Ranking Bill Self’s best coaching jobs during 11-year Big 12 title run: No. 4
photo by: Nick Krug
Kansas teammates Sherron Collins, front, and Cole Aldrich are all smiles leaving the court following the Jayhawks' win over Missouri Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Allen Fieldhouse.
4. 2008-09: Five players from the NCAA title team were drafted and starter Russell Robinson graduated, leaving coach Bill Self with a gigantic rebuilding project. More like reloading. Sherron Collins took charge, led the team in scoring (18.9) and relied heavily on center Cole Aldrich (14.9). But it wasn’t going to work unless two freshmen could prove themselves ready for prime time. Tyshawn Taylor and Marcus Morris answered the call. Somewhat remarkably, Kansas turned an entirely new starting lineup into a 14-2 Big 12 record and came close to avenging an early season loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16. The Spartans took charge late and won, 67-62, but nobody could say anything but that Kansas overachieved.
Big 12 standings:
Kansas 14-2
Oklahoma 13-3
Missouri 12-4
Kansas State 9-7
Texas 9-7
Texas A&M 9-7
Oklahoma State 9-7
Nebraska 8-8
Baylor 5-11
Iowa State 4-12
Texas Tech 3-13
Colorado 1-15
Check back at 4:15 p.m. for No. 3