KU coach Bill Self teleconference
Kansas coach Bill Self discusses the latest regarding the Henry brothers during a teleconference on July 1, 2009.
All was quiet in Bill Self’s temporary basketball office in the northwest corner of Anschutz Pavilion at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the day after he, Danny Manning and Joe Dooley met with members of the Henry family in Oklahoma City.
“It’s not anything terrible we dealt with. The boys are as committed (to attending KU) as they have ever been,” Self, Kansas University’s seventh-year coach, said of Xavier and C.J. Henry, who Tuesday were reportedly considering dumping KU for Kentucky because of ill feelings over a Kansas City newspaper article printed last weekend.
“The reasons they are not here are strictly medical reasons. They don’t have to do with anything else. People should talk themselves off the ledge so to speak if you are a KU fan, because we’re fine, and they’re fine. I do think it’s over. We should not be talking about this again,” Self stated.
“This” is the idea that the Henry brothers might be heading somewhere besides KU to play basketball this season.
“It’s resolved,” Self said. He was referring to the “firestorm” created when the brothers’ dad, Carl Henry, appeared on K.C. 610 radio Tuesday and indicated his boys might be Kentucky-bound because of hurt feelings.
“What happened in their mind was a newspaper article that they felt didn’t portray them in the way they thought they deserved to be portrayed. Because of that article there were numerous posts by supposed fans — they could be whoever on the Internet — that created a stir, where, ‘Hey, this is how people feel about us. Maybe we should think about going somewhere else,’’’ Self said.
“They were disappointed and hurt by what they thought the Kansas people were perceiving their family to be. They work long and hard like all families to develop a certain type work ethic and reputation and thought that was being looked at negatively. We talked about it, got it out in the open.”
Self — who was asked by the family to come to OKC Tuesday — said it was more the Henrys’ parents upset than the future KU players.
“The boys were fine. As a matter of fact, I got down there and they were saying, ‘What are you guys doing here?’ After we all talked about it, we got to a resolution which really didn’t take much ... I think they are fine,” Self said.
Carl Henry on Wednesday apologized to KU fans for letting his anger over the newspaper article get the better of him. He also changed his cell phone number Wednesday and doesn’t plan to give it to media members.
“What happened was a misunderstanding and I jumped the gun,” Carl told Rivals.com. “I don’t like anybody attacking my kids or attacking me or attacking my family. C.J. and Xavier are coming to Kansas as planned.”
As far as the two looking into playing overseas a few weeks ago ... “Somebody had stirred enough interest, ‘You might make this kind of money in Europe.’ As a parent, I’d think about that. I encouraged them to do that,” Self said of looking into it.
“I didn’t think they’d go there. Never did they waver on coming to Kansas.”
Self said the Henry brothers and Carl realize Self will be working the brothers hard.
“I am the coach ... When they signed up to have the boys play for us, they gave them to us to coach,” Self said. “Carl and I have a good relationship. He is well aware at every institution there is one guy in charge and one only. That’s the head coach.”
Comments
CMM 3 years, 10 months ago
Gee, I think Mr. Henry (Carl) likes to see his name in the press. I'm not trying to be critical, but I feel like there's always something in the news involving this family.
I still am not 100% that this circus is over (nor do I think anyone feels 100% confident), but when I see them in Lawrence and attending KU, I will welcome them with open arms into the KU family. Hopefully everything works out just fine and when it's all said and done, all of the crap that's gone on this summer will be long-forgotten.
helter_skelter 3 years, 10 months ago
Carl needs to grow a thicker skin, quick. I was incredibly pumped to hear that the Henrys were going to be coming to KU. Now I, along with quite a few other fans, are starting to think that inviting these two might be a mistake. Not a mistake so much because of the brothers themselves, but more because we'll have to deal with the grand-standing from their father. Carl, if you're reading this, and you're offended because somebody wrote something that hurts your itty-bitty feelings... feel free to recommend your boys go to UK. We'd love to have them here with us at KU, but we really don't need your crybaby ways.
sandrat 3 years, 10 months ago
You would think famous people would realize that you NEVER read the comment section. Trolls in the comment section would smack the crap out of Audrey Hepburn if given the chance... and she was the cutest thing ever.
mom_of_three 3 years, 10 months ago
Oh, come on. A parent is always defensive when it comes to their kids. I know if someone spoke ill about my kid on a blog, I would be a little p'o'ed. Kids are more used to stuff on line than parents are.
