Bill Self: It’s the last game in Allen Fieldhouse this season, so everybody should embrace it. I know I will. I believe the players will. Hopefully, the fans will too.

We also get a chance to play our rival in the last game. If it was somebody other than the rival, I could personally see maybe it doesn’t appear like you’re playing for as much. But you said it pretty well — playing for a three or four seed and the fact it’s K-State, I think everybody should be excited about that, plus Senior Day.

Q: When you look back at this senior class, what will you remember most about coaching them?

Self: It’s different now. When you coach guys for nine or 10 months, it’s a little different than having them for four years.

I’ll probably show more gratitude toward Wilder and Justin more so than anybody because they get no credit, and still yet they bust their butt and have been doing it for years. They’ve put their handprint on our program in their own way. That’s real important for guys that pay their own way to school starting out — they’ve got to find their niche, and both those guys did that. I’m really proud of them.

The other four, they’ve only been here a short amount of time, but they’ve all done everything we’ve asked them to do and what we expected them to do. A couple of them may have even surpassed what we thought. I’m pleased with the group.

Q: What stood out about Melvin Council when you first evaluated him in the transfer portal?

Self: I can’t answer if we knew he was going in the portal beforehand or if we first noticed him after he entered. I’m not involved in checking that stuff out daily or talking to agents.

But once he was in and we watched tape, I felt like he fit what we needed. He couldn’t have been better than what we hoped for. He’s been terrific.

From a basketball standpoint, speed stood out. We knew he could make a shot, but what’s impressed me most are the intangibles — his speed, energy and enthusiasm. When you combine speed with energy and enthusiasm, it just looks different, and he certainly is one of those guys.

Q: How important is it to preserve the Senior Day tradition with how college basketball is changing?

Self: I agree — it’s second to none. I think it’s important not to totally lose sight of some things that may not appear to mean as much in real time, but looking back, these kids will never forget it.

These guys deserve to be recognized for their efforts and contributions in a way Kansas does it. A lot of schools do Senior Days, but I don’t know that many have had as many emotional ones as we’ve had here.

Q: With March here and the postseason approaching, does the mindset change?

Self: If you’re talking about from last week, yes. Last week wasn’t very good.

But if you’re talking about having a different mindset than we had against Houston, Iowa State or Arizona, I’d say absolutely. There’s no more safety net. You’re on the high wire now and there’s not a net underneath you.

Q: What have you seen from Kansas State recently?

Self: I was actually very impressed with their win against West Virginia the other day. Their defense has gotten better. They did it without a guy averaging 23 a game, and I don’t know what PJ’s status is for tomorrow.

When we played them before, they didn’t have McGriff. He makes a difference. He gives them another big body and someone you have to guard around the rim.

Q: Have you decided who will start on Senior Day?

Self: Yes. We’re going to start Wilder, Justin, Jayden, Tre and Melvin. Gee will come off the bench.

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