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Bill Self has enjoyed a ton of success as the head basketball coach at Kansas over the past 10 years. He’s coached the Jayhawks to a 300-59 record during that time, while taking home the national championship in 2008. KU has flat out dominated the Big 12 since Self’s arrival and I think it’s almost fair to say that the head coach has done it all in the world of college basketball.
In a recent interview, Self was asked about the possibility of coaching in the NBA. His response may not thrill Jayhawk fans:
“It hasn’t really tempted me because I haven’t had that many people talk to me about it. But at some point and time, sure, I think it would. It would be great to be able to match wits with the best athletes in the world, but I’m certainly happy where I’m at.”
He doesn’t come across as a guy who’s looking to build a Coach K type of legacy long-term in Lawrence. However, he is signed with the university until the 2021-22 season. The kicker of course is that Self can leave KU at anytime for the NBA, without any financial penalties being assessed.
I think Self would make an excellent pro coach. He has the right type of personality and coaching style to get respect from NBA players. People often use the expression ‘leader of men’ when talking about pro coaches and Self is most definitely capable of being that. His presence on the court could command an NBA team full of egos.
There’s no doubt that if he really wanted to take it to the next level, that NBA GM’s would be blowing up his phone with offers.
Realistically, I don’t see him making the move anytime soon. But I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave in the next two or three years, especially if KU can win another national championship.
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