Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self was discharged from the University of Kansas Health System on Sunday and has returned to his home in Lawrence, KU Athletics announced in a release.
Self, according to the release, “is looking forward to rejoining the team this week.”
“KU Coach Bill Self was discharged from The University of Kansas Health System today in good condition. He arrived at the emergency department Wednesday evening March 8, complaining of chest tightness and balance concerns,” read a statement from the University of Kansas Health System. “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.”
Self also commented in the release.
“I’m so thankful for the amazing staff at the University of Kansas Health System for the excellent care I received,” the 20th-year KU coach 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.”
At the Big 12 Tournament, with Self in the hospital, the Jayhawks were led by Norm Roberts. The Jayhawks defeated West Virginia in the quarterfinals and Iowa State in the semifinals before falling to Texas in Saturday’s championship game.
According to Roberts, Self had a few words for his team on what it would mean to receive a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before Selection Sunday officially began.
Roberts expects Self to return to the team by Monday.
“They were so excited to hear his voice,” Roberts said on Sunday. “He was talking and getting after it like he normally does. He said, ‘Guys, I am back, ready to go and look forward to coaching you guys.’ ... Then (he) just talked about the things we need to do to be successful.”
Kansas was awarded a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament in the West Regional.
Per Roberts, Self told the team: “If that happens to us (getting a No. 1 seed), that means you are one of the teams that has a chance to cut down nets and that’s such a great accomplishment.”
Overall, Roberts is excited for Self to return.
“It’s awesome,” Roberts said. “When you don’t have your leader or head of the snake or whatever you want to call it — you don’t have him and everybody misses him. He’s a huge impact not only for our basketball team, but for our university.”
The Star’s Shreyas Laddha also contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 12, 2023 4:17 PM.
