It took 14 years, and whether they were All-Americans, all-conference talents, role players, backups, glue guys or walk-ons, Kansas basketball players coached by Bill Self helped the program set an NCAA record for most consecutive conference championships in a row.
The pride Jayhawks took in their ownership of The Streak grew year after year, so inevitably they were going to experience some disappointment, along with nostalgia, when it eventually came to an end.
That [day finally arrived][1] Tuesday, in Norman, Okla., when the 2018-19 Jayhawks were eliminated from title contention close to a decade and a half after KU’s streak of titles began in 2005.
Many of the most prominent players from the previous 14 seasons and some others who watched it from afar weighed in through social media about KU’s crazy run of Big 12 dominance finally concluding.
Here are some Twitter reactions from invested Jayhawks.
It don’t even sound right saying we not big 12 champs ???????? … what is the world coming to ????????♂️
— Devonte Graham (@Devonte4Graham) March 6, 2019
Proud to have been a part of this as well as a witness to it. Mind you it took Sousa, Dok, and Lagerald out to lose it. If anyone is to blame for it not being longer, it’s my class. We only won 3/4.. #RockChalk pic.twitter.com/XjJ2FS2JCG
— Keith (@keith_langford) March 6, 2019
No one predicted 14 in a row when we started this streak, now it’s time to really appreciate it. What. A. Run! @KUHoops pic.twitter.com/17PjTzM7t6
— Wayne Simien Jr. (@waynesimien) March 6, 2019
So thankful to be a part of something so special i want to thank everyone who contributed to the streak #14InARow !!! This years team its ok Way to fight and not give up fellas heads up… https://t.co/V7rtVlATS1
— Sherron Collins (@SHERRONCOLLINS4) March 6, 2019
14 straight years is INCREDIBLE! I salute all of the players who sacrificed individual accomplishments & put the KANSAS on the front of the jersey first during this phenomenal streak. I hope KU fans appreciate how special/elite this really is. #RockChalk pic.twitter.com/4DBS7k61lh
— Brett Ballard (@CoachBBallard) March 6, 2019
That’s how we goin out? That hurt
— Jamari Traylor (@MagnaMari_) March 6, 2019
????????♂️ pic.twitter.com/bkWIg6a9rS
— malik newman (@iammaliknewman) March 6, 2019
So it wasn’t just a bad dream? ????????♂️ Weird not having KU as Big12 champs, but glad I was apart of the streak. Something I can tell my kids and grandkids about someday. Congrats to Coach Self and the staff. Tourney time now!
— Landen Lucas (@LandenLucas) March 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/CGarrett_15/status/1103151656651259905
14 years of Dominance is definitely worth being proud of???????????????????? #RockChalkForLife @KUHoops @KUAthletics
— Jeff Hawkins (@Jeff_Hawkins_KU) March 6, 2019
14 straight. Unbelievable. One of the most impressive streaks you’ll ever witness in sports. Major salute to Bill Self, the staff, & to anyone who had a part in the steak. Im so proud that I was a part of the very first conference championship for Coach Self at Kansas. #RockChalk
— Nick Bahe (@NickBahe) March 6, 2019
All good things come to an end. Let’s start a new streak @KUHoops
— Scot Pollard (@ScotPollard31) March 6, 2019
[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2019/mar/05/kansas-overwhelmed-oklahoma-end-14-year-streak-big/
