Here’s a new rumor for the water cooler: Bill Self to the NBA?
Tulsa World columnist Dave Sittler wrote about speculation “growing in college and NBA circles” about a logical candidate for the Seattle SuperSonics head-coaching vacancy.
It’s Self, Kansas University’s current leader.
Sittler speculated that with talks of the Sonics moving to Oklahoma City, Self – a native Oklahoman – would be a popular choice, perhaps with good friend R.C. Buford leaving his general-manager post with the San Antonio Spurs to join him on the Sonics.
The rumor picked up some steam, though the Seattle Times called it “unsubstantiated” and offered other candidates instead.
Self was asked about it Wednesday and claimed he had heard nothing about it to that point.
He added that both he and Buford “already have pretty good jobs.”
“Always a new rumor,” Self said with a laugh. “Every day.”
¢ Pierce out of Olympics: Former KU basketball standout Paul Pierce no longer will be considered to play for USA Basketball and the 2008 Olympic team, according to a story in the Boston Globe.
Pierce missed all of Team USA’s workouts last summer because of elbow surgery. He missed 35 games this season for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, first due to a foot injury and later because of an injury to the same elbow that was operated on a year ago. He’s not expected to be able to play for Team USA again this summer.
“By not playing this summer, he is pretty much eliminated from playing in the Olympics,” USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo told the Globe. “It would be hard to make the case that you should play the third year after missing the first two. He understands that.”
Pierce was one of 26 players being considered for the USA Basketball active roster for the Beijing Olympics. The team will play in the zone qualifying tournament this summer in Las Vegas with 2008 Olympic qualification on the line. Only 12 players are allowed on the official active roster for both the qualifying tournament and the Olympics.
Another former Jayhawk, current Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich, remains on the roster.
¢ Banquet tonight: Members of KU’s basketball team, as well as coaches and athletes from every other sport at KU, will be in Overland Park tonight for the annual Jayhawk Senior & Scholar banquet.
The event will take place at the Sheraton on College Boulevard starting at 6:45 p.m. Athletes will be honored for their academic and athletic achievements. The presentation of the Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year award will conclude the evening.