Thursday, April 10, 2008

Self, Perkins hold preliminary talk

By Gary Bedore

Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self told the 25,000 fans how much he and the team loved their support.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self told the 25,000 fans how much he and the team loved their support.

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Self, Perkins meet

Less than 48 hours removed from Monday's national championship, Kansas head coach Bill Self and athletic director Lew Perkins met this afternoon to discuss Self's future at Kansas.

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self and athletic director Lew Perkins met for 15 minutes Wednesday to discuss the fifth-year coach's future at KU.

The short meeting - a longer one is on tap, likely for today -had both Self and Perkins smiling afterward, meaning progress had been made toward keeping the man Oklahoma State wants to lead its hoops program safe and secure for years to come in Lawrence.

"We just talked in general," Self said in a sit-down interview with the Journal-World in Self's office. "We did not talk a lot, but it was very productive. Lew is 100 percent supportive. Lew knows the thing I'm most concerned about is to continue to have the resources that will allow us to compete at this level, things like facilities, housing (for players), things already in the works. We'll visit in detail tomorrow."

Self stressed, "I love KU, I love this place, my family loves this place." He gave every indication he will remain KU's coach, perhaps with an announcement as early as today, once specifics are discussed.

"I anticipate this moving forward in a very positive way. This won't drag on," Self said. "All I'm interested in is giving the program the best chance to continue to compete at the highest of levels. Lew wants that, too."

Self likely will receive a hefty bump in salary with the security of the additional years he desires. He said he also will visit with Oklahoma State officials, who want him to replace Sean Sutton as coach.

That talk likely will come in the form of a phone call, though it's always possible athletic director Mike Holder and booster T. Boone Pickens might find a way to try to woo KU's coach face to face.

"It's not to compare offers or anything," Self said. "Out of respect to my alma mater, I'll at least visit with them. I don't anticipate anything as far as serious interest in leaving this place.

"It (OSU) is my alma mater. There's no way I'm going to say I'm not going to accept that phone call. There's no way. I know everybody there," Self added. "Even if it's just to offer assistance or to listen or whatever. I can tell you what I have played out in my mind is going to happen, and I hope that's the case, that everything at KU is going to be great. Lew is 100 percent supportive of how to handle the situation. He knows out of respect to your school you should at least visit with them even if not for anything more than just talk."

Talking to OSU is one thing; seriously considering leaving KU is another. And Self made it clear Wednesday he's not looking to move.

"Lew knows after the meeting that the main thing I'm concerned with is, we need to have resources that allow us to compete and recruit at this level consistently with all the other programs that have put resources in their programs. It's what Lew wants as well," Self added of Perkins, who had no comment on Self's contract talks or OSU's pursuit of his coach Wednesday.

Already in the works is a new practice facility that will be next to Horejsi Center connected to Parrott Athletic Center. It will add 1 1/2 additional practice courts for the men's and women's teams to use. Also on the wish list are improvements to KU's athletic dorm, Jayhawker Towers.

Self stresses in the rocky coaching profession he'd like personal security. He has three years remaining on his contract at $1.375 million a year. Look for more money and more years.

Some crazy rumors were out there Wednesday. One particularly rampant rumor suggested Self would rake in $25 million to remain at KU for eight years. Florida's Billy Donovan is the country's highest-paid coach at $3.5 million a year. Texas' Rick Barnes is highest paid in the Big 12 at $2 million per annum.

KU benefactor Dana Anderson said he'd not heard any specifics about a possible new Self contract.

"I know in his heart of hearts he wants to stay," Anderson said. "There are ways of structuring things (so) he can get the long-term protection he wants. He wants some security and is entitled to it. He is a perfect fit for Kansas. If we have to find some more money, a lot of people will step up and help."

Another booster noted: "What he really wants to know is he'll be here eight, 10, 12 years and if not (if he for some reason got fired) gets a heck of a payday. I see no reason for us not to do that."

Self was almost giddy in discussing his situation at KU with the Journal-World on Wednesday.

"Yes," he said quickly, asked if he and his family love KU. "I am overwhelmed right now by everything. The support in San Antonio from our fans was totally overwhelming. The turnout at Memorial Stadium (25,000 fans for Tuesday rally) was overwhelming, even in bad weather.

"The interest level to do a parade : I'm just overwhelmed by everything going on and also overwhelmed in a large part because of seeing a group of guys perform at such a high level under stressful conditions when it counts most : as a coach that makes you more proud than anything."

