Hearing 🔍 Self plans to coach KU next season, but...

• 🏀 Hearing: Bill Self’s future at KU

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EVERYTHING IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS BASED UPON WHAT I AM HEARING FROM PEOPLE I TRUST. PLEASE DO NOT MISTAKE THIS FOR FACT OR FOR ACTUAL JOURNALISM, WHICH HAS VERIFICATION STANDARDS THAT I HAVE NOT ADHERED TO. I DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT.

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Hearing: Bill Self’s Future 🔍

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(It’s natural for KU fans speculate about Bill Self's future at Kansas. I think it would be a mistake to ignore those questions, so the following is what I'm Hearing about Self’s plans, as they stand today)

While I don’t know exactly how much longer Bill Self will be at Kansas, I’m Hearing the Hall-of-Fame coach plans on coaching the Jayhawks next season.

I believe Self has recently indicated, or reiterated, his intention to return next year, according to multiple sources around the program.

How we got here:

Speculation about Self’s future intensified after:

• KU’s disappointing two-loss weekend in Utah.

• Long-time reporter Barry Tramel reported that Self ‘seriously considered’ taking the Oklahoma State job last offseason.

• Self downplayed the report and then delivered his best press conference of the year (watch it below).

  • Tramel recently followed up, doubling down on parts of the story while clarifying others.

What I’m Hearing about the Oklahoma State story:

• Self’s interest in the Oklahoma State job was a bit more serious than he’s suggested. Note: Most importantly, he did not take the job.

  • He was essentially offered a blank NIL check from OSU.

  • Oklahoma State fans would party in the streets if they landed Self. Meanwhile, KU fans were (understandably) frustrated with a 4-seed and 2nd-round exit.

    • It makes sense and it’s only fair that Self would spend time seriously reflecting on what he wants at this point in his career.

    • Both KU and Self are better off having those conversations. They should happen, which leads me to…

What I’m Hearing about Self’s future at Kansas

• As of right now, I’m Hearing Self plans on another year on the sidelines of Allen Fieldhouse as the 8th coach in KU history.

  • Self takes his role as the steward of KU basketball extremely seriously.

  • It’s my understanding that he cares deeply about leaving KU in good shape when his time as head coach eventually ends.

    • Though, taking the Oklahoma St job would’ve put KU in a tough spot.

• I’m Hearing Self is working and communicating with KU to make sure the basketball program is in good shape whenever that day comes.

  • This isn’t really a new thing. I think Self and KU have operated this way for a while.

• Of course, there are scenarios that could change Self’s plan for next year:

  • Any unexpected developments with five-star recruit Darryn Peterson's commitment.

  • A dramatic collapse from this year's team.

  • The uncertain future of Gregg Popovich with the Spurs (while unlikely.. Self is close with Spurs CEO R.C. Buford, so I’m covering my ass and leaving this here).

The Bigger Picture:

While this season feels different than what KU fans have been spoiled to watch for 21 years, it’s worth remembering:

• Self’s tenure has been better than anyone could’ve imagined. And it’ll be near impossible for the next 20 years to be as good as the previous 20.

• So, we should prepare ourselves...

  • Self’s time at KU is probably ending sooner rather than later.

  • We’re working in a five-year timeline, and it’s probably closer to one more year than it is five.

There are just two home games left at Allen Fieldhouse this year. There will be ~15 home games next year.

And we should do our best to enjoy every one of them.

The Golden Era remains while Self is still here.

After that, nothing is promised.

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🏀 CBB influencer/expert Mark Titus gives a NSFW rant about what KU fans must be experiencing watching this year’s team 🤣

🏀 Diggy Coit has a great line on his KU player bio. Also, watch all five of his threes vs. Oklahoma State here in this 20 second clip.

🏀 Here’s a betting preview for tonight’s KU-Colorado game from ActionNetwork.

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