Bill Self is on the cusp of KU basketball history. These Jayhawk greats idolize him
Bill Self, who referred to himself as “an average basketball player from Oklahoma” during his 2017 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech, soon will be recognized as Kansas’ most accomplished basketball coach of all time.
The 61-year-old Larry Brown/Eddie Sutton/Leonard Hamilton disciple with a 589-143 record in 22 seasons at KU is one victory shy of Phog Allen’s total of 590 victories entering Friday’s nonconference clash against North Carolina.
Tipoff is 6 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse with a live telecast on ESPN2.
“From now on, do you say, ‘Beware of the Self?’’’ ESPN analyst/former Duke standout Jay Bilas said, smiling, during an interview with The Star conducted near the end of the 2023-24 season.
“Pay Heed, All Who Enter: Beware of the Phog,” is a saying printed on a banner that once hung in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse, and is now situated on a wall in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, located inside KU’s tradition-rich hoops palace.
“I can’t imagine having a better coach here. KU has had what, eight?” Bilas asked.
Counting Self, KU indeed has had just eight men’s hoops coaches throughout history.
Allen went 590-219 in 39 seasons as KU’s head coach. Former Oklahoma State point guard Self not only can tie Allen as soon as Friday, but also creep to within three victories of 800. He’s 796-248 in 32 seasons — 22 at KU, four at Oral Roberts, three at Tulsa and three at Illinois.
It’d be fitting for Self to tie Allen on Friday night considering the opponent. North Carolina graduates who preceded Self at KU include a pair of Hall of Famers — Roy Williams who went 418-101 in 15 seasons in Lawrence and Larry Brown, 135-44 in his five years coaching the Jayhawks.
“There’s nowhere that has more Naismith Hall of Famers (Self, James Naismith, Dr. Allen, Brown, Williams),” Bilas stated, quickly adding, “it’s remarkable what Bill has done at KU.
“I knew he’d do a great job (when arriving from Illinois in April of 2003), but I don’t think anybody could have imagined it would be like this. High-level consistency has been the thing above everything else. Every year, no matter the personnel, they are contending and they play such high-level basketball and compete and never lose at Allen Fieldhouse. I can’t think of very many things like it. Maybe it’s happened before but I haven’t seen it,” Bilas added of Self’s overall success in Lawrence.
The Jayhawks, who are 315-18 in Allen Fieldhouse in the Self era, won 13 straight regular-season conference titles from 2005 through 2017. KU has 16 regular-season conference titles in 21 seasons under Self.
Here are some comments from individuals compiled by The Star concerning Hall of Famer Bill Self as he challenges Allen’s victory total at KU:
From Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun
- Starter on KU’s 2022 NCAA title team now in his third season in the NBA
“Coach Self is the greatest coach in college basketball history because of how he treats people and who he is as a person. He is a super confident dude off the court, but he’s super relatable, super funny. He jokes all the time.
“People always ask, ‘Man I bet coach Self was yelling at you guys after that,’ but he’s not really like that. He’s tough on you. He wants the best out of you. He obviously knows what he’s talking about. Everybody respects him.
“I noticed in my time at KU sometimes they give you a time for like a curfew. Nobody ever messes with that curfew. Everybody’s on time for practice. Everybody’s on time for different things because the players respect coach Self so much.
“He respects everybody. It’s just the way he treats people is why he’s been so successful, especially in recruiting. The way he is with families, with parents ... he’s just an overall really good person and I’ve grown to love coach Self for that. On the court he knows how to pull the best out of every single player. There’s obviously different ways to get through to players, but coach Self has obviously mastered finding where to poke at a person to bring the best out of him.”
From former NPOY Frank Mason
- College basketball’s consensus player of the year in 2017
“I think just his passion and how much knowledge he has for the game ... he brings it every day to practice. He’s been at KU almost more than I’ve been alive and players just try to focus in on what he wants every day because those adjustments are what make his teams successful. He does a good job of preparing us every day, on and off the court, and that’s so key to our lives. Look at the numbers and the history he’s been a part of here, and even before here. It’s just unbelievable what he’s been able to do.”
