Kansas basketball: 5 most painful NCAA Tournament losses in Bill Self era

2. 2010, Round of 32, Northern Iowa (9 seed)

Ali Farokhmanesh. That name brings back some depressing memories for Kansas fans.

Eight players on this squad were eventually NBA players at one point. It was one of the most stacked rosters we’ve ever seen Bill Self assemble. The team consisted of senior year Sherron Collins, Xavier Henry, the Morris brothers, and Cole Aldrich. They were an outstanding 32-2 in the regular season, and it seemed like no one could stop them going into March.

It was the most shocking loss up to date for Bill Self. Northern Iowa was an adequate team, but they had no business even being competitive in a game with Kansas. The Jayhawks were an overwhelming favorite to capture the national championship.

Even after beating Memphis two years prior, this game had fans questioning Self’s coaching, and for good reason. He has redeemed himself in the past, but these were dark times for Kansas. This team, unquestionably, was the best in the country. Bill Self was outcoached in this contest, fair and square.

An argument can be made that this should be the top spot on this list. Although it makes a solid case, it was only in the Round of 32. The No. 1 occurred one year after KU’s loss to UNI, and it was the most devastating loss a Bill Self team has ever had.