Bill Self, the longtime head coach of the Kansas men’s basketball team, was hospitalized on Thursday following a heart procedure that involved the insertion of two stents. The 62-year-old coach, who has led the Jayhawks to two NCAA national championships, experienced ‘some concerning symptoms’ that prompted his hospitalization. A university spokesperson confirmed that the procedure was successful, and Self is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. He remains in good spirits and is anticipated to make a full recovery.
This marks the second time Self has been hospitalized due to health issues, following a similar incident in 2023 where he missed the NCAA and Big 12 tournaments due to chest tightness and balance problems. The two-time national champions have not announced any changes to their coaching staff or game plans at this time.
Self has been at the helm of the Kansas sideline since 2003. In addition to the two national titles, Self coached the Jayhawks to 14 consecutive Big 12 regular-season championships from 2004-2018. In 2017, Self was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The university has not released any further details about his condition, but the coach’s health has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts in recent months.
Following the procedure, the university released a statement expressing confidence in Self’s recovery. ‘The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery,’ the school said in a statement. ‘He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon.’ The statement also emphasized that the team has not experienced any disruptions in its operations due to the coach’s hospitalization.
While the university has not specified the nature of Self’s current condition, the insertion of stents suggests that there were issues with his heart arteries. Stents are typically used to open blocked or narrowed arteries, which can be a result of coronary artery disease. However, the exact details of the procedure and the reason for the hospitalization remain undisclosed. The university has not provided any information on the potential long-term effects of the procedure on Self’s coaching career.
Self’s health has been a recurring concern for the Jayhawks. In 2023, he missed the NCAA and Big 12 tournaments after experiencing chest tightness and balance issues. At the time, he underwent a heart catheterization and received a pair of stents, indicating that the same health issues were present. The repeated need for medical intervention has raised questions among fans about his long-term ability to continue coaching at the highest level.
Despite the ongoing health concerns, Self has remained a key figure in the Kansas basketball program. His leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, including two national championships and 14 consecutive Big 12 titles. The university has not announced any immediate changes to the coaching staff, but the situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both the school and the fans.
As of now, there are no indications that the hospitalization will result in any significant disruptions to the team’s season. The Jayhawks are currently preparing for the upcoming NCAA tournament and have not announced any changes to their schedule. The university’s statement emphasizes that Self is expected to return to his duties soon and that the team remains focused on its goals.
In the meantime, fans and analysts are closely following the situation, hoping for a full recovery for the coach. The health of a top-tier coach in college athletics is always a concern, especially given the high demands of the job. While the details of Self’s condition remain private, the impact of his hospitalization on the team and the sport as a whole is being closely watched.