The Kansas Jayhawks and Bill Self have won the national championship, completing a record-breaking comeback in the process.
Self was rightly emotional after the game, as he and his family have been through a lot this year. The veteran coach lost his father just a few months ago, and he’s been open about dealing with grief throughout this tournament run.
In the moments after winning the national championship, thus completing a memorable comeback in the process, Self could only think of two things — his student-athletes, of course, and his father.
“It’s great for the kids. It’s especially special for my family this year, because we lost our father two months ago. We had a lot to play for,” Self said.
Bill Self's father passed away a few months ago.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 5, 2022
His life motto: "Don't worry about the mules, just load the wagon."
No mantra better encapsulates Kansas' mindset during the second half.
Kansas basketball: Bill Self emotional after defeating UNC
Self spoke about the comeback itself, stating that the team had a renewed approach. While they could’ve been disappointed at facing a 15-point deficit despite making an early impact via a quick 7-0 run to start the game, Self instead framed his speech a different way.
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK! SHOP KANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP GEAR TODAY.
“I told them at halftime, would you rather be down 15 with 20 left or down 9 with 2 left?” Self stated after the game.
Whatever he said, worked. And the Jayhawks are national champions as a result.
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