Bill Self has cemented himself as one of the top coaches in college basketball over the past decade at Kansas. After one national title, two Final Four appearances and nine consecutive Big 12 titles, could Self leave Lawrence one day for the bright lights of the NBA?
Bill Self could take NBA coaching job one day
Self has already won a national championship and reached two Final Fours with the Jayhawks. His next challenge could be coaching for NBA titles.
Ethan Miller
Here’s what Self had to say while being inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
“It hasn’t really tempted me because I haven’t had that many people talk to me about it,” Self said. “But at some point and time, sure, I think it would (tempt me). It would be great to be able to match wits with the best athletes in the world, but I’m certainly happy where I’m at.
“I’m not saying I never would (coach in the NBA) but I’m locked in.”
If Self ever did leave, it would send shockwaves throughout college basketball. Kansas is one of the top jobs in college hoops, especially given the immense fan support and rich tradition of March excellence. Self agreed to a restructuring of his contract last fall that will net him at least $52 million over the next 10 years.
The fame and prestige that comes with an NBA job can be tough to pass up, though. Brad Stevens loved Butler and then bolted for the open Boston Celtics job in a blink of an eye. John Calipari has been tied to the Association for years, as have a handful of other top-level college coaches.
The Jayhawks are expected to begin the upcoming season ranked in the preseason top-10, led by projected No. 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins.
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