Self happy for Heels
Former University of Illinois basketball coach Bill Self wanted his former Illini players to win the national championship Monday night.
They came close, erasing a 15-point deficit to tie before falling to North Carolina, 75-70.
“I wanted Illinois to win, no question, but I’m certainly happy for the folks at Carolina,” Self told the Journal-World minutes after the final horn.
“I am absolutely proud of those guys, to see how hard they played. They came back and had the game tied with two minutes left. They played their hearts out.”
Self praised former KU coach Roy Williams, who had been called the best coach in America not to win a national title.
“I don’t think they should say ‘monkey off his back’ when he’s been there five times (to Final Four) like he has,” Self said. “That’s unfair, like saying Phil Mickelson had not won a major (until doing that last year). He’s been right there.
“North Carolina is very impressive. I believe Carolina is one of the best teams from a talent standpoint when they play well as any team in recent memory.”
The final will be remembered as a great one, Self said.
“I thought it was a fabulous game. North Carolina was unbelievable the first half and Illinois the second,” Self said. “Both teams played great.”
6Sports video: Jayhawks fans focus on UNC coach during game
Roy in blue heaven