After Kansas slid past North Carolina 92-89 in its first true test of the season, Bill Self found himself tied with the legendary Phog Allen for KU basketball program wins at 590 each. The Jayhawks then faced off with and outlasted the Michigan State Spartans in the Champions Classic 77-69 to pass Allen, securing his 591st win.
As many KU fans know, in Self’s tenure there have been beautiful dominant wins, ugly underperforming wins, and everything in between, but Self does not take any win for granted. He also has the utmost respect for Allen and his accomplishments, stating after Tuesday night’s win that “Phog Allen is still the best coach to ever coach at Kansas.”
Despite the humbleness, the entirety of Jayhawks nation knows that Self is one of a kind and has led Kansas to greatness over the last two decades:
Built by many, led by one. pic.twitter.com/88StSDHmjh
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) November 13, 2024
Self recorded his first win in Kansas history back in November of 2003 in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks defeated Chattanooga 90-76 led by Wayne Simien and the then 40-year-old Self. The now 61-year-old head coach carries a 591-143 (80.5%) record compared to Allen’s 590-219 (72.9%) record.
What insane records does Bill Self have to go along with his 591 wins?
Self currently carries a 316-18 record at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence and a 122-68 record against top-25 ranked teams. Additionally, he holds a stupendous 50-26 record against top-10 ranked teams in his coaching tenure at Kansas.
The crimson and blue coach has a 28-12 combined record against blue bloods Duke, North Carolina, UConn, and UCLA. Self is a 6-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and 3-time National Coach of the Year. He has nine conference tournament championships, 20 regular season conference championships, four Final Fours, and of course, a pair of National Championships.
Coach Self will easily hit the 600-win mark later this season and should finish the year with around 625-630 wins (playing it safe). Additionally, he looks to still be sticking around Lawrence for the foreseeable future. Kansas basketball is certainly happy to have Self around to “Load the Wagon” for as long as he wants to continue coaching.
The Jayhawks will look to help Self add his 592nd win on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Allen Fieldhouse against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.