Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Arthur Dale — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:12:07 GMT

Bill Self is a great coach and recruiter as proven by his recruits at Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas and his championship at Kansas. The coach at a school has 50% of the recruiting power and the schools basketball tradition has 50%. Oklahoma State is currently not one of the schools where athletes want to go. Self may go to OK State for the money but would not likely win a national championship there.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Ron, Leavenworth KS — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:45:43 GMT

Bill´s a good man. I can understand the lure of going home. But then again, he could drive down anytime he wanted to.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Dennis, Neodesha, Kansas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:52:27 GMT

I hope Bill stays at KU also. No matter how much cash is offered, OSU's program will NEVER be thought of at the same level as KU's. But, any human would have a hard time turning down the kind of cash OSU and Pickens are going to offer Bill. Unlike KU's prior coach, Bill has been honest about the possibility of a change and has not misled anyone. I hope that KU can come up with enough cash that when combined with being a part of it's storied program will allow Bill to stay. Whatever he decides, I wish him well and appreciate what he has done (and will hopefully continue to do in the future)for KU.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Gordon, DC — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:57:33 GMT

Kansas should own up and pay Self. And if he still wants to go, fine, let him,. I bet a certain Danny Manning, who's more reverred in Kansas than Self, would be more than up to taking on that job.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Stefany, Kansas City, MO — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:27:40 GMT

I'm sure Coach Self is in for a nice raise... and he's definitely earned it. But for KU to match OSU's rumored offer would be ludicrous. If KU makes the raise appropriate (I'd say $2.5m), and Coach still wants to jump for $3.5m and his alma mater - then go to Stillwell, Mr. Self. This is a job, not an auction.
But I believe the man who thought KU was a "career-ending job" will be with us when the 08-09 season starts. Either way - thanks for last night; it was fabulous!

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Michael, Dayton Ohio — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:43:04 GMT

As a big Kansas fan I take all this talk as an insult. You DO NOT take steps down from top 5 programs even to your alma mater. Why doesn't Coach K coach West Point? Ridiculous! If Self leaves Kansas, assuming he gets a nice raise offer, he is making a HUGE mistake. Recruiting will always be easier at Kansas than OSU and now add the championship, the great players will flock to Lawrence. Also I agree with Gordon. If Self leaves Manning would be a GREAT fit. It is no coincidence that our big men improved RAPIDLY since his arrival to the bench.

Rock Chalk Baby!
2008 National Championships!
That is 5 not three. The two in the 20's count!

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Love KU, Kansas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:48:28 GMT

How much money is enough? Good lord what will it take to one person to be happy? Bill just stay at KU for god's sake

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

C. Flib — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:50:00 GMT

I'd like to see these guys saying Self shouldn't leave turn down an offer at a rival company for 2.5 times their current salary with an added 4 times salary bonus.

I don't think that would happen.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

The Bear, Stillwater OK — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:04:17 GMT

Eventhough I am an OSU fan I hope Bill Self stays at KU where he has a great job and an adminstration that supports him. He should remember that money is not everything, especially when you already make millions of dollars. Things have gotten "strange" at OSU ever since Mike Holder became AD. Sure Holder was a great golf coach but he attitude of "my way or the highway" is hurting OSU's image. He seems to have forgotten that the best way to win is with class.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

K Gravino, Shawnee Mission, KS — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:06:47 GMT

If Self leaves, maybe Roy should look for a job in Kansas - where CHAMPIONS are made!!!!!

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Annonymous — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:42:46 GMT

Wouldn't it have been nice if the KU fans could enjoy their National Championship win for more than a few hours before giving us something to worry about? Self might have deferred those questions for a few days- maybe at least until the team made it back on campus to celebrate with the fans! Glad we won, throughly enjoyed the games, think he's a good coach and good guy- but sure do get tired of coaches and athletes "cashing out" so quickly. Wish we could let it all soak in before having to dwell on who's gone next season!

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Todd — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:59:37 GMT

Kansas and Indiana right behind? Ok maybe Indiana... Kansas may not be the winningest college basketball program but it certainly has the richest tradition. PERIOD... UNC and Kentucky can make their claims, but it all leads back to Kansas..

