A three-day Easter weekend out of town did wonders for Bill Self’s frame of mind.

“I feel better after getting away, the four of us (Self, wife Cindy, children Lauren and Tyler) getting some family time. It had been four or five months since we’d been able to do that,” a refreshed Self said Monday, the memory of Kansas University’s 64-63 first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Bucknell ever present, but starting to fade just a bit from his mind.

Listening between the lines, it sounded as if Self’s vacation spot might have included some fun in the sun. KU’s second-year coach, however, wouldn’t reveal the locale, his only hint that he didn’t bring his golf clubs.

“We relaxed and laid around,” Self said, adding with a smile, “We may have gone to Oklahoma City. We may have gone to Paris. It couldn’t have been too far, because we’re back already.”

Though the trip was all about family, basketball crept into the coach’s psyche a bit, too.

“There was time for me personally to reflect on what we can maybe do different and better. At the same time, I think so many times you can push the panic button the way our season ended, and we will not do that,” Self said.

“Our season ended poorly. (Yet) this team was 20-1 at a time, playing some guys that last year didn’t look to be in the mix as much. We weren’t as consistent (but) we shouldn’t apologize for having a (Big 12) trophy in our office even though the way it ended, we couldn’t feel much worse.”

Self didn’t watch much of the NCAA Tournament on vacation, but he did catch Illinois’ 90-89 double-overtime victory over Arizona on Saturday.

Self’s former Illini players erased a 15-point deficit in the final four minutes, four seconds.

“Oh gosh, what a game against Arizona. It’s the best comeback I’ve ever seen in a high-pressure game,” said Self. “I am biased on this. I want them to win it.”

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He still can’t quite figure out how Illinois won Saturday’s regional final in Chicago.

“It was one good possession from being over in the last three minutes,” Self said. “Illinois never allowed Arizona to have that good possession.”

Self on Thursday heads to St. Louis for five or six coach’s meetings. He’ll make sure to shake hands with Illini fans in town.

“Certainly, we are still all very disappointed how our season ended,” Self said. “If there is a bright spot personally, I am happy with the success our former players have had. Our focus has, and will always be, on where we are (now).”

• Miles in all-star game: KU point guard Aaron Miles will play for the NABC all-stars in an exhibition against the Harlem Globetrotters at 8:30 p.m. Friday at St. Louis’ Savvis Center. Keith Langford, who still is recovering from a bruised left foot, and Wayne Simien, who need not risk injury with the draft approaching, are not slated to play in the game.

No Jayhawks are entered in Thursday’s ESPN Slam Dunk and three-point contests. Miles and Langford have been invited to participate in next week’s Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational for NBA scouts. Only Miles is expected to attend; Langford is making sure he’s healthy for one-on-one individual workouts with teams.

• Agents chosen: Simien, who is expected to be a first-round NBA draft pick, has chosen Leigh Steinberg as his agent. Steinberg, who is based in Los Angeles, has negotiated more than $2 billion in contracts since 1992. Langford, a possible second rounder, has chosen the McNeil Group of Houston to represent him. Miles has yet to tap an agent.
• Hard at work: The returning Jayhawks already are lifting weights in preparation for next season.

“All the players are working out today,” Self said. “We’re in the weight room now and will do some testing and get busy with the ball (in NCAA allotted individual workouts in offseason).”

• Matt’s boys: Former KU assistant Matt Doherty recruited the players who have carried Roy Williams’ North Carolina Tar Heels to the Final Four.

He signed Raymond Felton, Sean May and Rashad McCants. The only regular player not recruited by Doherty is Marvin Williams.

“My staff and I take great pride in what they’ve accomplished,” Doherty told Newsday. “We put this group together with the vision of winning a championship.”

Doherty, who has done some TV analyst work and NBA scouting since leaving UNC, told the New York paper he’s frustrated to not coach the Heels.

“I feel like Bill Parcells. I was good enough to buy the groceries and cook the meal, but I didn’t get to eat the meal,” he said.