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Here are the first words from Bill Self and new assistant coach Tony Bland about Bland's recent hiring

What did Self and Bland have to say?
ByConnor Mardian|
Mar 19, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self speaks to the media during a press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self speaks to the media during a press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Yesterday, ESPN's Pete Thamel announced that Kansas was in the process of hiring new assistant coach Tony Bland.

Word on the hiring spread like wildfire, yet no official word was made until minutes ago, from Kansas Athletics.

The website reads quotes from both head coach Bill Self and Bland himself.

"Tony is a very, very talented young coach, who is a proven winner," Self said. "He was a very good player at Syracuse and at San Diego State and he played a big role in the success at San Diego State and USC as an assistant coach. I believe in him wholeheartedly, and our basketball program just got better with his addition."

"I'm beyond blessed to join the Kansas Jayhawks and work alongside coach Self," Bland said. "He is one of the greatest to ever do it, and his belief in me means everything. I'm excited to learn from him and work with the entire coaching staff." "Kansas has the best fans in college basketball, and I can't wait to pour my heart into this program and the Lawrence community, while working hard to keep Kansas Basketball at the top of the sport."

Bland was an assistant coach last season at the University of Washington, when the Huskies took on the Big 10 and finished with a sub.500 13-18 record. Before the Huskies, Bland was an assistant at USC under Andy Enfield, where the Trojans turned around their program. With Bland, USC turned into a squad with 20+ wins twice before Bland was fired in 2018.

Prior to USC, Bland spent time at San Diego State as an assistant, where the Aztecs marked two NCAA Tournament appearances with Bland on the staff.

This is a Kansas team that has gone through a number of changes as of late. The Jayhawks are seeing changes in the coaching staff with former assistant Chase Bufordlooking to the NBA and the Denver Nuggets.

The Jayhawks haven't only seen departures, new assistant coach Jacque Vaughn was hired in late May, signing big changes for the Kansas basketball program. Vaughn spent six seasons in the coaching ranks of the NBA, along with nine years as an assistant.

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