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Bill Self’s Health History: Kansas Coach’s Previous Medical Concerns

Kansas' Bill Self was hospitalized on Thursday after undergoing a heart procedure, but it was not the first time the Jayhawks' head coach had concerning health issues.
Feb 3, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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Concern quickly spread throughout the Kansas and college basketball world when Jayhawks head coach Bill Self was hospitalized on Thursday.

The Hall of Fame coach underwent a heart procedure, which included the insertion of two stents to open blocked arteries.

At 62 years old with more than three decades of head coaching under his belt, Self is nearing the later stages of his career. What makes this more alarming is that he has dealt with similar health issues in the past.

Bill Self's Health History

Right before the Big 12 Tournament in 2023, Kansas announced that Self had been hospitalized with a similar condition. He missed the NCAA Tournament that year, and No. 1 seed KU was eliminated by Arkansas in the Round of 32.

After experiencing chest tightness and balance problems, he underwent a heart catheterization and had two stents inserted to improve blood flow to the heart.

This marks the second of such incidents in just over two years, which has raised additional concerns about his long-term health.

Following that health scare, Self said he made his well-being a bigger priority, and he appeared noticeably healthier in the time since.

Although the university says it expects him to fully recover, the situation remains scary for one of the sport’s all-time greatest. Our thoughts are with Self and his family as he continues to recover.

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Joshua Schulman
JOSHUA SCHULMAN

A lifelong Kansas basketball and football fan, Josh recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, majoring in Communications and minoring in Journalism. Josh has over 1,500 published articles on KU athletics across Kansas on SI and FanSided's Through the Phog, with additional work at Indiana on SI, Notre Dame on SI, and Pro Football Network. Josh looks to provide a fan's perspective in his writing for the school he has loved since he was a kid. KC Sports Network is the premier destination for Kansas City sports fans with podcasts, YouTube and social media content. Stay connected with the latest news and analysis by following KCSN on all social media platforms.

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