It took two seasons, but Bill Self finally made everyone forget about Roy Williams.We’ll forget about UTEP ASAP.In comparison, it was heaven against Arizona in ’97.All of Roy’s famous chokes are now more forgettable than a [Vin Diesel flick.][1]Thanks to a combination of poor coaching, spoiled seniors, and an opportunistic Bucknell team, KU now has the ultimate choke.Good news, Roy. You’re off the hook. ![][2]It’s hard to believe that on March 19, the Jayhawk basketball season is over — the first time in 27 years that KU has lost in the first round.It will be another 27 years before this one is forgotten.What unfolded in Oklahoma City was the culmination of a painful season of basketball, a five-month long root canal with few memorable moments.It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be a [season for the ages.][3]But somewhere along the line, everything went horribly awry. Left in the wreckage was the least enjoyable season of KU basketball since Ted Owens roamed the sidelines in the early 1980s.The finger of blame always points to the head coach, and that’s where we’ll start today.From the outset of his tenure, Bill Self could never get this group of talented seniors to buy into his system. Oh, sure, the seniors played along. But you always got the feeling that they were just going through the motions.When Self wanted more, they gave less.Also, the lack of an outside scoring punch falls directly onto Self’s shoulders. J.R. Giddens became a Rubik’s Cube that Self could never solve. The vaunted freshman class featuring sharpshooter Alex Galindo — never played significant enough minutes in November, which left the frosh useless in March. And Self never pulled this team out of its Lubbock-induced tailspin.But to solely blame the coach would be shortsighted.After all, this season was supposed to be Keith Langford, Wayne Simien, Michael Lee, and Aaron Miles’ crowning moment. Ultimately, Self could only do so much.You had the feeling throughout the season that the seniors never enjoyed any of it. Often, they were surly and distant with the media. Even more frequently, they were emotionless on the court. And on Friday night, it was up to the Jayhawks’ emotional leaders to set the tone. Unfortunately, both Miles and Langford took the night off.Also, Langford’s health went dreadfully south for the last two seasons. The Langford of 2003 was a completely different player, a leaping fast finisher that could jump out of Allen Fieldhouse. A couple of knee injuries later, Langford ended his KU career as a shell of his former self.Perhaps all the pressure crushed the Fab Four, like a dove in Al Bohl’s hands. This team never could deal with the great expectations placed upon it by both the fans and the media.In the end, the seniors’ legacy will be of helpers, not leaders. They were great pieces for the machine that was Collison, Hinrich, and Gooden, but never strong enough to produce for themselves.Ultimately, let’s hope the Bucknell debacle becomes a cleansing exercise for the KU basketball program. Like Quin Snyder would say, [it’s time for an enema.][4]Ever since Self stepped foot in Lawrence, he has been working under Williams’ tremendous shadow. Williams’ recent history followed Self around like a personal rain cloud.In October, practice will start again, and Self will have “his players” for the first time. Nobody on next season’s team ever played significant minutes for Williams, and another hyped class of freshmen join the Jayhawks.For the first time since the fall of 1998, KU is staring a rebuilding project straight in the face.Hopefully, the fans will become a little less spoiled, and learn to fully support Self.After all, Self will still be here long after the dust of the Bison stampede has settled. [1]: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/movies/mmx-050303-movies-review-mw-pacifier.story [2]: http://www.kusports.com/art/apps/pennynews/1111218943_kubuckself.jpg [3]: http://blogs.lawrence.com/rigg/2004/nov/10/hype/ [4]: http://www.kusports.com/news/mens_basketball/story/113521