Norm Roberts admits Arkansas' size was a problem for Kansas

Unfortunately, Bill Self missed the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament due to a medical issue. He was replaced by interim head coach Norm Roberts. It was Roberts who led Kansas on the court against Arkansas.

After getting eliminated by Arkansas in an upset loss during the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Roberts admitted that the Razorbacks’ size was a key factor in the game.

“It was probably more at the end,” Norm Roberts said. “They did a good job of getting to the glass and getting their hands on balls and deflects, and we knew they were very active with their hands and their athletic ability.”

Arkansas out-rebounded Kansas 36-29 in the game, including grabbing 15 offensive rebounds to only seven for Kansas. Once that was combined with Arkansas outshooting Kansas at the free throw line, the Jayhawks were positioned to be upset.

“We got into foul trouble, and that hurt us a little bit, not having KJ [Adams] in for quite a bit hurt us as well. Picking up those fouls early,” Roberts said.

“We knew that going in. We’ve battled that all season. But give them credit, it worked out for them today.”

Now, Arkansas is going to play UConn in the Sweet Sixteen. There, the Huskies are currently a 3.5-point favorite to win that game. Kansas, who won the national championship last season, went home early. That came after a frustrating loss to Texas in the Big 12 Tournament.

Bill Self on why he didn’t coach against Arkansas

Ahead of the Kansas-Arkansas game, Bill Self explained that he wouldn’t coach but that he felt the team was in good hands with Norm Roberts. He says that he’s feeling better and is on the mend but that he still needed time to be completely ready to go.

You can watch Self explain his decision not to coach in the game, here.

“Self on… pregame interview said he met as a group with doctors and a lot of consultations and everything. We think it’s best we rejoin the team full speed going (into) next week so we obviously need to play pretty well today,” explained The Kansas City Star‘s Gary Bedore.

“Self also said ‘I’m feeling tons better. I’ve got my energy back to an extent, sleeping better and doing things they said were important to be on the mend.'”