The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has awarded Bill Self the 2009 Henry Iba Award.  Self has already recieved attention from various publications but this one might hold some special meaning for the national championship coach.

The award is presented under the namesake of former Oklahoma State basketball coaching legend Henry "Hank" Iba who's success in Stillwater led to a Hall of Fame induction and the home of the Cowboys bearing the name of the coach.  Self, an Oklahoma State graduate himself is likely very familiar with the history and prestige that comes with winning the Iba Trophy and is the 2nd in Kansas history to recieve the honor. 

Self won the award by leading the Jayhawks to a 5th straight Big 12 Championship losing 6 of the top 7 players off of a National Title team in 2008. 

Finalists for the award included, Mike Anderson; Missouri, John Calipari; Memphis, Jeff Capel; Oklahoma, Jamie Dixon; Pittsburgh, Mike Montgomery; California, Stew Morrill; Utah State, Matt Painter; Purdue, Oliver Purnell; Clemson and Brad Stevens of Butler.

Self will receive the award the at the Final Four in Detroit on April 3rd.