KUsports.com reports that both Bill Self and Lon Kruger will be in Champaign in August to help celebrate the Alumni basketball weekend.

Self, who coached Illinois from 2000-2003 and now serves as the head coach at Kansas, will attend a reception on Aug. 5 honoring his 2001 and 2002 U of I Big Ten championship teams. Kruger, Oklahoma’s brand new coach who was with Illinois from 1996-2000, will attend the alumni basketball game on August 6.

The relationship between Self and Illini-nation has been rocky since Self ditched the team in 2003. It’s true that coaches leave and people need to get over it, but it was the fact that Self continually insisted he was not leaving Illinois, only to head for the flatlands of Kansas as soon as he could. That and the fact that Self and his twin weapons knocked Illinois out of the tournament last year is probably why Self will not be attending the actual basketball event where angry Illini fans can  have their way with him. His speedy exit was a good indication that he’s not the bravest of coaches, and is happy to be recognized for his efforts for his championship teams among the safety of boosters and players that he coached, but won’t be exposed to the general Champaign public.

It’s a shame, since I know many people who would have some choice words for Mr. Self.