He had more to say about his happiness quotient.

"It's been a great five years. Of course this past year was the best. Certainly people have been very good to us. I didn't enjoy losing in the first round two years ago, and I know the fans didn't enjoy it much. The support here has been excellent. We have a loyal fan following. It's so pleasing to see it all come together, to see how much people care and how much it means to so many people."

Of course, the folks at Self's alma mater want him there. There have been rumors of a $6 million signing bonus and $4 million a year for 10 years.

"I personally don't think any school would feel that strongly about a situation," Self said, asked if OSU would make him offer after offer he in theory could not refuse. "I owe it to them and myself to have a conversation. I do not anticipate leaving this place.

"All I want," he concluded, "is us continuing to do the things necessary to compete and recruit at this level, do what other schools are doing to have success here for a long time."

Comments

KEITHMILES05 (anonymous) says...

This should put an end to all the speculation he is leaving. Give Lew/HCBS a day or two and things will be finalized.

April 10, 2008 at 2:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawker_97 (anonymous) says...

pfffiiiiuuuhhh... i can finally sleep now..

April 10, 2008 at 5:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawker_97 (anonymous) says...

pfiiiuuuhhh... i can finally rest in peace now..

i smell more winnings in years to come..

go Jayhawks!

April 10, 2008 at 5:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

It's really amazing to think that in a span of 1 short week, HCBS went from having that Elite 8 gorilla on his back to pretty much trumping Roy's fabulous 15 year legacy. At least that's how it'll likely be remembered years from now.

Self deserves the big(ger) $$.

April 10, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

soobawls (anonymous) says...

I think its funny that if Davidson had hit that shot Self would be worrying about being fired for choking yet again but because Mario hit HIS shot Self is suddenly an awsome coach who should get a raise. Americans are stupid as HELL.

April 10, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawker137 (anonymous) says...

I'm with ya on the sleep issue!! Coach Self deserves to get paid, and for the idiot that they deleted. Coach Self recruited him so that he could make HIS shot. That makes Coach Self a great Coach in my and many others eyes. That also makes Super Mario a great basketball player!!!!
Thank God I didn't go to MizZOO!!!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Self is an awesome coach! Plain and simple. And who looks stupid?

April 10, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kcphantom (anonymous) says...

Self would never be fired. Geez. How many times did Roy's teams choke and he didn't get fired?

I envision the meeting something like this:

Coach: I want a raise.
Lew: Okay - how much?
Coach: I also want an extended contract.
Lew: Okay - will forever be long enough?
Coach: What about some improvements to the facilities?
Lew: Okay
Coach: Parade?
Lew: With or without tickertape?

April 10, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

blackhawkjayhawk (anonymous) says...

i wonder if lew asked him about the four possessions of the box and one that virtually sealed the game for memphis?

folks.....don't rest so easy. if ku does not ante up in a big way, self will head to osu. the fact that he is going to take that call or meeting tells you that this is far from over.

big lew needs to bring it!

April 10, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

yates33333 (anonymous) says...

Soobawl is a screwball! Self is a great coach no matter what. Look at his record at KU and elsewhere.

April 10, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...

Coach Self is staying. If you don't like it, then find another team. If being national champions isn't good enough for you, then go find someone who will make you happy.

We know that you can play the woulda/shoulda/coulda game. Bill Self can't go out there and guard. He can't go out there and shoot. His job is to have this program in a position to win, and he had us in a position to win basically in 39 out of 40 games this year. We lost two one possession games where we had a chance to win or tie at the end. We only lost one game by more than one possession.

April 10, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

Soobawls...why do you keep coming back here???? Get lost, dip-$hit!!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHAWK (anonymous) says...

My two cents worth - but I might want change.

The Article indicated that a lot of Bill's concerns were about changes that would keep KU competitive with other top tier programs in the future - improved athletic housing being one such item.

Do we need such changes? Other posters who have lived in the Jayhawk Towers say we do. I believe those posters they lived it.

Wanting changes that will help keep "US" competitive (I love Self's use of collective pronouns) are not the words of a man shopping for the biggest bucks. No matter how good a coach you are, you have to have players to win and that is what Bill appears to be focusing on getting the program put on a rock solid foundation for the future. Thank you for your vision Bill and not letting us stagnate.

Should Bill be one of the highest paid coaches in America with a long term contract of course! He deserves it plus it also helps our competitive position in recruiting.

