I know this probably hasn’t been the best approach, but I’ve kept relatively quiet during the changes that are taking place with the Big 12 and the process of realignment. To me, and this is just my opinion, this is a serious matter and throwing information against a wall and hoping it will stick is a dangerous way to operate. I’ve been with Jon Kirby since JayhawkSlant.com was launched, 20 or 21 years, and I’ve always tried to do things the right way. More than anybody else, I know how passionate Kansas fans are when it comes to their basketball program. To some of you, it's just a game, but to others, it means so much more than that.
So, after spending the past week or so making calls, I’ve gathered some information that I’m comfortable posting at this time. I’m not saying all of this is 100% spot on, but I’ve talked to enough people close to the situation that would have a feel for what's going on when it comes to Bill Self and what he’s thinking, or likely thinking. First, when all of this went down and Oklahoma and Texas decided to leave for the SEC, I believe there was quite a bit of concern, but I don’t get the sense that there was ever panic or frenzy, simply because not much was known at the time. Also, and not surprisingly, this is Kansas basketball we are talking about here.
Nothing is ever certain in life, especially when it comes to college athletics, but Kansas being left out to dry, with Coach Bill Self leading the way, just isn’t an option. In my opinion, that was never going to happen. However, after talking to people, I absolutely believe that Self doesn’t just want to add a few schools to the conference and remain in the Big 12 for the sake of it. I believe that he wants to be in a conference that is surrounded by other “power basketball programs” and wants to be surrounded by other successful programs.
Again, this is just my opinion, but I don’t believe adding, for example, Houston, Memphis, Cincinnati, and any number of other schools to the Big 12 is the answer. I think the ultimate goal for Self, again, this is just my opinion after talking to some folks, is to find a home where basketball is extremely attractive and important to all those involved. So, what does that mean right now? Really, I’ve got no idea what the future holds. I’ve heard rumors about the Big 10 and ACC. I’ve heard talk about Kansas, Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and others coming together, but how or if that happens, I’ve got no idea.
Basically, what I’m getting at is I just don’t expect Coach Self to settle for the first option that comes his way or the way of the entire athletic department. My guess is he’s been talking to other head coaches and is trying to see where things stand and get a feel for the situation. At the end of the day, I believe that Coach Self will do whatever he can to ensure that the University of Kansas men’s basketball program finds the best place to call home. Settling for second-best simply isn’t an option.
So, after spending the past week or so making calls, I’ve gathered some information that I’m comfortable posting at this time. I’m not saying all of this is 100% spot on, but I’ve talked to enough people close to the situation that would have a feel for what's going on when it comes to Bill Self and what he’s thinking, or likely thinking. First, when all of this went down and Oklahoma and Texas decided to leave for the SEC, I believe there was quite a bit of concern, but I don’t get the sense that there was ever panic or frenzy, simply because not much was known at the time. Also, and not surprisingly, this is Kansas basketball we are talking about here.
Nothing is ever certain in life, especially when it comes to college athletics, but Kansas being left out to dry, with Coach Bill Self leading the way, just isn’t an option. In my opinion, that was never going to happen. However, after talking to people, I absolutely believe that Self doesn’t just want to add a few schools to the conference and remain in the Big 12 for the sake of it. I believe that he wants to be in a conference that is surrounded by other “power basketball programs” and wants to be surrounded by other successful programs.
Again, this is just my opinion, but I don’t believe adding, for example, Houston, Memphis, Cincinnati, and any number of other schools to the Big 12 is the answer. I think the ultimate goal for Self, again, this is just my opinion after talking to some folks, is to find a home where basketball is extremely attractive and important to all those involved. So, what does that mean right now? Really, I’ve got no idea what the future holds. I’ve heard rumors about the Big 10 and ACC. I’ve heard talk about Kansas, Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, and others coming together, but how or if that happens, I’ve got no idea.
Basically, what I’m getting at is I just don’t expect Coach Self to settle for the first option that comes his way or the way of the entire athletic department. My guess is he’s been talking to other head coaches and is trying to see where things stand and get a feel for the situation. At the end of the day, I believe that Coach Self will do whatever he can to ensure that the University of Kansas men’s basketball program finds the best place to call home. Settling for second-best simply isn’t an option.
