Bill Self sends out statement on McCullar injury and rumors

SALT LAKE CITY (KSNT) - It takes something important to get KU head men's basketball coach Bill Self to post on social media.

Prior to Thursday, the morning of KU's 2024 NCAA tournament opener, Self's had not posted on X, formerly Twitter in 2024. In fact, he only posted a few times in 2023, including once for a 'Special Operations Warrior Foundation' fundraiser and another time when legendary coach Bob Knight died.

Self posting on game day is even less likely. On Thursday, the long-time Jayhawk head coach deemed this situation necessary enough to type up a statement and clear up some confusion himself.

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Self posted on X to clear up some rumors around a situation that he says has been 'portrayed inaccurately' around senior guard Kevin McCullar's injury.

I am not on social media much but since announcing Kevin would not play in the tournament, I’ve been told Kevin and this situation have been portrayed inaccurately.  What I said in a 45 second video clip is true.  His knee hasn’t improved in the last two weeks.  It hurts too much to continue playing.  He hasn’t practiced in 6 weeks.  We made the decision to shut him down. That’s all 100 percent accurate, but what I didn’t say has caused a false narrative to question Kevin inappropriately.  He worked tirelessly in rehab to try to play and everyone within the program knows it.  We’ve known the only way the bone bruise would heal is time off.  Kevin elected not to do that and try to play.  For 6 weeks, it’s been one step forward two steps back.  He hurt it worse in the KSU game and tried to play at Houston. Since then, all involved felt 9 days off would position him to play in the tournament.  That did not happen.  It hasn’t progressed and made the improvement we had hoped. At that time our team doctors collectively came to the decisions to not play and allow the healing process to not be interrupted.  We will support him through this process.  Kevin tried for himself, his teammates, and also the KU faithful.  We are all disappointed Kevin can’t play but should appreciate the effort that he’s made.  Kevin will take on the role of asst. coach during the tournament.

Bill Self, X/ Twitter

For context, it was Tuesday, when KU arrived in Salt Lake City that Self informed reporters of the plan to shut McCullar down for the season. As fans quickly flocked to social media themselves, to question or defend the senior Jayhawk, McCullar eventually posted a statement himself.

McCullar was in and out of the lineup for much of conference play, missing six games in total, including one in the Big 12 tournament.

KU plays Samford at 8:55 CT on Thursday in Salt Lake City.