Kansas coach Bill Self is expected to return to the bench today (Thursday) when Kansas opens defense of its national title against Howard in Des Moines. Self missed the Big-12 Tournament after undergoing a heart procedure to treat blocked arteries. Assistant coach Norm Roberts handled Wednesday’s media obligations.

Roberts says Self took part in practice Wednesday.

Roberts was asked ab out the pressure to repeat.

Jayhawk leading scorer Jalen Wilson is hopeful Self will return to the bench today (Thursday).

Wilson says they are not concerned that Self will be absent long term.

Howard is in the tournament for the first time in 31 years and coach Kenny Blakeney says the Jayhawks will be tough to guard.

Blakeney says Howard will want to push the tempo.