Self says turnout for coaching clinic ‘exciting’

By Gary Bedore     Nov 9, 2003

Mike Yoder/Journal-World Photo
Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self instructs KU freshman David Padgett, left, during a practice session at Self's coaching clinic. About 600 high school, junior-college and small-college coaches attended the clinic Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.

Approximately 600 high school, junior-college and small-college coaches converged at Allen Fieldhouse Saturday for Bill Self’s one-day Kansas University basketball coaches clinic.

“It is exciting,” Self said of the big turnout at his first KU clinic. “I’ve been to quite a few clinics. The ones I’ve been to in the past 10 years are ones I’ve spoken at. It’s a great time to share ideas. If these coaches can find one thing at our clinic that could help their team be better, it’s worth the trip.”

The coaches had a lot of opportunities to pick up pointers Saturday.

Self wore a microphone so the coaches could hear his commands during an hour-long practice session that started at 8:30 a.m.

After that instructional session, Self and his assistants spoke to the coaches and answered questions. At 11:30 a.m., the Jayhawks held a two-hour practice session. This time, Self put the microphone in his pocket.

“We just want to come out and work hard and let them know how Kansas basketball works, how hard work pays off,” KU guard Jeff Hawkins said. “We can run drills, but the biggest thing is going hard for them.”

Coaches from more than 10 states attended the clinic.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Bartlesville (Okla.) High coach Tim Bart said of the turnout. “It shows how big basketball is in Kansas and at the University of Kansas.”

Bart was a regular at Roy Williams’ KU clinic the past eight years.

“It’s interesting to see the turnout for coach Self. Coach Williams had a clientele with many of the coaches here for the secondary break. Coach Self is bringing in a new system with his 2-game (high/low offense). I’m sure a lot of coaches came because of that,” Bart said. “They are curious about his style. You learn something every time you talk to him.”

KU junior Keith Langford, who had been hobbled by a sore right knee, had his second strong practice in a row Saturday, taking the ball hard to the basket off several slashing moves. He is expected to play in Tuesday’s exhibition game against Pittsburg State, which tips off at 7:05 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse.

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Hinrich’s debut: Former KU guard Kirk Hinrich, who lost 13 pounds the past several weeks because of a viral infection, went 1-for-10 from the field and fouled out in 25 minutes during his NBA debut — Chicago’s 106-85 loss to Philadelphia Friday at the United Center.

“I got tired pretty easy there,” Hinrich, the Bulls’ No. 1 pick, told the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Herald. “I would get on the break, and my legs were starting to feel real heavy.”

Hinrich, whose parents were in attendance, missed his first five shots as a pro. His first bucket came on a 20-foot jumper early in the fourth quarter.

“It’s just frustrating,” said Hinrich, who missed a layup. “I just couldn’t shoot the ball. I feel like I played a good floor game, did some real nice things. I just couldn’t throw it in the ocean if I was standing next to it.”

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TCU won’t be penalized: Second-year TCU coach Neil Dougherty received some good news Friday. Freshman center Oluwafemi Ibikunle was deemed eligible to play. The NCAA has decided not to penalize TCU for secondary violations under Dougherty, a former KU assistant.

According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, TCU reported two possible rules violations in August related to transportation and academic assistance within the program, but the school said it received confirmation from the NCAA Wednesday that the investigation was complete, and Ibikunle’s eligibility was reinstated.

“There will be absolutely nothing imposed against the program,” TCU athletic director Eric Hyman told the Star Telegram. “Femi has been cleared to play, and he will not sit out at all.”

KU will travel to TCU to meet the Frogs in an unusually late 10 p.m. game Dec. 1.

TCU went 9-19 in Dougherty’s first year as coach.

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