Self wouldn't rule out coaching in NBA
Kansas coach Bill Self told the Oklahoman on Monday night that while he is happy with the Jayhawks, he would not rule out coaching in the NBA if the opportunity came.
"It hasn't really tempted me because I haven't had that many people talk to me about it," Self said during ceremonies in which he was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. "But at some point and time, sure, I think it would.
Kansas extended Self's contract through the 2021-22 season last September that pays him $3.86 million per year. However, he does not have a buyout-penalty clause, so he could take an NBA job without facing any financial repercussions.
"I'm not saying I never would (take an NBA job), but I'm locked in," Self said.
Self has won 84 percent of his games in 10 years at Kansas, including the 2008 NCAA title. The Jayhawks have won nine Big 12 championships under Self and were national runners-up last year.
"The biggest thing is you will never be happy as a coach unless you know you can attract good players," Self said. "I'm fortunate to coach at a place where the product is so good we're always going to get, at least I hope so, some pretty good players.
"I love it at Kansas, and they love basketball there. I've been very fortunate to coach at such a tradition-rich place."
Still, Self admitted the chance to work with NBA players would be a fun challenge.
"It would be great to be able to match wits with the best athletes in the world, but I'm certainly happy where I'm at," he said.
