Podcast: Is Bill Self Done as Kansas Basketball’s Coach? The University of Kansas basketball team’s season ended in heartbreak during the NCAA Tournament, as they suffered a buzzer-beating loss to St. John’s in the second round. The defeat has left the Jayhawks in limbo, awaiting clarity on the future of head coach Bill Self, whose health issues have raised questions about his continued role with the program. On the latest episode of SportsBeat KC, the Star and KCUR sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell explores the implications of the loss, the potential end of Self’s tenure, and how the program might navigate a coaching search. The episode also delves into the Kansas City Royals’ opening day, with beat writer Jaylon Thompson analyzing the team’s roster improvements from last season and how their strong performances in the World Baseball Classic could translate to success in the upcoming campaign. Thompson highlights key players who stood out during the international tournament, suggesting their experience could bolster the Royals’ chances in the regular season. The discussion on the podcast begins with a breakdown of the struggles that led to Kansas’ early exit from March Madness. McDowell examines the team’s late-game execution, noting that while defensive issues contributed to the loss, the broader challenges in maintaining composure under pressure were equally critical. The segment also questions whether the 2025 season marks the end of Bill Self’s era at Kansas, considering his age and recent health concerns. Self, who has led the Jayhawks to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and national championships, faces an uncertain future as the program weighs its options.#st_john_s #bill_self #university_of_kansas #kansas_city_royals #sam_mcdowell