But the one thing that everyone should really be thankful for is Lew Perkins. If anyone can find a way to make Bill's desires to keep KU competitive with the other top tier programs become reality, Lew is the man. Look at our new football facility, committed to prior to our big winning season.

Can Lew have all of these issues being discussed wrapped up in ten days? Of course not! Funding, design, contract bidding will take years. But I believe that Lew's word that he will find a way to get it done will be acceptable to Coach Self. They both really want the same thing.

Should we start shopping for another coach now, as another poster suggested? I see that as an absolutely ludicrous suggestion! We have our coach. The only message we want to send him is 'you're our coach and we'll find a way to help you keep our swagger". Thankfully, Lew's good at that!

April 10, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...

BTW...nice to see that ass-clown "classfan" hasn't made a reappearance. Guess the national championship should keep him away for a while.

April 10, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hobrauer (anonymous) says...

soobawls - you clearly don't understand the multifaceted situation. There is more than one variable involved in Coach Self's continued employment at Kansas. It is you, soobawls, that is stupid as hell.

April 10, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

funkitect (anonymous) says...

what i'm worried about, since all the talk is already out there about OSU potentially offering a $6mil signing bonus and $3.5-4mil a year, and after that Self is basically saying he wants to stay at KU and it's in KU's court to make sure he stays, now OSU may up the ante when they actually do talk.

and, i'll say it again, i don't think any coach is worth paying more than $2.5-3mil a year (even if Billy Donovan makes $3.5).

April 10, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HawkFanEddie (anonymous) says...

pay bill self!!!

April 10, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MOJHawk (anonymous) says...

I truly think Bill will stay but just to put things in perspective, until Monday, Oklahoma State had as many national championships as KU [won early in NCAA history as Oklahoma A&M] with one of the legendary coachs, Hank Iba. So to say that they had no tradition was a simplification.

The Selfs were more than students: he was a player and ass.coach and she was a cheerleader so the were totally involved in their alma mater.

I know you can make a good argument for recruiting atmosphere but I travel all over the country and when people hear I am a Jayhawk, the first thing people say that constantly aggravates me is, "why would anyone go to Lawrence, Kansas." We Jayhawks sometimes assume everyone knows this is BBall Heaven......they don't.

Finally, the bottom line is players come because of the Coach. I heard Bill Walton say once that he would have gone to play for John Wooden even if they played in a quonset hut in the middle of the desert.

All this being said, I am proud not only of Coach Self and the team but we the fans. all you guys out there who GET IT..who know and appreciate how special we have it and how lucky we are to have this tradition as part of our lives.

One last thing. Just how many parents do you think saw and heard Bill's locker room speeches during the Final Four? I think CBS just gave KU one heck of a recruiting tool.

Mario..one more year!!! go hawks!!!

April 10, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

wtarush (anonymous) says...

A few years ago I was reminding people on this message board, after a first round loss, that coach Self was, in fact, the Big XII Coach of the Year... Now we're talking multi-million/multi-year contract extensions. I'm just glad it didn't come too late. Winning a Nat'l Championship doesn't define him. Its great season after great season that makes Bill Self deserve his due.

April 10, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

afilmer (anonymous) says...

we need to ante up. head coach bill self represents jayhawk nation with class and dignity, he works hard as hell, he understands the x's and o's, and he can get into more high school kids homes than heidi klum.

i know he only has one national championship (sarcasm), but whatever we pay him, will not be enough some day, and there will be some stooge, maybe in stillwater, that will make more. it's called the economy fellas, and head coach deserves to be paid billy donovan - tubby smith type money.

April 10, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FSUJHAWK (anonymous) says...

HCBS..."All I want," he concluded, "is us continuing to do the things necessary to compete and recruit at this level, do what other schools are doing to have success here for a long time."

I wonder if this include moving the students closer to the court and revisiting the ticket distribution methodology?

April 10, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BCRavenJHawkfan (anonymous) says...

JJHAWK is hitting on the same notes I believe are important. Building and growing the program. Self clearly knows what potential recruits want when looking at schools. Hey, I love Kansas tradition as much as anyone, but that alone will not impress these kids today. You have to get on their level. It also seems that Perkins understands this as well.

What has not been mentioned, that I am aware, is the Chancelor committed as well? That could be a bump waiting to derail things. Chancelors have egos, I know nothing about this one, but it should be considered.

So, at least pay the guy more than Rick Barnes for gosh sakes, commit to super facilities, and by all means consider naming something after this guy.