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

g Beck — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:15:43 GMT

Kansas fans should consider Self as good as gone.He showed his true colors when he ran out on Illinois because Kansas offered more money. Self is a good last name for him because for Bill Self it is always about Bill Self and nothing else.I'll wager $5 right now that after he goes to OSU, he will leave in a couple of years when the "Benjamins" start making their siren call to him again.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Scott Columbia MO — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:16:24 GMT

I hope Self leaves just to pxxx off all the KU fans. All you KU fans that say he should stay should think about being in his shoes, you know damn well that if you were offered that kind of a pay raise you would be gone in a second.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Matt, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:35:34 GMT

Bill Self is going to leave Kansas just like he left Illinois after going on and on about how much he loved Champaign/Urbana and the Illini fans.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

T Robinson, Merriam — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:31:50 GMT

I'm not completely sure who the idoit from the media was that asked the question after the game. But, like I said-what an idiot!!! Let Bill and the team enjoy the moment before putting sometime like that out there. Seriously, shouldn't they be able to enjoy this before thinking about going into the draft or another team. Way to go, you media trolls. You will always find a way to try and spoil the moment for who ever is involved.

Congrats to the Kansas Jayhawks, Bill Self, the entire coaching staff, and the Jayhawk nation.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Jeff, Tulsa, OK — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:05:09 GMT

Self will leave because he is Self-ish. He talked on and on about how he loved ORU then left. Then he did the same thing at TU and then at Illinois. Why would KU be different?

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Keith Butler Oklahoma City, OK — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:33:34 GMT

Bill, come home. Yes, Kansas has tradtion, but you know that OSU does as well. Those that would begrudge you the money are the same fans that would have been looking for your scalp had you lost early in the dance. You have earned your stripes with true KU fans (at least my KU friends), so now take the money and help your alma mater. Win, lose or draw, Oklahoma State is like a family, and you and yours, are a great part of that family.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Rod, Bloomington, IL — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:44:51 GMT

I beg to differ on OSU's future program. The Athletic Village (nothing short of the Olympic Village) 50% of all buildings are new or renovated. The Facilities is second to none. Everything is new and unbelievable. Should you really want to talk educated, then google Oklahoma State, it's Next Level Campaign, Barry Switzer's comments of fearing OSU in the future, cause kids want the nicest facilities. So research before you speak. OSU has had more NCAA Championships (all sports combined) than anyone! Go Pokes

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Walt Doering — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:18:34 GMT

For Bill Self to take boatloads of money and go to Oklahoma State only to be under the thumb and control of T. J Pickens would indeed be foolish. Bill, that job is not worth it. If you want to leave Kansas, for your sake and the sake of your family, do not take the job at Oklahoma State. You can do better than be the slave of Pickens.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Mike, Colby Ks — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:01:59 GMT

I really hope Bill stays at KU. However, if he decides to leave, how about taking a chance on another assistant coach from UNC by the of Jerod Haase?

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Stillwater, OK — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:35:00 GMT

I agree with The Bear, I attend OSU, it is not the same as it once was. As for Rod in Bloomington, I don't need to get online to research, I live down the street and am on OSU's campus everyday, you are right that the facilities are great, but at what cost,
a lot of us feel like our athletic programs have been bought and we are not really a part of it anymore and now they want to buy Bill Self away from a school of amazing history in an attempt to alter the tradition here. Bill should stay where he is, if he is looking for security he is not going to find it in this athletic department, no matter how much money he would receive.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Ed, Lincoln, NE — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:36:46 GMT

You lose all credibility when you claim that KU is "behind the big four" programs. KU is obviously a top 3 or 4 program (check wins, Final Fours, championships, history, tradition, etc. and KU matches up with all of them - and definitely surpasses Duke, East Coast bias aside). Not a surprise that KU, being where it is and what it is, would be disrespected and downgraded the day after winning a national championship, but I think all real fans know that KU is a top-4 program.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Kristin, Stillwater, OK — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:47:53 GMT

I appreciate this article because, unline the other gazillion articles I have read on this topic, this one actually remembers that the OSU men's basketball program was actually in the Final Four just four years ago, believe it or not. We are not some horrible, has-no-shot team that everyone has been reporting that we are. Bill Self would make a good fit here. At the same time, I almost don't want him to take the job here for his sake. Yes, it's a dream to coach at your alma mater. Yes, that is a LOT of money we are talking about. But is it worth being under the eye of Boone Pickens? I would say no.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Randy Lincoln, Nebraska — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:43:42 GMT

Larry Brown left and Kansas kept getting better - Roy Williams left and Kansas kept on getting better so if Bill Self leaves - that's OK. It's the players and the school tradition - not the coach. There are many coaches who will do just as good a job as Bill Self. So if he goes - that's OK - good for him and best of luck.

Kansas won its prize, but what about its Self?

Colin, Portland, OR — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:05:25 GMT

"Oklahoma State may not be one of the premier programs – Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, UCLA are the fab four, with Kansas and Indiana right behind." Not in the top four?!?!?!?! Kansas is third behind UNC and Kentucky for most wins. Duke is fourth.