Coach Self encourages Kansas fans to pledge money to fight cancer, based on KU’s on-court success

While it’s illegal (wink, wink) to bet on the Jayhawks to win the national title in an office pool, it’s not illegal to put your money behind the team for a great cause.

Coach Bill Self encourages fans to make a pledge for each 3-point basket the team makes during the Big Dance. The money goes to the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer program.

For the first time, the 3-Point Attack is being offered online — only to Kansas University fans.

“Coach Self was very, very generous in agreeing to be our guinea pig,” said Michelle Kincaid, of the American Cancer Society. “It’s a pilot program, and we are hoping to launch it for the full season next year with KU and any other school that wants to jump on board.”

So far, 44 people have signed up. Six people donated a total of $160. Thirty-eight people have pledged an average $1.18 per 3-point shot, and a total of $44.75 per shot. The Jayhawks average seven 3-point shots per game.

To get in the game:

• Visit ku.3pointattack.org.

• Join by selecting, “Join the Team” below Self’s picture.

• To see how the overall program is doing, select “Tourney Stats and Team Roster.”

You can bet the American Cancer Society has KU as the winner in its bracket.