Kansas basketball coach Bill Self to headline tip-off reception

A major fundraiser for the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball program will be headlined by a national championship coach.

Kansas coach Bill Self will serve as the guest of honor and featured speaker at Southeast's season tip-off reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7.

"We are extremely excited about this event to tip off the 2010-11 basketball season," Southeast coach Dickey Nutt said. "Having a national champion coach the caliber of Bill Self be a part of this event is truly special.

"We are looking forward to a great evening and hope all Redhawk fans can join us."

Self, coach at Kansas the past seven years and a college coach for 17 seasons, has won more than 400 career games, led his teams to 12 NCAA tournament appearances and won or shared nine conference championships, including the last six Big 12 titles.

Self led Kansas to the 2008-09 NCAA title when the Jayhawks beat Memphis in overtime.

Nutt and Self, both Oklahoma State graduates, were on the same coaching staff at that school in the 1980s. Nutt said they have remained close friends ever since.

Tickets are $125 per person and can be ordered by calling the Southeast athletics ticket office at 651-2113 or 1-866-736-6845. Ticket availability is limited.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Southeast men's basketball program.

The reception will cap off a full day of basketball activity Oct. 7 as Southeast also will hold a coaching clinic that had been announced previously.

Self, Saint Louis University assistant Porter Moser and former Scott County Central High School coach Ronnie Cookson will be the keynote speakers.

Cost of the clinic is $50 per person and lunch will be provided. The clinic, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., is open to the public and coaches of all levels.

"It's going to be a great day of basketball," Nutt said.

For more information about the clinic, call 651-5030.