KU men’s basketball coach Bill Self chatted with KUsports.com readers for 20 minutes Tuesday, discussing Friday’s opening game against Tennessee-Chattanooga, zone defense and the national respect KU receives.

Moderator: We will begin our chat with coach Self in just a few moments. We’d like to thank both coach and our readers for their time this afternoon.

Tom: Will you incorporate zones with man-to-man defense, and will you use any type of full-court pressure?

Coach Self: I believe that we’ll play a little zone this year, and I don’t anticipate us playing a lot early because we haven’t had time to work on it. We will utilize some various full-court pressure, whether it be man or a zone press, but probably not as much early as you’ll see late.

Richard: Who will be your starting five?

Coach Self: I can’t tell you who will start on Friday, but I can say five of the players will come from the seven of Wayne Simien, Jeff Graves, David Padgett, Aaron Miles, Keith Langford, Jeff Hawkins and Michael Lee. That’s what we’re toward right now.

Michael: How do you emphasize conditioning in practice? It seemed that Kansas during the past three years had one of the best conditioned teams, which could outrun nearly any opponent.

Coach Self: I think one reason Kansas has been so well-conditioned that they played so fast. We try to do some of the same things, but we like to work on conditioning with the ball, but we have done some things lately after practice to try to push our guys to get in better running condition than we were maybe 10 days ago, but I really feel like we’ll be in a team that will be in really good condition and be even better as we go on.

Kevin: On ESPN.com no one picked KU to win it all this year. Do you feel that the program is not getting enough respect in general coming off a 2nd place finish?

Coach Self: I’m not familiar with what ESPN.com said or who the votes were coming from, but I think KU is getting an awfully large amount of respect since both polls have us in the top six after losing two lottery picks. I think that the program’s reputation has garnered more respect than many would even after losing two players after a runner-up finish.

Mike: I am glad to hear about the focus on defensive intensity. Just wondering, though, will the team still run off of “made baskets?”

Coach Self: I think this team is most comfortable playing in the open court and playing fast. Sure we’ll run off of made baskets, I just don’t want there to be too many opportunities to do that.

Kevin: Hi Coach! Do you fear teams will play zone against you? Will the Hi-Low offense be successful against say a 2-3?

Coach Self: The way we run offense, and fans haven’t really had a chance to see it and we haven’t shown it yet, I believe against any zone the majority of coaches will try to attack it in the high and low posts areas, but that’s not our offense. To have success against a zone you have to keep the high and low posts filled. Though it’s not the same offense, those are principles will use to attack the zone.

Mark: How has the reception from other Big 12 coaches been?

Coach Self: When you get into competition, I think the reception from the other coaches has been fine, but no other league coach is going around worried about making Bill Self comfortable. That’s not the way it works in this business. I’m looking forward to playing everybody.

Kathy: Where would you say the team is now in comparison to where they were prior to the first and second exhibition games?

Coach Self: We’re a lot further along, we’re a lot more comfortable, we’re thinking less and reacting more because through repetition things are becoming more natural. We’re not where we need to be, but I think we’ve made great progress and great improvement over the past couple weeks.

Oklahoma Jayhawk: With all the time you have to spend coaching, recruiting, and running the KU basketball office, how do you find time to relax and spend time with your family?

Coach Self: I don’t spend as much time, as most spouses or parents, I don’t spend as much time as I should, but I can’t blame that on the job. Sometimes we get so carried up with our work, that sometimes we don’t spend as much time as home as we should. But basketball has sometimes allowed us some opportunities to spend more time together. I think my family understands, and if I were home more often I think my wife wouldn’t like it. I’m not great at spending the time that I need to, but I’m far better than I used to be in that regard.

Mark: What do you think of the changes being made to the future seating policy in Allen Fieldhouse?

Coach Self: I don’t understand, personally, all the changes that are taking place, but I have great confidence in our leadership and believe that there are some things that have to be done in order to give us the best chance to compete, not only in basketball but in all sports. One thing we have to do is generate revenue, but it is not intended to be done to people who have been very supportive of and loyal to the university, but policies have to be put in place to generate as much money as possible and also to take into consideration the generosity of fans over time.

Jayfan: What has been the biggest surprise to you since you’ve been here?

Coach Self: I don’t know if there have been a ton of surprises because I feel like I came here with my eyes open. But the one thing that continues to amaze me is the passion and interest level of our fans.

Andy: When might we see the red uniforms?

Coach Self: We don’t even have them yet. Nike hasn’t gotten them to us yet, and I’m not sure when we’ll use them, but when we do it will probably be a surprise. A lot of places are doing this and we definitely have three different school colors and we will use the red on various occasions, but don’t expect us to wear the red very often. I’m a pretty superstitious guy, so don’t expect that to be a common occurrence. That’s something that will be done a couple times a year, probably.

Moderator: Coach Self has time for one or two more questions. We’d again like to thank him and our readers for their time.

Andy: How excited, nervous are you to start the season Friday night?

Coach Self: I’m both. I’m not nervous in the sense that the job or wanting to get off to a great start. I’m nervous because I don’t know what to expect. When you’ve had guys before and you’ve been able to coach them, you pretty much know what strengths and weaknesses are. I’m kind of nervous and excited to see how we react. I thought the exhibition games had mixed reviews — some parts good, some parts not so good. Obviously, I’m very excited to get it going. Every coach this time of year wishes he had one more week, so we’re all operating under the same umbrella. I certainly feel much more comfortable now about playing than maybe two weeks ago.

Andy: How is it having an office on Naismith Drive?

Coach Self: it’s great. It’s humbling. Every time I walk into the office I have to walk past Dr. Naismith, Dr. Allen, Dick Harp, coach Owens, coach Brown and coach Williams. Those photos are on the hallway to my office. It’s been great. Certainly having a chance to practice in Allen every day and drive down Naismith every day is great and something I don’t take for granted and hope I never do.

Moderator: Again, thanks to both coach Self and our readers. Keep logged on for complete coverage of the Jayhawks and future chats with coaches and players.