Following the 67-65 loss, Self was clear in his statement shared by Paolo Uggetti on X (@paolouggetti). “I’ll get back and get with family and visit and see what’s going on. I love what I do. I’ll get back home and it’ll all be discussed.”

It is worth noting that his words are tied to his health, something the head coach addressed after the loss. “I wanna feel good while I’m doing it,” Self said, a statement that could raise questions among fans and players for the 2026-27 season.

It was painful for Self

Self’s recent comments carry real emotional weight. They point to a possible turning point for the Kansas program, which ended the 2026 season with a 23-11 record. He still feels energized, but his outlook on coaching is changing. The long-term view is no longer the same.

“I don’t know about completely. But I’m feeling. I feel as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I’m not making any statements whatsoever. But every year, I think. It used to be you work. When you get to be doing it as long as I’ve done it, I look at it in five-year increments. Now I’m probably looking at it in more two-year increments, so to speak. So I try to focus on this season and try to get us to a second weekend, which we failed at. So I’ll go back now and break it down and see where that leads.”

The focus has shifted. Less long-term planning. More year-to-year evaluation. Health matters more now. Results matter too. After 23 seasons with Kansas and an early exit in the second round, Self is putting his well-being and family first before making any decision about his future on the sideline.

The coach was released from the hospital Saturday, two days after having two stents inserted. He was admitted to LMH Health on Thursday following “some concerning symptoms.”

In a statement shared by CBS Sport reporter Jon Rothstein on July 26, Self provided a positive update regarding his health, while thanking the hospital for taking care of him.

Bill Self talks about his health

“I want to thank all the amazing doctors and nurses at LMH Health for the excellent care I received during my stay there,” Self said. “I feel strong and am excited to be home. Our team has had a productive summer and look forward to our batteries being recharged and prepping for this upcoming season.”

Back in 2023, Self missed the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments after he was hospitalized due to chest tightness and balance concerns. At the time, he had two stents placed for blocked arteries and underwent a heart catheterization.

Coach Self and the Jayhawks have renewed expectations for the new season, more so after landing projected top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Darryn Peterson.

The Jayhawks will have another No. 1 recruit on the roster for the 2025-26 season, Darryn Peterson, who became a sensation during his high school career. Peterson arrived at Lawrence on Wednesday to start summer school classes and team workouts, set to begin on Monday.

Meanwhile, Self wasn’t in the city, as he was designated to discuss first-day action with media members, alongside Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, at the Big 12 meetings at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Orlando.

Bill Self raves about high-profile recruit Darryn Peterson

While there, Bill Self discussed having the opportunity to coach such an exciting prospect in Peterson, with Self being candid when talking about 247 Sports’ No. 1 recruit in the country.

“I’m probably as excited about coaching him as I have anybody that I’ve ever recruited,” Self said. “I think he’s probably the most prepared, equipped 18-year-old I’ve had the chance to recruit,” the coach added.

Kansas has had other No. 1 recruits during Bill Self’s remarkable tenure. They hosted Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson and also an unpolished Joel Embiid, who went on to have a terrific NBA career, individually speaking.

Peterson has the tools to make a strong impression during his freshman season, and Coach Self is ready to help him achieve his goals.

UNC achieved something unthinkable as underdogs, they left Duke and legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski behind. UNC won the semifinals 81-77 in what was an unexpected shock to the Duke Blue Devils fans.

Kansas were favorites against Villanova in the National Semifinals, it was highly likely that they would win against the Wildcats and they did, the game ended in favor of Kansas 81-65. The Jayhawks have a powerful offensive game.

UNC vs Kansas: Date

UNC and Kansas play for the March Madness 2022 Final Four on Monday, April 4 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This game will be highly offensive from the first half, but once either team takes a lead of five or more points that will be the breaking point of the game.

UNC vs Kansas: Time by state in the US

ET: 9:20 PM
CT: 8:20 PM
MT: 7:20 PM
PT: 6:20 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch UNC vs Kansas at the March Madness 2022 Final Four

This game for the March Madness 2022 Final Four, UNC and Kansas at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Monday, April 4, will be broadcast in the US by Sling and other options to watch this game in the US are TBS

The Kansas Jayhawks were not only dominant during regionals, they won against Texas Southern, Creighton, Providence and Miami (Fl), but they haven’t lost a game since March 1st. Kansas’ current winning streak is nine straight games.

The Villanova Wildcats also have the same winning streak as the Kansas Jayhawks, but this time the Villanova are underdogs for this game. They have a good record and won regionals, but the Wildcats are unlikely to reach the national championship.

Kansas vs Villanova: Match Information

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2022.
Time: 6:09 PM (ET)
Location: Caesar Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Live Stream: Sling

Kansas vs Villanova: Times by State in the US

ET: 6:09 PM
CT: 5:09 PM
MT: 4:09 PM
PT: 3:09 PM

Kansas vs Villanova: Storylines

Ochai Agbaji is the top scorer for the Kansas Jayhawks averaging 18.9 points per game, 47.1% FG and 76.4% free throws. Aside from Agbaji, three other players are averaging 10 or more points with Kansas. The team’s leading bencher is Mitch Lightfoot with 4.7 points per game this season and Jalen Colemand-Lands is also another top bench player with 3.9 points per game and 75% free throws.

Villanova Wildcats won most regional games by 5+ points, they have a good offensive game averaging 66 points per game in the 2022 March Madness tournament. The regional final against Houston was Villanova’s tightest game of the tournament with a 50-44 victory over Houston.

How To Watch Or Stream Live Free Kansas vs Villanova in the U.S.

This 2022 March Madness game for the Final Four will be available worldwide through television, internet apps and will be broadcast in the United States by: Sling and other options to watch this game in the US are TBS, TNT, TruTV. Don’t forget to download the app to watch the game on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Kansas vs Villanova: Predictions And Odds

Kansas Jayhawks are favorites to win this game by -4.5 and 1.91 odds that will pay $191 bucks for a $100 bet on BetMGM, both teams have a winning strategy since March. Villanova Wildcats are underdogs with +4.5 ATS. The totals are offered at 132.5. The best pick for this Final Four game is: Kansas -4.5.

* Odds via BetMGM.