But then i know most posters are full of hot air when it comes to being experts in anything.
JayCat_67 3 years, 10 months ago
They should read some of the ridiculous posts after an article about someone dying in a car wreck or being severely injured. That may shed some light on just how assinine some posters can be.
KEITHMILES05 3 years, 10 months ago
So, do I understsand that the boys didn't even know their future coaches were coming to OKC?
Talk about a messed up family, geez. All this drama about having family meetings and talking is total nonsense. It is quite obvious this family has not nor ever intends to communicate.
Finally, Carl will STFU and let his kids live their dream.
Stebbins 3 years, 10 months ago
To the Henry family: Let's put this all behind us and move forward. If it's not already painfully obvious, you're now situated among the most rabid, well-educated basketball fans in the country, who as a collective whole believe that no one person or player stands above the program itself, and who will react aggressively when it appears that a person or player believes himself to be more important than the program. Where the Henry family has chosen to stand, with regard to the program, is hard to judge in this latest string of events. We value teamwork, hard work, and honesty, and frown on anything else. Even if it's only for one year, we will eagerly accept C.J. and Xavier as a PART of the team. Even if they're NBA material a year from now, we will applaud them wildly for 12 months - and praise them with our comments - if they become a PART of the team.
clarkentsman 3 years, 10 months ago
One should also consider the possibility of MU, KSU and other fans who monitor these events and post with the intent to do harm to the University/recruit relationship.
AlfVenison 3 years, 10 months ago
I didn't get a harrumph out of that guy!
jayhawklawrence 3 years, 10 months ago
One thing is guaranteed. They will have a great time, a lot of fun and probably the greatest experience of their life.
All they have to do is put in the effort and listen to Bill and the other coaches.
Its all good.
It might never be this good again.
Graczyk 3 years, 10 months ago
Good post, Stebbins.
phoenixforce 3 years, 10 months ago
Carl, Xavier, CJ,
TEAM me
When you figure this puzzle out, you'll be welcome with open arms in Lawrence.
shadowbox66044 3 years, 10 months ago
Sounds like Carl Henry is seeking some attention. Common behavior of someone who is jealous, and I think he's jealous of his kids. Also, If you can't handle people's comments, don't bother reading them. When you put yourself in the spotlight you better expect to get some criticism. Don't alter the future well being of you children because you didn't like someone's opinion. Also, I have seen so many MU and KSU fans on here and espn.com bad mouthing our player, team, coaches, and school all while pretending to be KU fans. Good Luck and Stay Strong. ROCKCHALK JAYHAWK!
Brock 3 years, 10 months ago
Carl is strange and weird when it comes to protecting his family. Did something happen to them to cause his odd fears?
Did_I_say_that 3 years, 10 months ago
Move over Joe Dooley and Danny Manning; Coach Carl will be assisting this year.
sfjayhawk 3 years, 10 months ago
This is going to be all bad. Why is self doing this? We have a stud team without these guys and they could easily destroy the chemistry.
garagesalemom 3 years, 10 months ago
Let Coach Self do his job; he has brought former teams to success and I expect a fantastic, superb and GREAT RIDE for the upcoming Mens' Jayhawk BB Team that I have no doubt each TEAM MEMBER's "cup will runneth over" and experience fulfillment from the outstanding level of playing they will exhibit!!!!!!!!!! Coach Self can handle any situation professionally and I am thankful he is the head coach at KU!
TopJayhawk 3 years, 10 months ago
Yes, the "Gilchrists" are MU fans. Old tactic on the KC Star blogs. Jealousy runneth over.
mae 3 years, 10 months ago
stebbins, excellent post.
i'm personally not happy with these guys coming in like padgett, but i do have hope that once they are here they will be enveloped by ku and take to the team concept.
you have to wonder about c.j. though.
xavier will go first round regardless of whether he plays well or not this year. he's a one and done so his best money is spent on helping the team to get his national championship rather than showboating.
/beasley
LeBo 3 years, 10 months ago
Since when has KU been a family. The basketball players have their fraternal unit-very strong. And football is developing one. But nothing about KU speaks to family. Where was the family for Lynette Woodard being the WBB coach.
