Bill Self has made history as the winningest coach in Kansas basketball history, surpassing the legendary Phog Allen. At 61 years old, Self humbly attributed his achievement to the talented players he has coached over his 22-year tenure with the Jayhawks. His milestone victory came as No. 1 Kansas defeated Michigan State 77-69 at the Champions Classic in Atlanta.
Self's record now stands at 591-143, surpassing Allen's 590-219 record in 39 seasons at Kansas. With a career total of 798 wins, including coaching stints at Oral Roberts, Tulsa, and Illinois, Self's coaching prowess is undeniable.
The Jayhawks play at Allen Fieldhouse, named after Phog Allen, a coaching icon of the 20th century. Despite his achievement, Self remains modest, acknowledging Allen as the greatest coach in Kansas history.
Players like Hunter Dickinson and Dajuan Harris Jr. expressed their admiration for Self, highlighting his impact on their lives and careers. Dickinson praised Self as the best coach in Kansas basketball history, while Harris emphasized Self's transformative influence.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo commended Self for maximizing the potential of players like Zeke Mayo, even on off-shooting nights. Izzo acknowledged Self's ability to motivate players to contribute in various ways to secure victories.
Following a disappointing season, where the Jayhawks fell short of expectations, Self and his team are determined to bounce back. Harris emphasized the team's focus on winning games and expressed his desire to make the most of his final season under Self's guidance.
Self's legacy at Kansas is firmly established, with players and fans recognizing his coaching excellence. The team is united in their goal to win games and elevate Self's coaching legacy even further.
As the Jayhawks continue their season, Self's milestone serves as a testament to his coaching acumen and the enduring impact he has had on Kansas basketball.
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