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The Early Years
Bill Self, born on December 27, 1962, grew up in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, with his parents, Bill and Margaret Self, and his two sisters, Cindy and Shelly. His father was a high school basketball coach, which sparked Bill’s passion for the sport at a young age. In high school, Bill played basketball and baseball, and was even named the MVP of the state baseball tournament in his senior year.
After graduating high school, Bill attended Oklahoma State University, where he played basketball for the Cowboys. He graduated in 1985 with a degree in business administration and a dream of coaching basketball.
Coaching Career
Bill Self’s coaching career began in 1985 as a graduate assistant at the University of Kansas. From there, he went on to coach at a number of different schools, including Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Illinois, and finally, Kansas.
At Kansas, Self has become one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. He has led the Jayhawks to 14 Big 12 regular season championships, six Big 12 tournament championships, and two NCAA championships. He has also been named the National Coach of the Year three times.
The Self Family
Bill Self married Cindy Gilliland in 1988, and the couple has two children, Tyler and Lauren. Tyler played basketball for Kansas and is now a graduate assistant for the team, while Lauren is a volleyball player at the University of Kansas.
The Self family is known for their involvement in the Lawrence, Kansas community. They have donated millions of dollars to the University of Kansas, and Bill and Cindy are both active in various philanthropic efforts in the area.
Life Off the Court
When he’s not coaching basketball, Bill Self enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is an avid golfer and also enjoys hunting and fishing.
In addition to his hobbies, Self is also involved in a number of charitable organizations. He serves on the board of directors for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association and is also involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.
Coaching Philosophy
Bill Self is known for his tough, no-nonsense coaching style. He demands a lot from his players both on and off the court, and his teams are known for their discipline and work ethic.
Self’s coaching philosophy is centered around the idea of “tough love.” He believes that players need to be held accountable for their actions, but also need to know that their coach cares about them as individuals.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite his success as a coach, Bill Self has faced his fair share of challenges over the years. In 2013, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but was able to beat the disease with the help of his doctors and family.
Self has also faced criticism over the years for his team’s performance in the NCAA tournament. Despite winning two national championships, the Jayhawks have also suffered a number of early exits from the tournament, leading some fans to question Self’s coaching ability.
The Future of the Self Family
As of 2023, Bill Self is still the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. He shows no signs of slowing down, and is determined to continue building a winning program at Kansas.
His son Tyler has already followed in his footsteps and is working as a graduate assistant for the team. It remains to be seen whether his daughter Lauren will pursue a career in sports like her brother and father, but the Self family is sure to continue making a positive impact on the Lawrence community for years to come.
Conclusion
Bill Self is more than just a basketball coach – he is a husband, father, philanthropist, and community leader. His impact on the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community cannot be overstated, and his coaching legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to “tough love,” Bill Self has become one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. And with his family by his side, he is sure to continue making a difference both on and off the court for years to come.
