Norm Roberts says Bill Self is 'getting better' after health scare

Kansas has been playing at the Big 12 Tournament without head coach Bill Self on the sideline after he was hospitalized earlier in the week. In his place, assistant coach Norm Roberts has taken over the helm for the short-term and guided the Jayhawks to a berth in the conference championship game against Texas on Saturday evening.

And ahead of the game, Roberts provided a promising update on the long-tenured Kansas head coach. Doing an interview for the pre-game radio show, he even shared that Self had spoken with the coaching staff that Saturday morning.

“Doing great, getting better and better,” Robert said about Self.

Roberts continued, offering the tidbit about Self speaking with the coaches, and even shared a bit of what his message was.

“The main thing he said is be aggressive, play Kansas basketball and have fun,” Roberts said.

Kansas star Kevin McCullar ruled out for Big 12 Championship vs. Texas

When Kansas takes the court Saturday for the Big 12 Tournament championship, it will be without Kevin McCullar. The star guard has been ruled out for the game, the Jayhawks announced.

McCullar left Friday’s semifinal game against Iowa State with back spasms and didn’t return. He left the court less than a minute into the second half, and trainers were seen treating him to try and calm the spasms.

“You can tell he is dealing with a lot of pain and was trying to breathe through the spams, clenching his fists together,” ESPN’s Kris Budden reported during the broadcast. “He’s not even able to get up to be a part of the huddles. Frustration coming out of Kevin McCullar as he sits on the bench.”

McCullar has been a key piece for Kansas in his first year after transferring from Texas Tech. In addition to his 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, McCullar also averages 2.0 steals per game, which ranks second behind Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Dajuan Harris.