If the race for Bill Self was a tug-of-war contest, as of early this morning it appeared Kansas University was close to knocking Illinois into the center pit.

While Self, Illinois’ men’s basketball coach, hasn’t told any of his confidants of his decision whether to take the KU job, Illinois is nearly conceding it has lost its third-year coach.

At least one source close to Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther said Guenther left a Saturday meeting with Self — his second with the coach in two days — discouraged and “resigned to the fact” Self had made up his mind to leave, with the announcement perhaps to come as soon as today.

Reports notwithstanding — the Chicago Sun-Times today said two sources indicated Self was cleaning out his office Saturday — nobody in or around the Kansas program was ready to say the Jayhawks had wrapped up Self as a replacement for Roy Williams.

“We’re moving as fast as circumstances permit,” KU interim AD Drue Jennings said. “Let me put it this way: I haven’t put too many wrinkles in my pajamas,” Jennings said, indicating he’s not getting much sleep as KU awaits word.

It is known KU chancellor Robert Hemenway spoke with Self early Saturday evening, but did not tell insiders Self had reached a decision to come to KU.

Reports said Self will agree to a five-year deal worth as much as $1.5 million per season. His contract at Illinois pays him a $900,000-per-year base salary with annuities pushing it to $1 million. KU reportedly will have to pay Illinois a $500,000 buyout fee for signing Self.

It is believed no counteroffer was made by Illinois to try to match KU’s offer.

Despite reports out of Illinois that Self was gone barring a last-minute change of heart, a KU official said, “I’m going to church today,” perhaps hinting KU would have no announcement today.

An Illinois player told reporters Self indicated his players definitely would be the first to know. They will return from their Easter break tonight.

Of Guenther, Illinois tennis coach Craig Tiley told the Chicago Tribune, “I don’t think he’s someone who likes surprises. He said to me Thursday night that the toughest part for him has been what he is going through with Bill right now, but that hiring someone to replace him is the easy part. Ron is very confident in his ability to find the right person.”

Illinois returns four starters from a 25-7 team that finished second in the Big Ten Conference, then won the league’s postseason tournament before going 1-1 in the NCAAs. Big 12 champion KU returns three starters from its Final Four team.

Southwest Missouri State coach Barry Hinson, a friend of Self’s since high school, said the coach hadn’t made up his mind Saturday.

“I’ve called that guy 25 times. I think he’s being covert on me. He’s not telling me,” Hinson said, “because I don’t think he knows. It’ll be the right decision. I’m sure he’s wrestling with the decision.”

KU officials have not yet contacted Philadelphia 76ers coach Larry Brown about the post.