Kansas' Bill Self comes to SEMO coach clinic, season tip-off reception

People might wonder why a renowned college basketball coach like Bill Self would make time to be in Cape Girardeau, especially with his season right around the corner.

Self said it was a no-brainer based on his longtime friendship with Southeast Missouri State coach Dickey Nutt.

"We've known each other going on 30 years," Self said. "I love the family. They've been really good to me over the years."

Self spent Thursday in Cape Girardeau, first participating in the Southeast coaching clinic at the Show Me Center and then serving as guest of honor and featured speaker at Southeast's season tip-off reception.

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

"I'm really happy to do this. I would do anything to help out if I could," Self said late Thursday afternoon after speaking at the clinic and before attending the reception.

Self has spent the past seven seasons at the University of Kansas, compiling a 202-43 record, winning the last six Big 12 Conference regular-season titles and capturing the 2008-09 NCAA championship.

Self has a 17-year record of 409-148, including stops at Illinois, Tulsa and Oral Roberts. He has led his teams to 12 NCAA tournament appearances and is one of four coaches in NCAA Division I history to lead three programs to the Elite Eight.

"Having a national champion coach the caliber of Bill Self here today is truly special," Nutt said.

Nutt and Self, both Oklahoma State graduates, were on the same coaching staff at that school in the 1980s.

"We went to school together, coached together," Nutt said. "We've been friends for a long time."

While Kansas lost considerable talent from last year's squad, Self said he expects to field another strong team.

"I think we're going to be good," Self said.

Self said he also expects Southeast to make considerable progress in Nutt's second season.

"I watched them [work out] today. They're a lot better. They have athletes, they have some size," Self said. "It's really hard when you come in late and don't really have a chance to recruit. They've had a chance to recruit now."

In addition to Self, Saint Louis University assistant coach Porter Moser and former Scott County Central High School coach Ronnie Cookson were keynote speakers along with Nutt at the daylong clinic attended by about 120 people, many of them area coaches.

"It was great," Nutt said. "I'm so thankful for the coaches that came out today, spent their time with us. Just to get to know these guys better, to shake their hands.

"I can't say enough about Ronnie Cookson, Porter Moser and Bill Self for helping us out. We really appreciate that."

About 200 people were expected to attend the evening reception.

"It's just a tremendous day for Southeast basketball," said Nutt, who hopes to make the coaching clinic and reception annual events. "We really appreciate all the support we've received."

Southeast begins practice Oct. 15. The Redhawks' first of two exhibition games will be Nov. 6 against Ouachita Baptist. The season tips off Nov. 13 at UAB.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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