KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After going through a few practices, Bill Self is starting to realize just how deep this year’s roster might be.

"I don’t know really other than Perry (Ellis) and you would think Wayne (Selden) — although I wouldn’t say Wayne’s been his best so far — you could be fighting for four or five positions right now. For sure four," Self said during Tuesday’s Coaches vs. Cancer season tipoff event at Municipal Auditorium. "Now if Wayne plays like he’s capable of playing, it’s going to be hard for anyone to beat him out.

"But really, to be quite candid, it’s a coin flip with a lot of guys."

One player that continues to impress Self is Devonte’ Graham — a freshman point guard whom Self likened to former Jayhawk Aaron Miles during media days last week.

"Devonte’s been terrific," Self said. "He’s battling for starting minutes — not just playing. He’s battling to start."

The Jayhawks, who have no seniors, welcome five newcomers to the roster this year. That includes McDonald’s All-Americans Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre along with Svi Mykhailiuk, Graham and walk-on Josh Pollard.

"Practices are good. We’re not playing very well. Execution’s awful. But we’re trying real hard," Self said. "The freshmen are sponges for the most part, and they’re trying real hard. I like our guys."

HE WAS THERE — Self revealed Tuesday that he attended Game 7 of the 1985 World Series at Royals Stadium with San Antonio Spurs general manager R.C. Buford.

At the time, both Self and Buford were part of Larry Brown’s coaching staff at KU.

"R.C. and I jumped in his Jeep Cherokee. … We went and bought a keg of beer, and we put it in the back. And we said, ‘Let’s just try to get a ticket,’ " Self said. "And we drove right to the front of the building, and it was the bottom of the first, and the guy was saying, ‘Face value.’ And we bought two tickets, parked right there in front of the building and went in and sat about 10 rows up right off the right-field line.

"I got kind of spoiled then, and I certainly am spoiled now. It’s fun to watch."

STATE SUPPORT — Self reiterated he was happy when Kansas’ other two Division I schools — Kansas State and Wichita State — experienced success in basketball.

"You’ve never heard us say we were jealous of other people being good," Self said, "because what it should do, it should make you raise your level when you know people are pushing you."

It’s possible that all three Kansas teams will open the season ranked in the two major polls.

"I think when our guys watch TV and they’re talking about K-State or Wichita State, or when their guys are watching and they’re talking about us or somebody else, I think it kind of stirs the pot a little bit, boils the blood," Self said, "and makes for more competitive practices and things like that."

HELPING OUT — Self was joined at the Coaches vs. Cancer season tipoff event by K-State coach Bruce Weber, Missouri coach Kim Anderson, Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall and UMKC coach Kareem Richardson.

"It’s good that everybody believes in this cause. I’d say just about every coach in the country does as well," Self said. "The (American) Cancer Society and the Coaches vs. Cancer group has done such a good job in raising money but also creating an awareness. Certainly, I think we’re all very proud to be a part of this."