Did Bill Self Play Basketball?
Bill Self is the head coach of the University of Kansas men’s basketball team, one of the most successful programs in college basketball. While he is widely known for his coaching career, many people wonder if Bill Self ever had a playing career. The answer is yes, Bill Self did indeed play basketball.
High School Career
Bill Self was born and raised in Oklahoma City and was a three-sport athlete in high school. He was a member of the Edmond Memorial High School basketball team and helped lead them to the state championship in 1979. Self was named to the All-State team and was an honorable mention All-American by USA Today.
College Career
Self attended the University of Oklahoma and was a member of the Sooners men’s basketball team from 1981-1985. He played both guard and forward and was a starter for the majority of his college career. Self was a two-time Academic All-Big Eight selection and was named to the All-Big Eight team as a senior.
Professional Career
After college, Self played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the Tulsa Fast Breakers. He was the team’s starting point guard for the 1985-86 season and helped lead the team to the CBA championship. He then played for the Oklahoma City Cavalry in the CBA for two seasons before retiring in 1988.
Coaching Career
After his playing career ended, Self began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State University. He was then hired as the head coach at Oral Roberts University and led the team to the NCAA Tournament in 1994. Self then moved on to the University of Tulsa, where he led the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2000, Self was hired as the head coach at the University of Illinois, where he led the team to two Big Ten championships and three consecutive NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearances.
Kansas Career
In 2003, Self was hired as the head coach of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. He has since led the team to three NCAA National Championships and thirteen Big 12 regular season championships. Self has also been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year five times and has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Family Life
Bill Self is married to Cindy Self and they have two children, Lauren and Tyler. Self is active in the community and is a major supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, Kansas. He also serves on the board of the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Legacy
Bill Self is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. He is known for his ability to win big games and his commitment to developing his players both on and off the court. Self has also been an advocate for college basketball players and has spoken out against the NCAA’s rules and regulations.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his coaching career, Bill Self has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions. He was named the Naismith National Coach of the Year in 2009 and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. He has also been honored with the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award and the Adolph Rupp Cup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bill Self did indeed have a playing career prior to his coaching career. He was a three-sport athlete in high school, a starter for the University of Oklahoma Sooners, and a professional player in the CBA. Self has since gone on to become one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history and is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats.