Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang had just wrapped up a gritty 81-78 win over Utah on Tuesday night, but before he left Bramlage Coliseum, his thoughts shifted from the hardwood to a familiar face on the other sideline. With the Sunflower Showdown looming this weekend, Tang took a moment to send heartfelt wishes to Kansas head coach Bill Self, who was hospitalized earlier this week and missed the Jayhawks’ road game against Colorado.
“My prayers go out to Coach Self, who’s not with the team today,” Tang said. “I just pray that he is doing well and healthy and gets back on the sideline. College basketball is better with Bill Self involved.”
That’s not just coach-speak. In a rivalry as intense and historic as K-State vs.
Kansas, the presence of a figure like Self adds weight to the matchup. The Wildcats and Jayhawks are set to clash Saturday night in Manhattan, and while fans on both sides are gearing up for the usual fireworks, Tang made it clear: he wants Self back, not just for the rivalry, but for the game itself.
As of now, it’s still uncertain whether Self will be available for Saturday’s showdown. In the meantime, former Jayhawk standout Jacque Vaughn stepped in as acting head coach during Kansas’ victory in Boulder. Vaughn, who has spent time in both NBA coaching circles and now on Self’s staff, leaned on a deep bench of assistants-Jeremy Case, Kurtis Townsend, Joe Dooley, and Tony Bland-to guide the team.
Self did provide a brief update on Tuesday, expressing gratitude and optimism.
“I’m feeling much better and I want to thank the well-wishers and the great team at LMH Health,” he said in a statement. “I’ll be sitting out tonight’s game, and as I’ve said before, we have an elite coaching staff at KU, and I know our players are in good hands in Boulder.”
That KU staff has long been one of the most respected in college hoops, and it showed in their ability to keep things rolling on the road. But make no mistake-Kansas is at its best with Self on the bench. His presence, his in-game adjustments, and his leadership are woven into the Jayhawks’ identity.
Saturday’s matchup already had plenty riding on it, but now it carries an extra layer of uncertainty. Will Self be back for the rivalry game?
That remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the respect between these two programs runs deeper than the scoreboard, and Tang’s words were a reminder that, even in the heat of competition, the game is still about the people who make it special.