Bill Self to return for NCAA championship after heart surgery

KU men’s basketball head coach Bill Self discharged from the hospital Sunday

Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball head coach Billy Eugene Self Jr. was released from the University of Kansas Health System on Sunday after being treated for coronary artery disease. He will likely return to the Jayhawks this week to join the preparation for the NCAA championship.

On Wednesday night, after watching the Jayhawks practice for their Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal, Self went to the emergency room and reported experiencing chest tightness and balance issues.

Dr. Mark Wiley, in charge of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Kansas Health System, said that Self received a standard heart catheterization.

Two stents were put in his arteries to help keep them from getting blocked during the surgery. Wiley said that Coach Self did well during the surgery and “is expected to make a full recovery.”

On Sunday night, his assistant Norm Roberts indicated that Self would likely return to the office on Monday to start preparing to face Howard on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa.

Roberts mentioned that the Hall of Famer spoke to the team, and they were thrilled to “hear his voice.”

“He talked to the guys earlier today and they were so excited to hear his voice,” Roberts said. He added that the coach was talking like he usually does.

“He was talking and getting after it like he normally does. He said, ‘Guys, I’m back. I’m ready to go. I’m looking forward to caching you guys.’ And he just talked about the things we need to do to be successful.”

Norman Roberts, assistant basketball coach at the University of Kansas

According to the assistant, the coach told the team that he had returned and was ready to go. Self also was excited to catch up with the guys and he also discussed what the team needed to do to succeed.

The 60-year-old coach said he was proud of his squad and coaching staff for how they handled the situation and is thrilled to be back with them as the best part of the season begins.

Self has a 581-130 record in two decades at Kansas and a 788-235 record in 30 years as a head coach, including his time coaching the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Illinois Fighting Illini.

In 2008, Self led the Jayhawks to the national championship with an overtime victory over the Memphis Tigers. Following its success against the North Carolina Tar Heels last April, Kansas raised its sixth championship banner at Allen Fieldhouse.