spark.

Williams did use more timeouts than normal and he designed a unique play or two. Fine. So what. More was needed.

You cannot earn the kind of big bucks these coaches earn, and make the kind of power grab these coaches make, and then when things blow up in your face say: Well they got better shots than we did.

Williams could only look on helplessly. Thompson found a way.

His own way.