Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self will miss his team’s quarterfinal match against West Virginia in the Big 12 tournament due to an undisclosed illness. This news comes as a shock to the basketball world, as Self is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA basketball history.
Self has led the Jayhawks to 17 Big 12 titles during his tenure, which began with the 2003-2004 season. He has also won a national championship, which came just last season. The Jayhawks have positioned themselves as a possible No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday and are seeking their second consecutive national championship.
The school released a statement confirming that Self is recovering and doing well under care at the University of Kansas Health System. Assistant coach Norm Roberts will serve as interim coach.
Self’s absence is not unprecedented this season, as he served a four-game suspension at the start of the year for his connection to an NCAA infractions case. However, this absence could have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the tournament.
During his absence, assistant coach Norm Roberts will take over as interim coach. Roberts has plenty of experience, having been an assistant coach under Self for 16 years. He also has head coaching experience, having coached at St. John’s from 2004 to 2010.
Despite Self’s absence, the Jayhawks are still a talented team with plenty of experience. They have more Quad I wins than any team in the nation and are well-positioned to secure a No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday. This would ensure a path from Des Moines, Iowa, in the first two rounds to nearby Kansas City in the regional and then Houston for the Final Four if they advance.
Self’s absence could also provide an opportunity for the team to rally around their coach and play with a greater sense of purpose. The team has plenty of leaders on the court, including seniors Marcus Garrett and Mitch Lightfoot, who could step up and provide guidance for their teammates.
In the end, the Jayhawks will have to focus on playing their best basketball in order to make a deep run in the tournament. Self’s absence is certainly a blow to the team, but they still have plenty of talent and experience to compete at the highest level.
We wish Coach Self a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the sidelines soon.