Self, feeling rejuvenated and ready, dismisses health rumors and focuses on Kansas's Big 12 Tournament drive, embracing the thrill of March.
As Kansas prepares for the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, head coach Bill Self made it clear that he is feeling healthy and energized heading into the postseason.
Self-addressed speculation about his health and future during a press conference this week, pushing back against rumors circulating online.
Self addressed speculation about his health during a press conference this week, pushing back on rumors circulating online.
“I wouldn’t believe what social media or the internet is saying,” Self said. “I actually feel pretty good and I’m really excited about the next hopefully several weeks — whatever it may be.”
Kansas enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed after finishing conference play tied with Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball and Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball at 12-6 in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks earned the higher seed due to tiebreakers and will open tournament play Thursday night at the T-Mobile Center.
Because Kansas could face multiple potential opponents, Self said the coaching staff is preparing for several teams at once.
“We’ll approach them all like they’re the next game,” Self said. “We’ll scout tonight’s game hard, then scout tomorrow night’s game hard.”
Instead of focusing on one opponent, Kansas plans to hold practices centered on its own identity while making small adjustments based on potential matchups. Self noted that teams in the conference are already familiar with each other by this point in the season.
“For the most part the hay’s in the barn with the teams in our league,” Self said. “We’ll tweak a little, but nobody is suddenly going to come out and do something completely different.”
Self also praised sophomore center Flory Bidunga, who was recently named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The coach credited Bidunga’s development to improved discipline and a better understanding of how to use his length defensively.
“The biggest step he’s taken is staying disciplined and understanding to play to his length rather than gamble,” Self said.
While Self celebrated the honors earned by Bidunga and guard Melvin Council Jr., he admitted he was disappointed that forward Tre White did not receive conference recognition.
Despite the uncertainty that comes with tournament play, Self said this time of year remains his favorite.
“If I didn’t get excited for March, I’d quit,” Self said. “March is the best time of year for me. This is what we live for.”
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