April 10, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

speedy (anonymous) says...

nice comment mojhawk.

April 10, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

MOJHawk

You got this completely wrong..
John Wooden had 10 National Title..... of course i would go play for him in middle of the desert.

I know where it hurts. Its just that we only have 3 National Championship. We went to 13 final four. i wish Roy had pulled some NCs. That means we might have pulled one from UNC and one from Duke. If they call UNC bball Heaven why not KU.

I dont know about you but this is what i heard from Duke kid

"Allen FieldHouse is like St. Andrews of college basketball."
-Jay Bilas

Reality.

Players do look at to Coaching but Star players want Playing time. Playing time may influence little more than coaching this days.

Show me the money (NBA)

April 10, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mcrozb (anonymous) says...

When Bill talks about the housing issue, i don't think he means renovating Jayhawk Towers, forget that. We need to build new condos complete with big screen HD, PS3, and all the luxeries that our money makers deserve, since they don't get paid what their worth ( I know free college education, but thats nothing compared to the revenue they bring in)

Rock Chalk ChampionHawk !!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

PS3s and Xbox live with unlimited membership...

April 10, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

mcrozb (anonymous) says...

Regarding athletic housing, forget renovating Jayhawk Towers, we need to build new condos, fully furnished with big screens, PS3 and all the luxuries our money makers deserve. It could be a huge recruiting tool. Yes, I know they get a free college education, but that pales in comparison to the revenue they bring in, they should live in luxury.

Rock Chalk ChampionHawk !!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

quigley (anonymous) says...

Pay the man.

April 10, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

blackhawkjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Fans, let's flip this issue and pretend that Self is already on a plane to Stagnantwater, OK.

What would Lew's next move be? A big search, possible rejections from coaches who will want the same thing that Self wants.

I'm generally a positive person, but Lew needs to remind himself of the alternative if we lose Self. It ain't pretty and it won't be cheap. And it won't get us a better coach.

Get it done Lew. We have faith in you!

April 10, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

TxJyHwk (anonymous) says...

BCRaven - from all I have heard, the chancellor is definitely behind all of this. He is the one to bring Lew Perkins in to do what he is doing.

April 10, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nebraska_jayhawk (anonymous) says...

Soobawls- the reason Self is such a good coach is because he is the one who taught the guys to defend Curry so well that he could not get the shot off. Curry had an average game against KU. Yeah KU's offense was stiffled too, but if you notice, ALL of KU's opponents in the tourney were held to under 70 points. Thats coaching!

April 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkandtigerfan (anonymous) says...

sooballs -

It's Bill Self's great defensive coaching that had our guys play tight enough defense on Curry that caused Davidson to have to take a bad shot. People can talk about luck changing Self's situation all they want. Winning the tournament takes both skill AND a bit of luck. We may chalk that missed shot up to luck for us, but I think Self's ability to instill great clean defensive effort in our players caused us to bother their last play enough to make them miss. It was luck, but great day to day coaching in practice that set us up to have the best odds on that last play. Great skills let us have good luck.

April 10, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkandtigerfan (anonymous) says...

Wow, nebraska_jayhawk,

wasn't meaning to copy the jist of your message. Didn't see it til I posted . . . glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks that way.

April 10, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

muffaletta (anonymous) says...

One team out of the 65 that are lucky enough to even make that tournament finishes its season with a win.

ONE.

Luck certainly plays a role ... but what is luck? When opportunity meets preparation. And Bill had his team prepared.

April 10, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

flipborder02 (anonymous) says...

Hey guys sooballs is either a K-state or a Mizzou fan so lets not bother with scum like him.

April 10, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okiedave (anonymous) says...

This is huge news in Tulsa. It is on the opinion polls on the nightly news - whether Self will come to OSU or not. There are two or three articles every day on Self in the Tulsa World, i.e. meetings with Perkins, etc. The feeling down here is if Self does not go to OSU, OSU is going to have trouble finding a coach who wants to work under Boone Pickens and is lacky AD. Plus OSU has estranged themselves from the Sutton family who have been icons in Stillwater for 16 years to the point that Eddie may ask to have his name removed from the basketball floor. A real mess. OSU is a good school (my daughter went there) but K.U. and the town of Lawrence are so much better. In my opinion, Self and his family would regret any move to Stillwater.

April 10, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

OSUNDN (anonymous) says...

