Kansas Coach Bill Self Provides Update After Hospitalization Over ‘Chest Tightness’

The Jayhawks coach missed the entire Big 12 Tournament after being hospitalized with an illness.

Kansas coach Bill Self on Sunday offered his first public comments since being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness just before the start of the Big 12 tournament.

The University of Kansas Health System issued a statement announcing Self, 60, had been discharged in “good condition” after arriving to the emergency department on the night of March 8 “complaining of chest tightness and balance concerns.” The hospital also announced Self underwent a chest procedure to address the issue, and is expected to make a full recovery.

“Clinical Service Chief for Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional cardiologist Dr. Mark Wiley said Coach Self underwent a standard heart catheterization and had two stents placed for the treatment of blocked arteries. Coach Self responded well to the procedure and is expected to make a full recovery,” the statement read, per Brett McMurphy of Action Network.

The announcement also included a statement from Self, who thanked the medical staff overseeing his care. Additionally, the longtime coach voiced his pride in the Jayhawks for the perseverance they’ve shown in his absence, with the start of the NCAA tournament quickly approaching.   

“I’m so thankful for the amazing staff at the University of Kansas Health System for the excellent care I received,” he said. “I am proud of our team and coaching staff for how they have handled this and am excited to be back with them as the best time of the season gets underway.”

With Self out, assistant coach Norm Roberts led Kansas through the Big 12 tournament, a run that ended in a lopsided loss to Texas for the championship Saturday night. After the game, Roberts told reporters Self was “doing well” and the team planned on him returning ahead of the NCAA tournament.

The Jayhawks (27–7) are set to open the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed of the West region against Howard in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday.