Provo • Bill Self would love to be able to enjoy the mountain views of Salt Lake City one day.
But almost every time he’s come through Utah, it’s been a letdown for his Jayhawks. Last year, he was ousted in the first weekend at Delta Center. This year, he went 0-2 when he played Utah and BYU on the road.
Still, the legendary Kansas coach has an affinity for the Marriott and Huntsman centers.
“The three times I’ve been here [Salt Lake City], we actually haven’t performed well here one time,” he said, referencing the Jayhawks' two NCAA Tournament visits. “But it’s great. And certainly the city and the views and everything, I would think it makes for a good away trip. But you’ve got to play better than we did tonight in order to enjoy it.”
He said the Marriott Center is one of the best environments in the Big 12 — mostly due to how close the fans are to the bench.
“The fans are actually as close to you, in my opinion, of any place we play in our league,” he said. “You look at the end zone, it is 12 feet [away from the court]. The sidelines are 2½ feet. I mean it’s good. It’s a good place. They have done a remarkable job with this place.”
He almost wished Kansas played better, or at least kept it closer, so he could experience the Marriott Center’s full potential. BYU beat KU 91-57.
“We were so poor, I don’t think we felt the full energy of a building than if it had been a tight game,” he said. “But I love this place. It’s great. It’s classy, clean.”
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) pressures Kansas Jayhawks guard Shakeel Moore (0) during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in Salt Lake City.
As for Utah, he joked the game KU played against the Utes won’t go down as one of the best the Huntsman’s ever seen.
“We didn’t exactly have Bird or Magic playing on the court from our perspective tonight,” he said in reference to the famous 1979 NCAA title game that was played in the building.
But he said he liked, “the building. I like the lighting.”
The next time Kansas comes to town, the Jayhawks will be reloaded with top NBA prospect Darryn Peterson. BYU will have AJ Dybansta.
Self just hopes he can enjoy the mountains more the next time he arrives.