I'll bet some of these posts are from some of the same Jayhawk idiots who put for sale signs in Bill Self's front yard after early exits in the NCAA tournament. Prepare yourselves Lamehawk fans, Bill Self has ALWAYS chased after bigger money. It wouldn't matter if the money was coming out of Norman, OK instead of Stillwater, he would grab it. Enjoy your championship because your coach is headed south to OSU. What the hell does "rock, chalk, jayhawk mean"?

April 10, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

osudnd,

To quote the Red Hot Chili Peppers: "If you have to ask, you'll never know."

Now, how 'bout you just go back to doing whatever it is you do and quit being an antagonistic a**.

April 10, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUglow (anonymous) says...

OSUNDN, when you hear the Rock Chalk chant, it means you can get off your A$$ and get out of the stadium/arena, whatever, your team is done. You should know, you heard a lot of that at YOUR football stadium this year. And expect to keep hearing it. A lot.

April 10, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kackley (anonymous) says...

Self is staying period. All you losers out there get over it.
If we are to claim to be an elite program, then we have to act like one. Pay the coaches on that scale and provide the student-athletes with facilities that are top notch.

April 10, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klineisanazi (anonymous) says...

Smack from a CowPoker fan? Get back out to the barn, there must be some sheep that need some attention.

April 10, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

oldrocker (anonymous) says...

Almost every year it seems, the eventual national champ has at least one game that they barely manage to win.

We forced Curry to pass the ball, and beat Davidson. Mario hits the biggest shot of his career, we win in OT.

Call it luck or whatever you want, but that is what makes the Final Four so exciting. Sometimes the best team wins, sometimes they go home early.

We know all about going home early...but not this year!

April 10, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

highreach (anonymous) says...

we need another year like this one. another basketball team with heart and unselfishness. the only thing that sucks is that were loosing good players this year. what do you guys think bout the next years recruting class? do you think it will be as good as this one???

question for anybody with good knowledge of whats going on..

April 10, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

docnchg (anonymous) says...

NO KU basketball coach has ever been fired!! Boone Pickens owns the OSU Athletic Dept. He said, "fire Sutton" and they did.

Pickens is a crusty old guy used to getting his way and if OSU has a couple of down years he'll get out the check book, fire the current coach(even Self) and buy another. Although OSU had a great legacy when Mr. Iba was coaching it is long gone. Recruiting to Stillwater has to be tougher than Lawrence. Anyone who says where's Lawrence is not much of a BB fan. Their next question would undoubtedly be, "What shape is a BB?"

Perkins may not be on everybody's sweetheart list but he isn't stupid and will do what's needed for all KU Sports

April 10, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kdaytonu (anonymous) says...

810 a.m. in KC reports that deal will be finalized today 8-10 years. Lawrence Journal world reports that Lew and Self started meeting today around 11:00 a.m.

April 10, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ttoulouse (anonymous) says...

So if OSU hasn't treated the Sutton's very well (obviously), then how can Self can't respect them? If the AD there is that bad, why would Self want to be there, regardless of the money? Case in point - Williams and Bohl. It doesn't matter how powerful your program is, if you hate your boss, life sucks. And if all they would do is cater to Self, that athletic department is in trouble. Just look at KU pre-Perkins.

Advantage: KU

April 10, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JJHAWK (anonymous) says...

Cowpoker:

I do not wish to seem rude, Sir, but would you mind holding off on the taunting until we're done shining up our Basketball National championship trophies (all five of them).

Thank you so much for your (in)consideration!

April 10, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

The link is 810whb.com

They say HCBS and Lew have reached an Agreement!
yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssss!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kickazzkurtz (anonymous) says...

I just want to say thank you Al Bowl (spelling?). You got us an amazing Football coach, Roy left because of you (I think Roy was cursed here at KU) and we got Self. Then you got yourself fired and we got Lew Perkins, the former National Athletic Director of the year from UCONN. Al you had a lot to do with this amazing Football and Basketball season.

April 10, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kickazzkurtz (anonymous) says...

thank you Al Bowl. Got us our Football coach, Self and got yourself replaced by Lew Perkins.

April 10, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

shabbasuraj (anonymous) says...

CREW-zewski at DOOK has a lifetime contract... he can quit or stay as long as he wants.

..will KU step up?

April 10, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkmaster (anonymous) says...

