KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas men's basketball head coach Bill Self will miss the remainder of the Big 12 Tournament, the university announced Thursday afternoon.
KU initially announced Thursday morning that Self had been hospitalized at the University of Kansas Health System due to illness.
Self released a statement saying he was grateful for the well wishes he has gained and is excited to return to the team.
“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."
He was ruled out for the team's game against West Virginia in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the KU Health System, provided an update on Self's condition via a statement.
Stites clarified that Self didn't suffer from a heart attack, despite reports that circulated among media.
“KU Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self is a patient at The University of Kansas Health System," Stites 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."
It's unclear if the illness will impact Self's ability to coach in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, slated to begin next week.
KU is projected as a No.1 seed in the tournament.
In Self's absence, assistant coach Norm Roberts is serving as the acting head coach. Roberts is 5-0 in that role this season.
Earlier Thursday afternoon, sources confirmed to KSHB 41 sports director Mick Shaffer first reported Self would miss the rest of the tournament.
—
