Jay Bilas introduces The Bilas Index for the 2024-25 men's college basketball season, highlighting the top 68 teams. UConn Huskies are favored to continue their dominance, having won the last two national championships. Bilas praises UConn's coach Dan Hurley and the team's strong roster, including returning players and new additions, positioning them as a potential dynasty in college basketball.
Jay Bilas reflects on the life and legacy of Bill Walton, who passed away at 71. Walton, a legendary basketball player and broadcaster, was known for his exceptional skills on the court and his generous, humorous personality off it. Despite an injury-plagued NBA career, Walton's impact on the game and those around him was profound. Bilas shares personal anecdotes and highlights Walton's contributions to basketball and broadcasting, emphasizing his unique spirit and lasting influence.
ESPN's Jay Bilas predicts the Kentucky Wildcats to make a deep run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, citing their elite offense and improved defense as key factors. Bilas sees them reaching the Elite Eight but falling short of a Final Four berth, with potential matchups against Texas Tech and Marquette. He highlights the importance of guard play and the potential impact of forward Tre Mitchell as the X-factor for Kentucky. While acknowledging the Golden Grizzlies' chance of an upset, Bilas ultimately favors the Wildcats in their opening game.
ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas criticizes the rushed process of making NCAA tournament predictions and sarcastically presents his annual bracket picks, highlighting the lack of time for thoughtful consideration. Despite the constraints, he provides his selections for the benefit of viewers, acknowledging that they can choose to follow his suggestions or take an opposite approach.
UNC basketball is back in the national conversation with a new tag after impressive wins, including a 25-point blowout of Florida State. Jay Bilas praised the team's elite program with a blue-collar mentality and physical play reminiscent of the eras of Dean Smith and Roy Williams. The team's dominant performance against Florida State showcased their "Carolina confidence" and strong defense, with nine players contributing and a significant rebounding advantage. The Tar Heels now face a tough test against Pitt in the ACC tournament semi-final.
Former Duke basketball player and ESPN analyst Jay Bilas suggests implementing severe punishment, such as detaining or citing fans who storm the court, to prevent future incidents like the one that led to Kyle Flipowski's injury after Wake Forest's win over Duke. Bilas criticizes the NCAA and member institutions for tacitly encouraging court-storming and suggests that once fans are on the court, they should not be allowed to leave. He emphasizes the need for accountability from both the NCAA and the media, and highlights the dangers of court-storming following recent incidents.
College basketball commentator Jay Bilas criticizes the NCAA for taking 100 days to clear Zvonimir Ivisic, known as Big Z, for eligibility to play for the Kentucky Wildcats, especially considering the minor issue of a small stipend he received while playing professionally in Croatia. The delay in clearing him contrasts with the lucrative deals high schoolers are making through NIL. The NCAA's decision came shortly after a #FreeBigZ billboard was put up outside their headquarters, prompting speculation about the impact of public pressure.
ESPN analyst Jay Bilas praises University of Wisconsin freshman John Blackwell for his performance against No. 1 ranked Arizona, where Blackwell led the Badgers in points and rebounds. Despite the loss, Bilas commends Blackwell's athleticism, energy, and basketball IQ, highlighting his impressive shooting and ability to make plays. Fellow freshman Nolan Winter also provided key contributions for Wisconsin.
College basketball analyst Jay Bilas unveils his preseason rankings for the 2023-24 season with The Bilas Index, a predictive measurement of team capability and basketball accomplishment. The rankings are based on recognized metrics as well as Bilas' basketball judgment, offering fans a greater understanding and enjoyment of the game.
The Houston Rockets landed a top-five talent in the NBA draft by selecting Cam Whitmore with the 20th pick, according to ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. Despite potential medical concerns, the Villanova standout was considered a projected lottery pick and an "absolute steal" for the Rockets. Connecticut coach Dan Hurley also praised Whitmore's athleticism and clean shooting, predicting he will make threes in the NBA.
ESPN analyst Jay Bilas believes the Charlotte Hornets will select Alabama forward Brandon Miller with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft over Scoot Henderson due to Miller's ability to shoot from the perimeter. While Henderson is a strong playmaker and passer, he has yet to develop a consistent outside shot.
ESPN analyst and former Duke center Jay Bilas criticized the officiating of the NCAA Tournament game between Tennessee and Duke, saying it was "officiated like a hockey game." Bilas said there were fouls that should have been called flagrant that were not, and that the game was more physical than it used to be. Tennessee's physical play has been criticized as dirty, but head coach Rick Barnes disagrees. Tennessee will face Florida Atlantic in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday.
ESPN analyst and former Duke player, Jay Bilas, criticized the officiating in Tennessee's victory over Duke in the NCAA Tournament, calling it a "hockey game." While some have accused Tennessee of playing dirty, head coach Rick Barnes defended his team's physical style of play. Tennessee's defense will be key as they face Florida Atlantic in the Sweet 16.
Kentucky's loss to Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament has led to criticism from national media, with Paul Finebaum calling the program "irrelevant" and a "failure," CBS Sports giving them an almost failing grade, and Jay Bilas suggesting that John Calipari's focus on the transfer portal may have hurt the team's talent level. Despite having the No. 1 recruiting class coming in next year, Kentucky's Sweet 16 drought will extend to three years, the longest of the Calipari era.
