Following a 78-73 home loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self let it be known where he stands regarding his team and the criticism they’re receiving.
Kansas Head Coach Bill Self Releases Statement Regarding Jayhawks Loss
It’s not often that a head coach releases a carefully written statement on social media after a game, but that’s exactly what the situation called for with Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self.
In the statement posted to X on the Jayhawks’ official account, Self talked about the game itself and the performance of his team.
“The game today was a very good college basketball game,” Self began. “We played a very good team and we got beat. We had some individuals have exceptional individual games, and we had some maybe not play up to the standard they’ve set for themselves. But, everyone on our team, coaches included, myself, more than anyone, had opportunities to impact the game.”
Self continued, supporting his players and citing himself as someone who deserves the criticism instead of his players.
“I can do a lot of things better. We all could do a lot of things better. But I’ll roll with these guys every day and be proud of it. Any criticism about the team should be directed at me. I’m the head coach.”
A statement from Coach Self following today’s game vs. Texas Tech: pic.twitter.com/hdGu0bI6Gz
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) March 2, 2025
His statement, while in response to the loss and extra criticism from fans, likely stemmed from the performance of Zeke Mayo, who received direct messages on social media that included racial slurs and numerous threats.
It’s not worth repeating what was said, as Mayo posted screenshots to his X account containing the derogatory words.
Mayo, a senior transfer from South Dakota State, is a key piece for Kansas, averaging 14.0 ppg on the season. He’s also adding 4.8 rpg and 3.0 apg as one of the Jayhawks’ main ball-handlers and creators.
However, he’s fallen into a funk as of late. In three of his last four games, he’s had point totals of 6, 4, and the 5 points he was able to muster up against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday.
His shooting has been abysmal. Mayo shot 4-of-21 in those games, two of which were Kansas losses, including the loss to the Red Raiders.
The criticism falling on Mayo right now — aside from the unacceptable nature of the messages he received — is likely due to the disappointment of the Jayhawks’ season thus far. He’s fallen victim as the scapegoat.
After beginning the season No. 1 in the country, Kansas finds themselves with a 19-10 overall record, including 10-8 in Big 12 play with two games still to go.
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The standards are high for a blue-blood program, but the hate Mayo received is completely unjustified, resulting in Self’s statement following the game.
For Self, the hope can be that this serves as a rallying moment for his squad as the calendar turns to March and the NCAA Tournament comes into view.
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