Bill Self Says Brad Underwood Will Make ‘All Cowboy Fans and Alums Proud’

There could not have been anybody more disappointed to see Travis Ford exit GIA than Bill Self. Ford actually had an impressive record against Self and the Jayhawks (5-10 overall after a win and a loss last season) and did what Eddie Sutton never could (win in Allen Fieldhouse).

But Self knew he would never have to worry about the sleeping giant just south of the Oklahoma-Kansas border contending for his Big 12 crown as long as Ford was the head coach of his alma mater. Now … he might. Brad Underwood tipped his hand a few months ago when he talked about how Bill Self was his host on a visit to Stillwater when he was deciding on a college.

Self re-told the story on Tuesday at Big 12 Media Day and poignantly encouraged OSU fans to get hyped about the new head man.

“Well, he’s an old Big Eight guy,” said Self. “There is no doubt about that. I showed Brad around on his recruiting visit to Oklahoma State. I was a freshman and he was a senior in high school. Thank God for Oklahoma State, Brad is a much better coach than he was a player. He was actually a guy I hoped that we could sign because I didn’t think that that would take away many minutes.”

Self is the king of turning a compliment into some backhanded share.

“But he has done so well. What he did at Stephen F., I mean, that’s remarkable what he did and how players got better. From what I understand, and I don’t need anybody telling me this, because you knew it would happen, he’s done an unbelievable job connecting with and reconnecting the OSU community and family.

“And as you guys follow basketball in our league, Oklahoma State, the tradition and history that exists there is relevant to the college basketball game on the national scene as well. I think he’ll do a very nice job in making all Cowboy fans and alums proud.”

Maybe he’ll be the one to finally slay Kansas off its Big 12 perch. It has won 12 straight Big 12 titles and counting. One of the most remarkable streaks in sports.