Self may not have his typical type of talent, but he still has (according to the coaches) two of the three best players in the Big 12, and they were the pre-season pick to win it all. Their starting five consisted of three 4-star players and two 5-star guys. Not exactly an underdog story.
I don't think any Mizzou fan would've had a problem with Hoiberg winning the award. Most would be ok with Self winning it. But to have two guys share the award and neither is Haith doesn't make sense.
Haith finished 2nd in the conference with a roster that went 8-8 last year (minus four players). Mizzou was picked 4th in the preseason Big 12 polls, and that was before losing Bowers for the season. He went 3-1 vs. Self/Hoiberg (Self: 2-2, Hoiberg: 1-3).
FWIW, Haith won the AP COY award today.