Bill Self discusses how difficult it was to miss Kansas’ postseason run

Bill Self, by no fault of his own, wasn’t there when Kansas needed him most. After leading the Jayhawks to yet another dominant season, the top seed in the Big 12, and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a health issue, specifically one dealing with his heart, took him out of the postseason.

With the year now over, Self shared more on what happened behind the scenes during a press conference on Wednesday. He said that doctors had determined that there was no chance that he could coach at least until the NCAA Tournament. However, with how things went, their concerns continued until it was too late for Kansas.

“The Big 12 Tournament was out. There was no way I was coaching the Big 12 Tournament…And there was actually talk of me coaching the first-round game,” Self said. “But the doctors said if you coach in the first round game? Then there’s a good chance you won’t in the second game…But, before the Arkansas game the day before, there was still a concern of an elevated heart rate.”

“They were probably right,” continued Self. “It was the right thing to do. Even though it happened at the most inopportune time that could ever happen to a coach or a player.”

Norm Roberts took over for Self with the Jayhawks sitting at 25-6. He helped get them to the Big 12 Championship where they eventually lost to Texas. Then, although Self returned to practice in a minor capacity, he led them into the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. While they handled Howard with ease, they let go of the rope after leading for more than 34 minutes and lost to Arkansas.

Considering the time of year, Self was incredibly frustrated for himself as well as his players. They all love the moments that come from March Madness in Lawrence. That’s why he wishes he could have given them the shot they deserved by being there.

“I’ve always taken great pride in enjoying the moment when it counts the most…I love that moment. And to not be able to share with them in those moments?…That was hard,” said Self. “I don’t want to say that I feel like I let them down because I don’t think that’s really fair. But, certainly, those thoughts have gone through my mind a lot. They busted their butt for this place and bring so much joy to so many by their competitive level. I wanted to add to that and not take away from it.”

Now, all the Jayhawks can look to is next season. According to Self, he fully plans to be back and healthy on the sidelines by then. Still, they’ll always wonder about this year’s team and what it could have accomplished had bad fortune not sidelined their leader when it did.