Introduction to Bill Self
Bill Self is an American basketball coach and former player who is the current head men’s basketball coach at the University of Kansas. Self has been a college basketball coach since 1987, including stints at the University of Tulsa, University of Illinois, and University of Kansas. Self is the only coach in NCAA Division I history to lead three different programs to the Elite Eight, a feat he accomplished at Tulsa in 2000, Illinois in 2005, and Kansas in 2008.
Bill Self’s Coaching Career
Self began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Oklahoma State, from 1985-1987. In 1987, Self was hired as an assistant at the University of Kansas. From 1989-1993, Self served as the head coach of Oral Roberts University. He then moved to the University of Tulsa, where he served as head coach from 1993-2000. After a successful stint at Tulsa, Self was hired as head coach at the University of Illinois in 2000. He stayed at Illinois until 2003 before taking over as head coach at Kansas in 2003.
Bill Self’s Record at Kansas
Since taking over as head coach of Kansas in 2003, Self has led the Jayhawks to numerous accomplishments and accolades. Under Self, Kansas has won 11 regular season Big 12 titles, four Big 12 Tournament championships, and one National Championship in 2008. Self has also been named Big 12 Coach of the Year five times. He has led Kansas to the NCAA Tournament every year since 2003, and has compiled a record of 475-114 during his time at Kansas.
How Many Times Has Bill Self Been in the NCAA?
Under Bill Self’s leadership, Kansas has been in the NCAA Tournament every year since 2003. In total, Self has taken his teams to the NCAA Tournament 18 times. This includes 14 trips to the NCAA Tournament with Kansas, three trips with Illinois, and one trip during his time at Tulsa.
Bill Self’s NCAA Tournament Records
Throughout his coaching career, Bill Self has had numerous accomplishments in the NCAA Tournament. He has led teams to seven Final Four appearances, including three with Kansas in 2008, 2012, and 2018. He has also led teams to the Elite Eight on seven occasions, and to the Sweet Sixteen on 11 occasions. He has compiled an overall record of 56-19 in the NCAA Tournament, and a record of 34-13 in the NCAA Tournament with Kansas.
Notable NCAA Tournament Matchups
Throughout his time in the NCAA Tournament, Bill Self has had several memorable matchups. In 2008, Self led Kansas to a National Championship with a 75-68 victory over Memphis. In 2012, Self’s Kansas team defeated Ohio State in the Final Four on their way to the Championship game. In 2016, Self’s Kansas team defeated Villanova in the Elite Eight, and in 2017 they defeated Duke in the Elite Eight.
Bill Self’s Postseason Appearances Outside of the NCAA Tournament
In addition to his success in the NCAA Tournament, Bill Self has also had success in other postseason tournaments. He has appeared in two NIT tournaments with Kansas, and one with Tulsa. He has led Kansas to the College Basketball Invitational once, and to the CBE Classic twice.
Bill Self’s Awards and Honors
Throughout his coaching career, Bill Self has received numerous awards and honors. He has been named Big 12 Coach of the Year five times, and was named National Coach of the Year in 2009. He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. He is the only coach in NCAA Division I history to lead three different programs to the Elite Eight.
Bill Self’s Legacy
Bill Self’s legacy as one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time is undeniable. He has achieved unparalleled success with the three programs he has coached, and his ability to take teams to the Elite Eight with three different programs is a feat that will likely never be repeated. He has been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament every year since 2003, and his teams have consistently been among the best in the country. Self is one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, and his legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
Bill Self is one of the most accomplished college basketball coaches of all time. He has taken his teams to the NCAA Tournament 18 times, including 14 trips with Kansas. He has led his teams to seven Final Four appearances, and his teams have won one National Championship and four Big 12 Tournament championships. Self has been named Big 12 Coach of the Year five times, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Self’s legacy as one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time will continue to be felt for many years to come.