Big 12 Tournament: Coaches React to Kansas Coach Self's Absence
On Thursday morning, news broke that Kansas head coach Bill Self had been hospitalized. Following some of the quarterfinal games at the Phillis 66 Men’s Basketball Big 12 Championship, media members asked coaches about coach Self and their reaction to the news.
More quotes will be added as they become available.
Game #1 – Baylor and Iowa State
Baylor Head Coach, Scott Drew
We are all prayerful. At the end of the day, we’re blessed to play a game and God lets us do what we’re passionate about. Life is short and winning the game of life is the most important thing.
Iowa State Head Coach, TJ Otzelberger
Coach Self has always treated me well. Respect him and respect their program. Certainly, want to wish him the best. Texted him earlier today, letting him know we’re keeping him in our thoughts and prayers.
Game #2 – West Virginia and Kansas
West Virginia Head Coach, Bob Huggins
Bill’s one of the greatest coaches of all time. When you stop and think about it, he’s a hall of fame guy for a reason, and he’s won countless games at Kansas. They’ve been at the top of the ladder year after year after year.
On whether or not he’s talked with coach Self yet
At some point in time, we’ll talk. He and I talk. You know, I’ve been through those things and it’s not any fun. And especially, I think it’s -- I think it would be really hard for Bill this time of year because of him trying to make another run for a national championship.
Kansas Interim Head Coach, Norm Roberts
On the timeline of events
When we found out, we didn't really let the guys know anything really until this morning, because nothing was concrete on what was gonna happen. Then we talked to the guys earlier this morning, and, as I said before, we always talk about next man up. You know, faces change, expectations don't. That's our motto. That's what we live by.
On Self's Current Status
He’s doing good. I talked to him on the phone. He’s doing well. He already wants to watch film and all that, so he’s doing great.
I plan on coaching tomorrow, so I think it’s a day-to-day thing what’s going on.
Kansas Guard, Jalen Wilson
With him not being here, it brought us together even more, through the adversity we’ve been through this entire season. That makes us come together more and play as a team. It’s bigger than us. We played for our entire family across Kansas, and [it’] just another moment to prove how tight this group is. No matter what’s going on, the outside noise, that we’re a team and we’re family.
Game #3 - Oklahoma State v. Texas
Oklahoma State Head Coach, Mike Boynton
We are thinking of Coach Self. He's an Oklahoma State guy. Obviously our thoughts are with him and his wife and family. We certainly hope he makes a full recovery and gets back on the court to coaching those guys as soon as can safely.
Texas Interim Head Coach, Rodney Terry
I would like to extend some prayers and best wishes for Coach Self. He's an elder statesman in this league, a guy we have a lot of respect for, and we just pray for a good recovery for him today.
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