KU's new coach values tradition

Bill Self spoke with the media and a large group of KU faithful Monday after being named only the eighth head men's basketball coach in KU history. Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

When Bill Self began his coaching career at Kansas in 1985 as a graduate assistant for Larry Brown, he knew Kansas basketball was special. Now, as the eighth head coach in KU history, Bill Self has his dream job.

"I woke up this morning and I was driving to the office. On purpose, I drove up Naismith Drive," Self said during his first press conference.

"I always thought, 'How cool would it be to have an office on Naismith Drive?' Now it actually gets to happen. This program is so big. This program is bigger than one player and it is bigger than one coach. You have been spoiled. You have had a coach here for the past 15 years that has done a remarkably great job. He has done it with class and dignity and his performance on the court certainly equals the performance off the court. It is a tough act to follow.

" But you know something? Larry Brown was a tough act to follow. Ted Owens, who went to two Final Fours, was a tough act to follow. Phog Allen was a tough act to follow. The guy who started it all, Dr. Naismith, was a tough act to follow. I see this as a great opportunity to sit, in my opinion, in the most prestigious chair in all of college basketball."

Chancellor Hemenway gave Self a chair symbolic of his new position as head men's basketball coach at Kansas. Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

Self signed a five-year deal with KU after leaving the University of Illinois, where he guided the Fighting Illini to a 78-24 record over three seasons, including two Big Ten regular-season championships, a Big Ten tournament title and three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In Self's first season at Illinois, he led the Illini to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time since 1989. During that tournament run, Self and Illinois defeated KU in the Sweet 16.

In 10 seasons as a head coach, Self has an overall record of 207-105. At Illinois, the Illini were ranked in the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll for 57 consecutive weeks, every poll during his tenure.

Prior to Illinois, Self was the head coach at Tulsa and Oral Roberts. At Tulsa, Self led the Golden Hurricane to the NCAA Tournament in 1999 and 2000, including a 32-5 record and Elite Eight Appearance in 2000. That year, Self was named the Don Haskins WAC Coach of the Year, was selected the John and Nellie Wooden Coach of the Year and named The Sporting News National Coach of the Year.

At Oral Roberts, Self resurrected the Golden Eagles program. He took over a team in 1993 that won just five games. In 1996, Self guided the team to a 21-7 record and the school made its first postseason tournament appearance since 1983, receiving an invitation to the NIT.

Self is a native of Edmond, Okla. and competed at Oklahoma State from 1982 to 1985. He received his bachelor's degree in business in 1985 and his master's degree in athletic administration in 1989, both from Oklahoma State.

Self and his wife, Cindy, have two children, daughter Lauren and son Tyler.

Recruiting Class will play for Self at Kansas

One of the first orders of business for Self was to contact the four student-athletes who have signed to play basketball next year for KU. Jayhawk fans worried that, after the departure of Roy Williams, the recruits would not honor their commitments.
However, after visiting with their new coach, all of the recruits plan to be Jayhawks, making for one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

Incoming Jayhawks (Profiles provided by Phog.net)

Jeremy Case PG 6-1 170 Oklahoma City (Mcalester)
Surrounded by talent on his AAU team, Case ran the point, but his long-range shooting accuracy will probably put him in demand as a combination guard in college.

J.R. Giddens F 6-5 185 Oklahoma City (Marshall)
One of the top juniors in the state of Oklahoma. Averaged 25 points a game as a high school junior. A superb athlete and jumper.

David Padgett C 6-11 210 Reno, Nev.
Has been on the national radar since his sophomore year. Father is formerly a Division I assistant and moved back to Reno to coach his son. Easily one of the most fundamentally sound big men in the class. Blessed with natural scoring skills, good athleticism and instincts. Jump hooks, jumpers and blocked shots … he's the package.

Omar Wilkes PG 6-2 170 Los Angeles, Calif.
The son of former UCLA and NBA great, Jamal Wilkes, Omar not only has talent, but also an advanced feel for the game, with great vision and passing ability for a No. 2 guard. His shot has improved dramatically and, even though of slight build, he's deceptively explosive off the floor.