KU’s Bill Self seeks Saturday sellout, continuation of streak vs. Kim English’s team
Kansas has sold out Allen Fieldhouse for every men’s basketball game played in Lawrence during the 19-year Bill Self era.
KU’s coach is hoping the streak continues on Saturday when the Jayhawks (10-1) entertain former Missouri guard Kim English’s George Mason (7-5) in a 4 p.m. game not included on the season-ticket package.
It’s a replacement game for the Big 12 opener between KU and TCU that has been postponed from Jan. 1 to a yet-to-be-determined date because of COVID issues in the Horned Frogs’ program.
Asked by a reporter after Wednesday’s 88-61 win over Nevada if he’s concerned about the sellout streak of 324 games (dating to the 2001-02 season) potentially ending, Self answered, “no, no.”
“There are a lot of streaks out there,” he said. “Our PR people could put an asterisk next to it, say this one doesn’t count because it’s not part of the season-ticket package, having 48 hours to get it right (sold out).
“I would say that would be making an excuse. The game goes on sale to the public at noon tomorrow (donors have been sent emails). Ticket prices will be $25, $20, $15. It’ll be the least expensive ticket for fans to come watch us play probably since the mid ‘90s, early ‘90s, certainly the least expensive since I’ve been here.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for those who maybe haven’t had the opportunity to come watch us in person to come watch us. There could be crappy weather. It will be cold. That’s just another excuse, too.
“The best fans in America (have) got to deliver when they’re called. This is something I think our fans would expect us to play well on Saturday regardless if it’s cold or not or regardless if its a cancellation (game). We expect our fans to purchase and we expect them to be here.”
It should be noted that Self spoke with confidence, saying, “I expect a sellout on Saturday.”
He indicated it should be exciting to face an Atlantic 10 Conference team coached by former Missouri Tigers player Kim English.
English, 33, played at MU from 2009-12. He was hired as the head coach at George Mason on March 23.
“I’m excited for Kim English to come here,” Self said. “I was excited for Steve (Alford, Nevada coach) to come here tonight. Steve had never been in the building. He thought it was so cool.
“Talking to him at shootaround, he thought it was perfect. No coach probably respects history any more than Steve, with his background, where he grew up and where he played (Indiana).
“I’m sure Kim will have his guys juiced and jacked and ready to go in large part because it means something extra to him. Even though he coaches George Mason, he’s a Tiger playing Kansas. That should make it more fun also. He was a great Tiger. He’s done a heck of a job his first year at George Mason (beating Georgia and Maryland).”
Self believes his No. 6-ranked team is worth the price of admission.
“I’m kind of excited about our team, not that I think we are great, not that I am giddy or anything. I do think they are fun to watch,” he said.
Self’s high-scoring squad is led by Ochai Agbaji (16 points vs. Nevada) and Christian Braun (22 points).
“I enjoy watching them play a lot of times because for the most part they are unselfish,” Self said. “They can make athletic plays. There’s a way you play the game … even though we don’t play it the way I want them to all the time, by any stretch, we show flashes more and more. I think as the season goes on of playing that way, hopefully our fans can enjoy it. That means enjoying it every game. I expect a sellout on Saturday.”
Self concluded with this.
“This can be a fun team,” he said. “They can play above the rim. They shoot the threes pretty well. They share the ball, are unselfish for the most part. More personality than we have had in years, maybe a little too much.
“I would much rather have to corral than encourage something. We can have some fun with these guys. We need to enjoy these guys every opportunity.”
For specific information about how to buy tickets, visit KU’s athletic department website.
This story was originally published December 30, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "KU’s Bill Self seeks Saturday sellout, continuation of streak vs. Kim English’s team."