From Sasha Kaun, 2008 national champion
- Member of Self’s first recruiting class at KU
“For him to accomplish this and for me to be a little part of the amazing career he’s had at KU is phenomenal. I’m grateful to have known him for many years and seen how he adapted, how he has maintained a winning mentality. I’m glad to be a small part of it at the beginning. It’s awesome he’s stayed all these years and has continued winning.”
Kaun, who went on to an eight-year professional career after playing for Self at KU from the 2004-05 season through 2007-08, noted, “It’s hard to stay in one place such a long time and manage to do it in a special way. The way he’s done it is something that people can sometimes take for granted. When we lose a few games the fans get upset. People don’t realize how hard it is to be on the winning side as much as KU has with coach Self. Some programs might have a good year here and there. For KU to have the winning mentality and tradition for so long is great.
“What coach has done for me ... I owe everything to him. He helped get me to where I could have a pro career by teaching me things on and off the court. The relationship we have and he has with players over the years is fantastic.”
From Mario Chalmers, a 10-year NBA veteran
- One of the heroes of the 2008 NCAA title victory over Memphis
“Coach Self is a legend. For him to come to KU after the likes of Roy Williams, Larry Brown and a couple of the other famous coaches, and have the longest tenure and the winningest record, I’m sure that’s what he envisioned when he was coming to KU. I’m sure that was his goal.
“Besides winning, coach Self is a players coach. I think he cares about his family and his players more than anything else and it shows. He’s always bending over backward for his players. He’s always going to be there for you, take the fall if something happens and goes wrong.”
Chalmers added: “I feel I’ve played for some pretty great coaches — Eric Spoelstra (Miami Heat) and David Joerger (Memphis Grizzlies) — at the next level. I definitely see coach Self being up there at that level. I think coach Self is one of the best coaches out there. I think he’s got another 15 or 20 years in him. We’ll see. I’m just happy for him. He’s got at least another 10 years, I believe that.”
From Ochai Agbaji, now in his third year in the NBA
- Starter on KU’s 2022 NCAA title team
“I thank coach Self for recruiting me. I was honored every single day to walk into practice and be coached by him. Just being under a Hall of Fame coach in Bill Self prepared me for the NBA. Being under him and learning the intangibles and what it takes to win is the important thing. Guys like ‘J-Will’ (Jalen Wilson) and ‘C.B.’ (Christian Braun) know those things too thanks to coach Self.”
From Jalen Wilson, starter on 2022 NCAA title team
- Now in his second season with the Brooklyn Nets
“It started to come together when I just started listening to coach Self. He is a genius when it comes to all coaching. He humbles you real fast. You come in and hear ‘Hall of Fame coach.’ Yes, he’s in the Hall of Fame — the Hall of Fame of basketball. You realize this dude is in a class of his own compared to other coaches in the country, especially with two (NCAA) championships. The guy is a genius with timeouts and what plays to run late in close games. I would never think of some of the stuff he thinks about. It’s insane. I wouldn’t even know what to do.”
From Devonté Graham, who played in the NBA six seasons
- Starting point guard on KU’s 2018 Final Four team
“Coach Self in the locker room and at practice always makes sure guys are staying aggressive — shooting when they are open, telling us to play free and loose. He keeps repeating that over and over during pregame speeches and stuff. He has you ready. He cares about you on and off the court, teaches you thinks about more than basketball.”
From Svi Mykhailiuk, now in his seventh season in the NBA
- Starter on KU’s 2018 Final Four team
“Coach Self is a great coach. He’s a Hall of Famer. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play for a coach like that.”
From Russell Robinson, 10-year pro ball vet
- Starting point guard on KU’s 2008 NCAA title team
“Coach Self has put in a lot of work in his career. The best part about him is he’s still writing his story. Getting in the Hall of Fame is great. It is one part of his career, a motivational moment for his career. He can continue to strive for greatness.
“He’s great with people, a high-energy guy always. He has a positive effect on everybody who comes in his life. I had a lot of great coaches recruit me. I knew something was special about him.”
