KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Jayhawks have the longest active streak of NCAA Tournament appearances at 30. But this year may be a little different. The team could be flying under the radar — at least according to head coach Bill Self
KU is a No. 4 seed entering the 2019 tournament, which is unfamiliar for the Jayhawks. The team has not been seeded that low since 2006. That year, the Jayhawks lost to No. 13 seed Bradley in the first round.
After arriving in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Self said he didn't know if not being a No. 1 seed was an advantage or disadvantage, but not being a top-seeded team comes with fewer distractions.
"When you are a one seed you are thrown into the national spotlight immediately," Self said. "After the selection show, everyone wants to talk to you. Being where we are at now, there haven't been very many requests like that, so I think our guys are flying under the radar."
While flying under the radar could be an advantage, Self said he does not fully like the situation.
"I kind of like it, but if I say I really like it I would probably be lying to an extent, because than that means I'm okay with not being a one or a two seed," Self said.
The Jayhawks will play the No. 13 seed Northeastern Huskies (23-10) at 3 p.m. Thursday on TNT.
Here's a look at where Kansas has been seeded for the last 14 years:
2019: 4 seed
2018: 1 seed
2017: 1 seed
2016: 1 seed
2015: 2 seed
2014: 2 seed
2013: 1 seed
2012: 2 seed
2011: 1 seed
2010: 1 seed
2009: 3 seed
2008: 1 seed
2007: 1 seed
2006: 4 seed
