Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self will not lose any sleep in coming days, weeks and months over Missouri bolting the Big 12 Conference for the SEC.
“I think everybody hoped that Missouri would stay, but I don’t know of any Kansas fans that are crying over them leaving,” Self told the Journal-World on Sunday night, following the announcement that the Tigers had bid the Big 12 farewell.
Self was asked if the Jayhawks and Tigers would play again in men’s basketball.
“We will play them two more times — we’ve got them home and away this year,” Self stated.
What about perhaps scheduling the Tigers down the line?
“Like I said before, we have absolutely no obligation whatsoever to play Missouri in basketball. None,” Self said. “If we do so, it will only be done because it’s best for Kansas, not done because anybody else wants us to. We couldn’t care less what Missouri wants. If in fact they want to play us, it will be strictly determined if we want to. It will not be determined by other people, because I’ll be honest, the majority of Kansas fans don’t give a flip about playing Missouri.”
KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger and Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little issued statements Sunday. Zenger said: “This news doesn’t surprise us. We wish Missouri all the best in the future. The University of Kansas can now focus on TCU, West Virginia University and the other members of the Big 12 Conference who choose to be with us.”
Gray-Little said: “We’re sorry to see a century-old conference rivalry end. Missouri’s decision may have implications for fans and for the Kansas City area, but it won’t affect the long-term strength of the Big 12.”