Bill Self on How He Felt About the Atmosphere at the Championship Classic

Kansas head coach Bill Self knows there are plenty of exciting matchups throughout the college basketball season, but few events compare to the Champions Classic. Following Kansas' victory over Kentucky, Self discussed what makes the annual event so special and why playing against other blue-blood programs provides an experience unlike anything else in college basketball.

The Champions Classic has become one of the biggest annual events in college basketball, and Bill Self believes there is a reason it continues to stand out.

Following Kansas' 89-69 victory over Kentucky, the Jayhawks' head coach discussed the atmosphere surrounding the event and what makes competing against other traditional powers so special.

For Self, the Champions Classic is about more than simply playing another game early in the season. It provides an opportunity for some of the biggest programs in college basketball to share the national spotlight while giving players an experience they might not get anywhere else.

Self explained that regardless of what teams schedule during the opening weeks of the season, there is something different about the blue-blood matchups featured in the Champions Classic.

The event brings together nationally recognized programs, significant media attention and an atmosphere that makes the games feel different from a typical November contest.

Kansas has been one of the regular participants in the event, joining programs such as Kentucky, Duke and Michigan State. Those matchups have helped establish the Champions Classic as an annual showcase for some of the sport's most recognizable teams.

The Champions Classic also gives players an opportunity to experience the pressure and excitement of competing on a national stage before conference play begins.

Self pointed out that for many players, the experience of playing in an environment like this is something completely new.

While veterans such as Tre White have experienced major college basketball environments before, younger players like Tyran Stokes are still getting accustomed to what comes with playing for a program like Kansas.

Tuesday's matchup against Kentucky provided another opportunity for the Jayhawks to experience that atmosphere while competing against one of the winningest programs in college basketball history.

The game also delivered the type of national attention that comes with two traditional powers facing each other. Kansas entered the matchup looking to continue building momentum, while Kentucky presented an early-season test for Self's team.

The Jayhawks responded by controlling the game and earning a convincing 20-point victory.

For Self, being part of an event like the Champions Classic is something he continues to appreciate. The combination of the programs involved, the national platform and the atmosphere surrounding the games makes it one of the most recognizable events on the college basketball calendar.

With Kansas improving to 3-0 following the victory, the Jayhawks now have another memorable performance to build on as they continue through their nonconference schedule.

Self's comments reinforce why these early-season matchups matter. They provide more than just another result in the win column; they give players an opportunity to experience the traditions, expectations and national spotlight that come with playing at college basketball's highest level.  JayhawksRoundtable.