Bill Self brushes off becoming winningest coach in Kansas history, passing Phog Allen

ATLANTA (AP) — Bill Self brushed off becoming the winningest coach in Kansas basketball history, even as he surpassed the guy whose name is on the arena.

“It means I’m old,” the 61-year-old Self said with a slight grin. “And it means I’ve had a lot of really good players.”

Self claimed the top spot at one of college basketball’s most storied programs Tuesday night when No. 1 Kansas held off Michigan State 77-69 at the Champions Classic in Atlanta.

Self improved to 591-143 in his 22nd season coaching the Jayhawks, pushing him past Phog Allen’s mark of 590-219 in 39 seasons on the Kansas sideline. Including stints at Oral Roberts, Tulsa and Illinois, Self is two wins away from 800 in his career.

The Jayhawks, of course, play at Allen Fieldhouse — named in honor of the Hall of Fame coach whose brilliant career spanned most of first half of the 20th century.

They may have to put Self’s name on the building, too.

“I hadn’t thought about that at all,” he said of passing Allen’s mark. “I’m certainly proud about it, but Phog Allen is still gonna be the all-time best coach at Kansas.”

That’s not the way Self’s players see it.

“It’s really special,” said 7-foot-2 center Hunter Dickinson, who led the Jayhawks with 28 points and 12 rebounds. “He’s never going to admit it. He’s always going to try to downplay it and give off the credit, but he’s the best coach in Kansas basketball history. We’re super special and fortunate to be playing for him.”

Fifth-year guard Dajuan Harris Jr. was proud to be part of his coach’s record-setting night.

“Coach Self changed my life. All the credit goes to him,” Harris said. “I just want to be there for him because he’s been there for me.”

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, the winningest coach in his school’s history with 709, credited Self for getting the most out of players such as Zeke Mayo.

The Jayhawks guard was held to six points on 2-of-8 shooting, but he still managed to impact the game with 10 rebounds and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-self-brushes-off-becoming-034414712.html

Author : Associated Press

Publish date : 2024-11-13 03:44:00

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