Bill Self Gives Update on Health Ahead of Kansas vs. Arkansas

The Jayhawks coach will miss his fifth straight game on Saturday when KU takes the floor in the round 32.

Kansas coach Bill Self shared the latest updates on his health Saturday following the news that he would miss the team’s round of 32 game against Arkansas – his fifth straight absence since being hospitalized on March 8.

Self, who has not coached since the regular-season finale on March 4, has been recovering from a health issue that, per Kansas, caused “chest tightness and balance concerns.” The school announced on March 12 that the 60-year-old coach underwent a “standard heart catheterization” and was treated for blocked arteries, but is expected to make a full recovery. 

With a timeline for his return to the sidelines still undetermined, Self said Saturday he has continued to make strides in his recovery but will take his time before re-joining the team.

“I’m feeling tons better, I’ve got my energy back to an extent,” Self said, per Kansas. “Sleeping better, doing things that they said was important to be on the mend quickly, just probably not quite quick enough.” 

Update from @CoachBillSelf ahead of our second round game vs. Arkansas pic.twitter.com/uVFk2s7rTx

— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) March 18, 2023

Self also disclosed that after meeting with doctors and having multiple consultations, there is a chance he could return to the Jayhawks should they advance to the Sweet 16. KU, the No. 1 seed in the West region, can earn a spot in next week’s action with a win over No. 8 Arkansas on Saturday. 

“We think it’s best that we re-join the team full speed going next week so we, obviously, need to play pretty well today,” Self said.

With Self still on the mend, the defending champion Jayhawks have gone 3–1 under acting head coach Norm Roberts. The program won its first round matchup vs. Howard, 96–68, on Thursday.