By CHARLIE PARENT & ADAM ZAGORIA
Bill Self, Kansas’ legendary head coach, will miss the 1-seeded Jayhawks’ first game in the NCAA Tournament as he continues to recover from a heart procedure.
Kansas will take on 16-seed Howard on Thursday at 2 P.M.
Self missed the entire Big 12 Tournament last week as Kansas fell to Texas 76-56 in the championship game.
Assistant coach Norm Roberts will serve as head coach.
Defending champion Kansas was given the No. 3 overall seed behind No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Houston, and thus won’t open play in Kansas City.
“KU Coach Bill Self was discharged from The University of Kansas Health System today in good condition,” the school announced. “He arrived at the emergency department Wednesday evening March 8, complaining of chest tightness and balance concerns. Clinical Service Chief for Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional cardiologist Dr. Mark Wiley said Coach Self underwent a standard heart catheterization and had two stents placed for the treatment of blocked arteries. Coach Self responded well to the procedure and is expected to make a full recovery.”
Said Self: “I’m so thankful for the amazing staff at the University of Kansas Health System for the excellent care I received. I am proud of our team and coaching staff for how they have handled this and am excited to be back with them as the best time of the season gets underway.”
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