On Tuesday afternoon, word began to spread that Tony Bland would join Bill Self‘s staff as an assistant coach. When Chase Buford left for Denver, a spot on the staff opened up, which made today’s move possible. On Wednesday afternoon, the offically announced the addition of Bland to the coaching staff. “Tony is a very, […]
On Tuesday afternoon, word began to spread that Tony Bland would join Bill Self‘s staff as an assistant coach.
When Chase Buford left for Denver, a spot on the staff opened up, which made today’s move possible.
On Wednesday afternoon, the offically announced the addition of Bland to the coaching staff.
“Tony is a very, very talented young coach who is a proven winner,” Self said. “He was a very good player at Syracuse and at San Diego State, and he played a big role in the success at San Diego State and USC as an assistant coach. I believe in him wholeheartedly, and our basketball program just got better with his addition.”
Bland has made a name for himself due to his strong recruiting ties on the West Coast.
Before joining Danny Sprinkle’s Washington staff, Bland served as the Head Basketball Coach at St. Bernard High School in Los Angeles.
Prior to taking over at St. Bernard, Bland was the Associate Head Coach at USC from 2013 to 2017 under Andy Enfield.
Bland had a successful college career
During his playing days, Bland played for two national championship coaches in Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and Steve Fisher at San Diego State.
He was part of teams that won 84 games and advanced to three NCAA Tournaments and the NIT in his four seasons of collegiate basketball.
He combined to score 1,368 points, grab 331 rebounds, and dish out 319 assists in 127 collegiate games, 95 starts.
Bland began his college career at Syracuse for the 1999 and 2000 seasons, advancing to the NCAA Tournament each season.
As a sophomore, Bland was one of three Syracuse players to start every game for a team that advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual NCAA Champion Michigan State in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Bland transferred to San Diego State and, as a junior in 2002. He led San Diego State’s magical run to a Mountain West tournament championship and the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth since 1985.
That season, Bland averaged 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
He became the first player in the history of the Mountain West Conference to rank among the league’s top 10 players in scoring and assists and top 20 in rebounding.
Bland was a two-time Mountain West All-Conference selection.
Following his college career, Bland was invited to the Indiana Pacers’ training camp.
He then went on to play in the United States Basketball League, where he earned the league’s Rookie of the Year award.
Bland signed a contract with the Sacramento Kings for the 2004 preseason.
He went on to play in Russia, the NBA Development League, and in Europe.
Bland has already made an impact on the recruiting trail for Kansas.
Tajh Ariza will arrive for his official visit on September 26. Currently, the 6-foot-8, 180-pound small forward is the No. 14-ranked player in the 2026 class.
Tony Bland excited to be at Kansas
Bland has been a successful basketball coach at a number of different levels.
He’s made a name for himself on the recruiting trail and should make an immediate impact at Kansas.
“I’m beyond blessed to join the Kansas Jayhawks and work alongside coach Self,” Bland said. “He is one of the greatest to ever do it, and his belief in me means everything. I’m excited to learn from him and work with the entire coaching staff.
“Kansas has the best fans in college basketball, and I can’t wait to pour my heart into this program and the Lawrence community, while working hard to keep Kansas Basketball at the top of the sport.”
Category: General Sports
