Banner? What banner? KU’s Bill Self learns of historic gesture after win vs. Oakland

‘It’s a little surreal’ Jayhawks coach says of reaching 800 wins faster than any Division I men’s coach in history.

Kansas coach Bill Self knows how to win. His Jayhawks have reached the NCAA Tournament in every season of Self’s 20-year tenure in Lawrence and claimed the 2008 national championship.

Self on Tuesday reached another milestone, notching his 800th career coaching victory in the Jayhawks' 87-55 home victory over Oakland. Only seven other men’s college coaches have reached the 800-win plateau and Self did it faster than any of them.

“It’s a little surreal,” Self said after the game. “I mean, I haven’t really thought about it a ton. I’m just happy we won tonight.”

Self’s Success at Kansas

Self’s success at Kansas is undeniable. He has won 14 Big 12 regular-season titles, 13 Big 12 tournament championships and reached the Final Four on four occasions since taking over the program in 2003.

The Jayhawks have won at least 30 games in 14 of Self’s 20 seasons and have only had one losing season during his tenure. Self has coached 14 All-Americans, three national players of the year and a pair of No. 1 overall NBA draft picks during his time in Lawrence.

“He’s one of the best coaches in the history of the game,” said Oakland coach Greg Kampe. “He’s had a lot of success here and he’s done it with class.”

Self’s Coaching Philosophy

Self’s coaching philosophy is simple: play hard, play together and win. He demands a lot from his players, but he also gives them the freedom to make mistakes.

“I think he’s one of the best coaches in the country because of what he allows us to do as players,” Kansas star Jalen Wilson said. “He gives us the freedom to make mistakes and he also gives us the freedom to make plays."

“He’s a great coach,” Wilson added. “He’s always there for us and he always has our backs.”

Self’s Legacy

Self is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and has been named the national coach of the year three times.

Self’s legacy will be defined by his success at Kansas, but he has also had a positive impact on the game of basketball. He is a mentor to many young coaches and has helped to promote the game around the world.

"He’s a great ambassador for the game of basketball,” Kampe said. “He’s a class act and he’s a winner.”