We are going to be needing everybody in the Kansas for the off-season overhaul – says coach BILL SELF
Kansas Coach Bill Self Calls for “Everybody” in Off-Season Overhaul
Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self has made it clear that the upcoming off-season will be one of significant transformation for the Jayhawks, as the program prepares for a major overhaul. In a recent interview, Self emphasized the importance of collective effort as he and his staff look to reshape the team and address areas of improvement before the start of the next season. With high expectations and the pressure of maintaining Kansas’ position as a powerhouse in college basketball, Self is calling on his entire roster, coaching staff, and support personnel to contribute to the off-season effort.
“We’re going to need everybody,” Self said, acknowledging the importance of not just the players, but everyone involved in the program, as the Jayhawks look to make necessary adjustments following the conclusion of the current season. Self’s statement comes after a campaign that, while successful, had moments of inconsistency and left room for growth. For a program as successful as Kansas, expectations are always high, and the off-season is critical for returning to championship contention.
One of the key areas Self highlighted in his comments was the need for improvement in player development and chemistry. After another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Kansas will lose several key players to graduation and the NBA Draft. Self knows that it’s crucial to not only recruit top talent but also to refine the skills of returning players and develop cohesion among the team. “We’ve got some young talent coming in, but the guys who are returning need to take that next step,” Self explained. “We need everyone to commit to getting better, whether it’s on the court or off it. We can’t afford to stand still.”
Self’s emphasis on improvement comes with a recognition of the ever-evolving nature of college basketball, especially in light of recent changes such as the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. The landscape of college athletics has shifted, meaning that Self and his staff will need to be more strategic than ever in building a cohesive unit. The impact of these changes is already being felt across the country, and Self acknowledged that Kansas must adapt accordingly to maintain its competitive edge.
“We’re not just going to rely on recruiting to fill spots,” Self said. “We’ve got to develop our players, make sure our culture is strong, and make the most of the talent we have. There are a lot of changes coming, and we need to be ready for them.” This includes utilizing the transfer portal wisely, balancing the influx of new players with the development of the core group, and ensuring the team remains competitive in both the Big 12 and on the national stage.
Self also pointed to the importance of off-court preparation. As Kansas looks to strengthen its roster, the mental and physical conditioning of the players will be a top priority during the off-season. This overhaul, according to Self, is about more than just the Xs and Os; it’s about building a resilient, focused, and well-rounded team that can handle the rigors of a demanding season.
“We’ve got to be better, stronger, and smarter,” Self stated. “This isn’t just about adding new talent. It’s about making sure every single person in this program is pulling in the same direction, and that starts with the work we do in the off-season. We have a lot of work to do, but I’m confident we’ll come back stronger and ready to compete for championships again.”
As Kansas basketball enters the off-season, Self’s commitment to ensuring the program continues to evolve is clear. With the right combination of player development, strategic additions, and a unified team effort, the Jayhawks are determined to maintain their place as one of college basketball’s elite programs. For fans and supporters of the team, it’s clear that the work done in the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future success of Kansas basketball.