From Zach Clemence, current KU forward
- Member of KU’s 2022 title team
“We’re definitely excited for coach Self. To be on the team that makes our coach go down as one of the greats of this place will be special for sure.”
From Brett Ballard, former KU guard/Washburn coach
- Worked on Self’s KU administrative staff for seven seasons
“What I learned from coach Self, how he treated me, how he prepared me to have this job, I would not be here and I don’t think we would have had the success we’ve had (at Washburn) without his mentorship. Now he’s a friend more than anything. I think he’s the best coach in college basketball. Nobody’s as good as coach Self. That’s amazing considering who has coached here.”
From CBB analyst Jay Williams
- Former Duke guard, now with ESPN
“I have a different perspective on Bill. Obviously his basketball X’s and O’s speak for themselves. I think he’s one of the best to ever do it. I think the intriguing thing about Bill is what’s happened over the last year or so (overcoming NCAA investigation and heart surgery) … I think you are about to see a rebirth of Bill Self in a different way, which I think is really scary. I think in a day and age when kids want to be related to differently — and I’m around kids all the time — I think Bill brings a unique perspective because of his ability to connect differently that is going to continue his ascent into the ranks of all-time greats to ever do it. I really do.”
From Tyrel Reed, KU guard from 2008 to 2011
- Earned an NCAA title ring as a Jayhawk in ‘08
“I was privileged to play at KU under coach Self for four years. While playing, I was able to develop and improve as a basketball player on the court, but more importantly, I was able to grow off of the court as a young man with his guidance. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t have my ups and downs or bumps along the way, but all things considered, there were values and principles he imparted that made the ride special and one that I will never forget.
“First, success comes to those who work hard. He is a direct representation of this with all of the accolades he has rightfully received and earned over the years. Next, caring and giving to others is more important than the things we possess. Coach exemplifies this with the time and money he has joyfully donated to the community over the years. And lastly, as basketball players he instilled in us two constants that we can always control no matter what the situation or outcome: effort and energy.”
From Cole Aldrich, member of KU’s 2008 title team
- Played in the NBA eight years
“Coach Self is a great coach. He makes you work hard, teaches you things on the court but more importantly off the court, things that make you a better person when you leave here.”
From Xavier Henry, who played at KU during 2009-10
- Played in the NBA five seasons and is now a high school coach in Oklahoma City
“Coach Self prepared me as well as he can. He kept me confident throughout the whole season, even when I went through slumps and he got my mindset ready to play with anybody.”
From Sherron Collins, 2008 national champion
- Former college All-American and now head coach at Oak Park High School
“I think coach Self knew that I needed that father figure and I needed that tough discipline. I needed everything that I got playing for coach Self. I became a man at KU. I grew up here and I understand how to be a man, and that’s because of the coaching staff and the peers I had in front of me.
“It’s just unspeakable and coach (Self) is more than a coach to me. He’s a father figure, big brother and a guy that I still go to for advice right now.”
“He’s always there. I call him at 2 or 3 in the morning, sometimes, and he still picks up. He may think something’s wrong, but I just want to talk sometimes, and he’s always there. The coaches that are here now and coaches that I’ve had in the past, this is really a family.”
From Roy Williams, former KU and UNC coach
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member
“He’s pushed the academic side. He’s pushed doing things the right way. He’s coached elite players that have gone on to be successful in the NBA. Thirteen conference championships in 13 years is one of the most amazing accomplishments anybody can have. He’s a quality, quality coach as far as you can find.”
Of Self’s entire career Williams said: “Some of those places (Self coached) were not basketball powers, but they got better after he got there. Illinois, Oral Roberts, Tulsa, they got better. Kansas has been good for a long time. He took them (Jayhawks) to another level.”
From Hall of Famer Larry Brown
- Only coach in history to lead a team to a college title (KU, 1988) and an NBA crown (Detroit Pistons 2004)
“I mean it’s incredible what he has accomplished. He’s not done yet. But the thing that stands out to me is he’s got this thirst to learn and treats people with unbelievable respect. You wouldn’t know he’s won 13 straight championships. That would never enter your mind.
