| Blackistone: Self-control working wonders Illinois coach's new approach right on target 03/23/2001  SAN ANTONIO – Maybe it was the trip Bill Self took to the Peoria, Ill., homes of Illini star basketball players Marcus Griffin, Sergio McClain and Frank Williams last June, just hours after Illinois introduced Self as its new basketball coach.
Maybe it was the now legendary moment just before the team's final preseason workout, which consisted of gut-wrenching, tug-on-your-shorts sprints, run back to back to back to back. Self marched into the gym that day decked out in camouflage. His face was smudged with the black goo Marines sport for special nighttime maneuvers.
Or maybe it was the win Self led them to over Maryland in Maui, or beating Arizona in Chicago, or topping rival – and defending national champion – Michigan State on campus in Champaign, Ill.
Some way, somehow, though, Bill Self pulled off a rather amazing feat this season, even for him. He took a bunch of kids he didn't know. Presented them with a way of doing things with which they were unfamiliar. And succeeded.
They tied for first in the Big Ten. They earned a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. They won their 26th game of the season last week to advance to the Sweet 16, where on Friday at the Alamodome they're scheduled to meet Kansas.
Last season, Self won a coach of the year award. It was well-deserved. He took little ol' Tulsa to within one win of a Final Four appearance.
This season, Self should be the hands-down winner for the stepcoach of the year award, which is an even more difficult honor to win.
After all, despite all the coaching changes in college basketball every year, few coaches are so successful in their new gym right out the chute. They need time to find out which players are willing to play their style. They have to weed out the ones who are not. They have to have an opportunity to recruit. Learn the league.
It generally takes some time to cook.
Self microwaved it all.
"I think one of the reasons it [the transition] went so well," said junior Illini forward Lucas Johnson, "is because of coach's balance."
Johnson said Self has an ability to be a taskmaster with his troops on the court and still be seen by them as a buddy off it. Driving to their homes to introduce himself. Putting them through the most grueling practices they've ever experienced. Donning camouflage and war paint to let them know he's with them. Giving them the freedom on the court to correct whatever mistakes they may have made.
"It's not any one thing," said Self assistant Norm Roberts. "It's everything. Coach wants players to feel comfortable dropping by the office. Coach wants players to have fun. If it's not fun, then..."
Lon Kruger's old recruits sounded as if they are having lots of fun under Self. Those who've watched them much of the season said the players have looked like they're enjoying themselves as well.
For starters, Self scrapped the more structured offense of Kruger and has allowed players such as sophomore guard Williams, who can be as exciting a player as there is, to play more instinctively. As a result of his increased freedom, as well as maturity, no doubt, Williams this season is playing better by just about every measure.
AP
Illinois coach Bill Self (right) talks with players Marcus Griffin and Robert Archibald during team practice Thursday.
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"He brought a little more leeway to the game," Williams said of his new coach. "Everybody in high school wanted to run and gun, and he just let us play that way."
Self said he hasn't quite let Williams as loose as Williams stated.
"What we've tried to do with Frank is say, 'These are your parameters. Now, go play within your parameters,' " Self explained. "He's not abusing the freedom."
If Williams thinks it's the run-and-gun style he has always wanted to play, then fine. Now, everybody is happy. Player and coach.
Self said the personalities of the players he has inherited, which is every last one of them, helped the transition go smooth, too. They're all good kids, he said. They're also quite talented. Williams already is answering questions about the pros.
Self said he just didn't sense that they liked playing together last season, or enjoyed the season as it wore on.
That was then.
Earlier this season, when their new coach hit the wall of his 38th birthday, they taped a huge 38 on their practice gym's wall. Witnesses said the whole family laughed.
Kevin B. Blackistone can be reached at 214-977-8780 or at .
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