Players play, Coaches coach, Fans finance. And losers talk on chat rooms about sports that they never played. Find something to do during the off season like take a walk at the lake, or stopping by Dairy Queen.
Mr. Self and his staff are more professional than NBA teams. In the words to MJ - just leave them alone.
Le-Bo
BigAl 3 years, 10 months ago
LeBo, I don't know if your jealous or envious. But either way, you have a pretty sour attitude. I have a daughter attending KU right now and she feels part of the "family". Too bad you are missing it.
Did_I_say_that 3 years, 10 months ago
LeBo (Anonymous) says… "...And losers talk on chat rooms about sports that they never played..."
Welcome, home.
jkilgore 3 years, 10 months ago
The Henry family will be welcomed back to KU. All this will be forgotten when Xavier and CJ get it rolling. Self is quickly becoming a legend. These are the dog days of summer which explains why nonstories become stories. 65 days until football!
Orwell 3 years, 10 months ago
Somebody left a hyphen out of the headline.
ralphralph 3 years, 10 months ago
I read the KC Star article, and if Carl got his shorts in a bunch over what was written there, he's just a nut-job. It wasn't a nicey-nicey story like they are probably used to, and will get in the LJ-W, but it wasn't a hatchet job by any means. I thought it was a pretty straight-forward look at what is going on with kids that HAVE To go to college for a year before the NBA, and don't want to go. The fellas here are obviously in that category or they'd be in class right now. That's not an attack on the Henry family, but it raises a real question of what a sham college sports have become when the "student" athletes are anything but real students. These kids will never be real students at KU -- they're just passing through. That's a shame, and I think they might never realize what they've missed by not actually going to college.
jason2007 3 years, 10 months ago
mom_of_three wrote…
"Oh, come on. A parent is always defensive when it comes to their kids. I know if someone spoke ill about my kid on a blog, I would be a little p'o'ed."
You've got to be kidding me. If your kid was an adult and playing on the national stage of a Div I NCAA basketball team, they're fair game for criticism. Sorry to burst your bubble but that's life. It's not like we're talking about 5-year old kids here.
Regarding the Henry brothers, I don't like what Self is allowing to happen at KU for the benefit of possibly winning another championship. The school is above this level of pansies who place themselves on a higher pedestal than everyone else. Just look at the football team for a good example of proper team spirit: When Meier got beat out as starting QB by Reesing, he didn't cry to the media or leave in a huff -- his response was admirable and basically boiled down to "I'll do whatever the team needs me to do." Other players on the FB team are just as selfless. You had a few Deion wannabes who are all about flash (I'm looking at you, Aqib) but nothing that even comes close to the Henry brothers and their anointing.
You'd swear these guys were Obama or something.
dlkrm 3 years, 10 months ago
Orwell-awesome observation. I didn't even realize the hyphen was missing, I read it the way it should have been written.
Rickyonealku 3 years, 10 months ago
I live in Norman, Oklahoma and on news4ok.com sports reported by Bob Barry, Jr. reported that the Henry boys were going to receive a visit from Coach Bill Self.
The report went on to say that the Henry brothers were headed to Kansas???? not sure to Kentucky????? not sure.
Well heck Mr. Henry....I am ready for KANSAS FOOTBALL...
jaywalker 3 years, 10 months ago
I just learned that Carl Henry called jayhawkslant.com and left a message on the site for KU fans. Anyone a member that can relay what he had to say? Very curious.
Did_I_say_that 3 years, 10 months ago
Orwell (Anonymous) says… "Somebody left a hyphen out of the headline." Headline: "Self confident Henrys will attend Kansas"
I'm not sure about that. A hyphen (self-confident) would indicate an adverb describing the Henrys' attitude. Without the hyphen the headline states that (Coach) Self is sure (confident) that the Henrys will play at KU. Ironically, either one could be correct or incorrect.
TheYetiSpeaks 3 years, 10 months ago
Is that a hyphen in my pants or am I just glad to see ya?....Zing!
sustainabilitysister 3 years, 10 months ago
A BIG shout out to the Henry Brothers!!! Rock Chalk Jayhawk Go KU! We're glad you're here! Welcome home!
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