Ranking Bill Self’s best coaching jobs during 11-year Big 12 title run: No. 10
Kansas guard Sherron Collins kisses the Big 12 championship trophy after the Jayhawks' win over Oklahoma, Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 at Allen Fieldhouse. In back is Kansas forward Marcus Morris.
10. 2009-10: Freshman Xavier Henry joined a team already returning Sherron Collins, Tyshawn Taylor, Cole Aldrich and Marcus Morris and big things were expected. The Jayhawks delivered, going 15-1 in Big 12 play, losing only at Oklahoma State on Feb. 27. They also knocked off Kansas State in the Big 12 title game, but were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in the second round by Northern Iowa, 69-67. The Panthers had survived UNLV, but not without struggling mightily against the Running Rebels’ full-court pressure. UNLV was a pressing time and Kansas was not. Still, given the quickness advantage, I predicted a blowout based on my belief Kansas would step out of character and apply full-court pressure after seeing how poorly Northern Iowa handled it. By the time Kansas went to the press in the second half, it was too late. It worked, but was too little too late.
Big 12 standings:
Kansas 15-1
Kansas State 11-5
Baylor 11-5
Texas A&M 11-5
Missouri 10-6
Texas 9-7
Oklahoma State 9-7
Colorado 6-10
Texas Tech 4-12
Oklahoma 4-12
Iowa State 4-12
Nebraska 2-14
Check back at 2:45 for No. 9.