“Bill is sincere. He is honest. The kids can tell right away that he has their back. His teams are always well-prepared. For kids who want to make it to the next level, Bill helps them make the transition. To say it plainly, he’s one of the best coaches in the game.
“People who coach with him stay around him a long time. I think that shows that Bill creates a great environment that’s really hard to leave. Bill recognizes how much respect the head coach position at Kansas deserves. And yet, he’s open, which means everything to the people that work around him. He doesn’t make himself any bigger than he is.”
From Ted Owens, former KU coach
- Compiled a 348-182 coaching record in 19 years at KU
“Bill is the complete package. He’s all you’d want in a coach. First of all, he is a great communicator. He can talk to anybody. He is a great recruiter and great teacher. He communicates well with the fans and with the people at the university.
“He has remained a great friend to his high school friends and has a great love of family and love of his players and assistant coaches.
“He is a thoughtful caring guy, but he has great discipline with his team and he does it in a way that every single guy on the team knows he really cares about them. He has just continued to grow and grow every year. He adds a little something to his system and makes it better.”
From R.C. Buford, CEO of San Antonio Spurs Sports and Entertainment
- Former KU assistant coach
“It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by not only the success he’s had but the people he’s influenced. That’s his biggest accomplishment, the impact he’s had on individual people in universities, their programs. That’s what is special.”
From Christian Moody, KU player from 2002-06
- Now a surgeon in South Carolina
“Looking back at what coach Self has done at KU is beyond amazing. What he has done with so many different groups for so many consecutive years, having so many great seasons, it’s hard to imagine other people doing that.
“It’s a special combination of how he coached all different groups. Look at his teams, He’s had four NBA guys on teams, eight NBA guys or one NBA guy. He still managed to win. It’s a testament to coach Self and his staff.”
From Moulaye Niang, played at KU from 2002-05
- Now a financial advisor
“Coach impacted my life. It’s so great, so satisfying to have had the opportunity to play for such a high quality coach and person. To me, it’s more important about the person than the coach. With him it’s the person.”
From Brandon Rush, starter on KU’s 2008 title team
- Played nine years in the NBA and three overseas
“Under Coach, they’ve been able to lose players, come back and be the No. 1 preseason team in America. It’s fun to watch every year.”
From Kyle Keller, head coach at Stephen F. Austin for nine years
- Worked on Self’s support staff at KU from 2008 to 2011
“A lot of guys are grateful to coach Self. For me, though, I owe everything to coach. If you go back to the roots of life, Coach is that for me. I wouldn’t be here with a family, wouldn’t be able to provide for my family, have the life I’ve had without coach Self.”
Keller told The Star that Bill and Cindy Self insisted Keller move into their house in Stillwater, Oklahoma, after Keller’s apartment was destroyed by a tornado in May 1990. Keller was a graduate student at OSU; Self a member of the coaching staff at the time.
“He had me move what I had left of my clothes into his garage, gave me a spare bedroom. I had no place to go at that time at 22. With his help I was lucky enough to get a job at Louisiana Tech (in 1990). Talk about a mentor or role model. Coach is everything to me. “He has taught me so much. I owe so much to him.”
From Garth Brooks, No. 1 selling solo recording artist of all time
- Classmate of Self at Oklahoma State. He spoke to Gary Bedore about Self back in 2010:
“Gosh, he’s a good man. If I could pick one word to describe him, ‘Good people’ would be that word. There’s a Yogi-ism for you.
“You’ve got to remember, Bill is everybody’s buddy. He’s never met a stranger. He can fit in wherever he sits down. Bill is the common thread. He can sit down with anybody and make them feel comfortable.
“You get a guy that is nice with that powerful a record and that powerful an institution and go to the marketing side of things … the kid still looks like he did in college, which I hate him for and always will.
“Bill ran the floor when he played (as point guard at OSU) so it makes sense he’d go into coaching. He’s the same guy in whatever situation you put him in, coaching or playing. I can see why he’s done so well. If I was a kid who played (and was recruited by Self), you know my parents would love him. It’s a great asset.”
This story was originally published November 7, 2024 at 6:30 AM.
