Bill Self ‘did not suffer a heart attack,’ KU says, but will miss Big 12 Tournament
KU basketball coach Bill Self, who missed Thursday’s game against West Virginia (a 78-61 KU win) after being admitted to the University of Kansas Health System, will not return for the rest of the Big 12 Tournament, KU Athletics announced Thursday afternoon.
In the latest update, the KU Athletics announcement clarified — and perhaps dispelled some internet rumors by noting — Self “did not suffer a heart attack.”
“KU men’s basketball coach Bill Self is a patient at the University of Kansas Health System. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Stites wants to clarify that Coach Self did not suffer a heart attack, as reported by some media,” the University of Kansas Health System said in a statement. “He arrived at the emergency department last night and underwent a standard procedure that went well. He is expected to make a full recovery.”
The University of Kansas Health System said there wouldn’t be any further medical details released for the time being.
KU coach Bill Self also gave a statement in the KU Athletics release.
“I am very grateful for the overwhelming number of well wishes my family and I have received,” Self said. “I’m excited to get back with my team in the very near future.”
The Star was told by a source close to the program that indeed Self was “feeling well” on Thursday morning. The Star was told KU’s 20th-year coach would undergo medical tests on Thursday while resting. When contacted, several sources declined to comment on the exact nature of Self’s medical issue.
Prior to Thursday’s events, Self was with the team at T-Mobile Center for the Jayhawks’ practice session on Wednesday. He also spoke to media after the shootaround for about 15 minutes.
Norm Roberts, who filled in to coach KU earlier this season when Self served a program-imposed four-game suspension, is serving as KU’s acting head coach.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Bill Self ‘did not suffer a heart attack,’ KU says, but will miss Big 12 Tournament."
