Kansas coach Bill Self on Cliff Alexander's status: 'We're basically moving on'

In the lead-up to the NCAA tournament, Kansas coach Bill Self has to worry about possibly missing three important players and altering his game plan for the big dance.

And it sounds as though Self has already written one of his troops off. 

"We're basically moving on and preparing as if we're not having Cliff (Alexander)," Self told ESPN's Andy Katz. "We won't have him if they're not all on the same page."

Self was referring to the NCAA's investigation into Alexander that's forced him to miss the last three games. The freshman's absence relates to a financial agreement his family allegedly made with an agency that specializes in giving loans to athletes before they turn pro. 

Self said he didn't hear about the inquiry until he read it in the news.  

"I had never heard of an agent or financial adviser mentioned (with Alexander)," he said. "That doesn't mean it didn't happen." 

Although Self is hoping Alexander comes back in time for the tourney, he said there's no chance unless Alexander's family and the NCAA meet.

Kansas big man Perry Ellis is also questionable after spraining his knee, though he appears to be on the road to recovery. 

"He will wear a brace for the rest of the season," Self said. "If the doctors say he's not feeling well enough, we will sit him for the tournament. All indications are he is doing well with his lateral movement."

The third player is Brannen Greene, who the team suspended for being irresponsible. Greene should return soon given he sticks to his end of the bargain, Self said. 

"It should be a one-game suspension as long as he did what he was supposed to do," Self said. "Hopefully he's been on time for class and done what's required. There's no reason why he shouldn't play. 

"We certainly could have used him. We were short-handed. We're certainly better with him in the long run."