As the University of Kansas students gathered at Allen Fieldhouse on a Sunday morning, the anticipation was palpable. They were there for a lottery drawing to determine their seating order for the highly anticipated matchup between No.
8 Kansas and No. 2 Houston.
But before the proceedings could begin, they were treated to a surprise visit from none other than Kansas coach Bill Self.
Self, known for his candid and motivational approach, took the opportunity to address the students, acknowledging the sting of their recent home loss to Cincinnati. He offered his apologies and emphasized the importance of their support for the upcoming game against Houston.
In a moment captured by several students and campus groups, Self shared some wisdom, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of both sports and life. "We got beat, but you know what - isn’t that kind of life sometimes? It just doesn’t go as scripted," he remarked, drawing a parallel between the challenges on the court and those in everyday life.
One fan account on social media highlighted Self's encouragement for the students to savor their college years, urging them to take life "in slo mo." However, he emphasized that when it came to Monday night’s game, it was time to "put that sucker in overdrive."
The Jayhawks, boasting a 20-7 overall record and 10-4 in the Big 12, are set to face a formidable opponent in Houston, who stands at 23-4 and 11-3 in the conference. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with Kansas looking to avoid back-to-back home losses, a rarity since the 1988-89 season.
The game will tip off at 8 p.m. on Monday night, broadcasted on ESPN, and promises to be an electric atmosphere fueled by the passionate support of the Kansas faithful.