Bill Self Live Tweeting the 2008 NCAA Championship Game Amid Coronavirus is What We All Needed

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self is taking some time on this Sunday afternoon to watch his 2008 Kansas Jayhawks replay of their Championship Game against the Memphis Tigers.
The game was played on April 7, 2008 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The 2008 national title game was played between the 2008 South Regional Champions, #1-seeded Memphis the 2008 Midwest Regional Champions, #1-seeded Kansas.
It’s considered one of the best college basketball National Championship games of all time as it went to overtime and featured stars like Derrick Rose and Mario Chalmers, who both played huge roles in the outcome of the game. KU was down nine points with just over two minutes left in regulation and Chalmers hit one of the great big shots in NCAA Tournament history to push the game to overtime, which the Jayhawks eventually won 75-68.
So with Bill Self live tweeting the game, it seems to me this is something we didn’t know we needed on what should have been a day with eight second round NCAA Tournament games being played.
Great official but not very quick. Were nervous. Slow start.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
Self also had moments of being funny and humble.
College bb was so good in 2008. All four #1 seeds made it to San Antonio. And we were the lowest rated one. Which means we got the worst hotel of the four.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
Felt good at halftime. Did a great job on D Rose. But we knew he could get 20 in a half. And he almost did. 20 or let’s say 25 minutes from a pretty good night.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
As the second half went on, Self continued to critique his own coaching, but of course knowing the outcome, made sure to have some levity.
Ok. They have momentum. I made mistake. Had done a good job on Derrick. Then I go box and 1 a possession. He makes a 3 to get going. I’m an idiot.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
As for the final play of regulation, where Mario Chalmers hit his now famous shot, here was Self’s analysis.
We knew we were running chop. Sherron made play Rio made shot. Unreal. So poised. Made one 3 the first 38 min made 2 in last 2.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
As overtime started, Self admits that his guys proved him wrong.
My guys were saying it’s over. I’m saying what are you talking about. But watch first 3 possessions they are perfect. And I mean perfect.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
As Self and his Jayhawks went on to win the National Championship, he made sure to give his team a pat on the back for how they handled the situation.
Watch how we celebrate and get back in line to shake hands. We had so much respect for situation and Memphis.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
What a game. What a team what a group of individuals. They spoiled us. What a privilege to be their coach. Joe Kurtis Danny Ronnie Mike Lee, what a staff. Thanks for giving me the ride of my life. Love you all.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
And Self wrapped it up with this, which is totally true.
I hope this provided a little entertainment during these times. Stay safe and healthy.
— Bill Self (@CoachBillSelf) March 22, 2020
Thank you, Coach.
With everything going on, we needed that. Some escape from reality in these times does us all some good.
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