Hey, can KU get Philip Anshutz to step up and trump Picken's offer to Self. Anshutz, 1961 KU grad from Russell, Ks., worth $7.8 billion to Pickens paltry $3 billion, Anshutz is 31st richest person in US to Pickens 117th richest. Anshutz has given millions to KU, Anshutz Pavillion and Science Labs as two examples. Maybe Anshutz gave all his money to David Beckham, he brought him to the US to play for his soccer team!!

April 10, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkmaster (anonymous) says...

Can KU get Philip Anshutz (1961 KU grad from Russell, Ks.) to trump Picken's offer to Self? Anshutz is worth $7.8 b to Pickens paltry $3 b. Anshutz is 31st richest person in US, Pickens is 117th. Anshutz has contrib. millions to KU, Anshutz Sports Pavilion, Anshutz Science Labs, etc. Maybe Anshutz gave all his $ to David Beckham when he brought him to the US to play for one of his soccer teams!

April 10, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Bleed_Crimson_Blue (anonymous) says...

Update from 810 WHB in Kansas City: It seems they are setting up for a news conference in Hadl Auditorium. Looks like we'll be hearing good news very soon...

April 10, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Bleed_Crimson_Blue (anonymous) says...

Update from 810 WHB in Kansas City:

They shuffling chairs in Hadl Auditorium, seemingly setting up for a news conference. Good news coming...

April 10, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawker137 (anonymous) says...

Press Conference at 4 PM. I have the same feeling we had before the National Championship game, maybe Self just wanted us all to feel how good it is to win all over again, well unless you a MizZOO fan, you wouldn't understand!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 3 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MGJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Soobawls - You are correct with 1 thing. The coach gets too much credit and grief if they win or lose. However, he won the National f***g Championship at a school that is under the pressure to reach the Final Four every year. He knows how to recruit, motivate, game plan and teach. He deserves the raise. He deserves the credit.

I predict we will win another Final Four within 5 years. ESPN kept showing how crazy Lawrence went after we won. That makes recruiting so much easier.

- Proud Jayhawk

April 10, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawk1414 (anonymous) says...

Soobawls aren't you same the idiot that said kansas was going to get blown out by memphis? And Coach Self is a great coach, he has turned around two programs at TU and ORU, then had a successful run at illinois, and now has won a national championship here at ku,which is more than williams could ever do here. He also has the highest winning percentage at ku, the most wins in a single season here at ku, and second all time. Cleary those are the makings of a great coach that deserves to get paid more

April 10, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

wischalk (anonymous) says...

Ahh...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/st...

April 10, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

klong (anonymous) says...

Soobawls- You never cease to amaze me how stupid you can be! How many teams have won the title without having a close game like Davidson? I don't care how good you are, you have to dodge a few bullets along the way. National Champions! Say whatever you want idiot!

April 10, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

scootja32 (anonymous) says...

I am collecting funds to increase Bill Self's salary to INSURE he stays and stays happy. All of those interested in donating please contact me. Donations of only $10,000 and up please, thank you.

April 10, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PittsburghJayhawk (anonymous) says...

Thanks for the link, wischalk.

"Home called," Self said. "And we love home. But this is home now."

There's no place like home.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

April 10, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Ksstreaker (anonymous) says...

Sooballs, that would be pigballs at Arkansas and osu ndn whatever that stands for this, board is for dedicated KU fans to leave messages that every true FANS and player want to read. I guess a couple of a$$holes like you are surely from the m-squad. Missou or Mempies either way and to you true jayhawk faithful fans, please fogive me for lowering my self to their level, but, why don't you 2 A$$holes go somewhere else and stir up your hate and discontent. You can't take away that we are Champions of the World and we don't need your kind on our board. To all the seniors we wish you well, to all the underclassmen, PLEASE stay and graduate as well as bring us another one of the best basketball teams in the world!!!!! 1952/1988/2008 & 2009! Why not, we have the players on the bench and on the floor that could do it again. Especially with the best darn Basket ball Coach in the World. A few think Coach K is the best, a few more think Roy Williams is the best, and a bunch more think Gillespie is the best, but, let Pickens court them. We True Fans know we have the best Coach in the World in Coach Self. Thanks for the most fantastic memories Jayhawks you are the champions of the world!!!!!! a true jayhawk fan !!!!!!

April 10, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Ksstreaker (anonymous) says...

I guess someone didn't like what I said to sooballs and osu dud, and I guess I got censored. I didn't think it was that bad, but, undoubtably someone didn't like.

April 11, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )