i think it's fair to admit that coach self has gotten the program to second tier status behind the traditional blue bloods like ucla, kentucky, duke, indiana. and despite what he had to do to get them there (LOIC, cheating scandals, porn addicted assistant coach), i would say they're firmly planted and respected in that second tier of programs.
but the guy is going to die sooner rather than later, and then what happens next? CBB is a dirty business and getting dirtier - in this respect, KU would seem to be positioned well as they've proven not to worry about the NCAA rule book. but at the same time, their chancellor is an academic. will she continue to let the reputation of their academics be smeared by the athletic department? i doubt it.
college programs that probably thought they would not miss a beat and are still struggling or took some time to reemerge from mediocrity after a regime change:
Alabama football
Notre Dame football
Nebraska Football
USC Football
Ohio State Football
Florida State Football
Indiana Basketball
UNLV basketabll
Houston Basketball
Kentucky Basketball
UNC Basketball
Michigan Basketball
UCLA Basketball
...and the list is much longer. don't underestimate how challenging it can be to follow a coaching legend. there are numerous examples in both football and basketball of programs struggling immediately after a legend hangs it up. even if the "legend" is built off of endless cheating scandals.
it's not too much of a stretch to say KU is self / self is ku and while good now, not Blue Blood.
on the other hand, epsn has their head shoved way to far up ku's ass for ku to ever decline, regardless of who takes over after coach self.