Bill Self is no stranger to big moments or big-time players. Over two decades in Lawrence, he’s built a Hall of Fame résumé-multiple national titles, a conveyor belt of NBA talent, and a program that’s been a fixture in the college basketball elite.
But what he’s doing this season? It might not be his flashiest work, but it’s quietly becoming one of the most impressive coaching jobs of his career.
The Jayhawks just knocked off No. 1-ranked Arizona in a heavyweight showdown, and they did it without their biggest star down the stretch. Darryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, was sidelined late in the game with flu-like symptoms.
For most teams, losing a player of that caliber in a game of that magnitude would be a gut punch. For Self, it was just another challenge to navigate-and he did it with a five-minute locker room speech that clearly hit home.
What makes this season so unique for Self is that he’s essentially coaching two different teams: one with Peterson in the lineup, and one without. And here’s the kicker-they’ve played more games without him.
Back in November, when Peterson missed an extended stretch, it forced Kansas to find new answers. That’s where Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga stepped up-and stepped up big.
Council, a transfer in his first season with the Jayhawks, has blossomed into a go-to scorer. Against Arizona, he poured in 23 points on 25 shot attempts, showing the kind of aggressive mindset you want from your lead guard when the lights are brightest.
Then there’s Bidunga. The sophomore big man didn’t play major minutes last year, but he’s become a defensive anchor this season.
His six blocks against Arizona weren’t just eye-popping-they were game-changing. He’s turned into one of the most intimidating rim protectors in the country, and his presence in the paint has allowed Kansas to stay elite defensively, even when their offensive firepower is limited.
What’s remarkable is how seamlessly Self has adjusted his game plan depending on who’s available. With Peterson, Kansas can push the tempo, space the floor, and let one of the most gifted young guards in the country go to work.
Without him, they grind it out, lean on their defense, and trust Council and Bidunga to carry the load. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective-and it’s a testament to Self’s adaptability.
CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein put it well: “I think you have to say this is one of the best coaching jobs that Bill Self has ever done.” And it’s hard to argue. Self has taken a team that’s had to reinvent itself multiple times already this season and kept them not just afloat, but thriving.
This isn’t a Kansas team riding one superstar to wins. This is a group that’s learning how to win in different ways, with different lineups, and different leaders on different nights. And that all starts with the guy on the sideline.
Bill Self has coached plenty of great teams. But this year, he’s showing he can coach through adversity just as well as he can coach through dominance. Whether or not it ends with another banner in Allen Fieldhouse, this season is already a masterclass in coaching versatility.