Interview With Jay Bilas, ESPN

We recently caught up with ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas to talk a little NBA Draft and his early favorite to win the NCAA Tournament in 2010.


Lang: What's up Jay? Welcome back to the Vine.

Jay Bilas: Great to be back! Thanks for having me.

Lang: I wanted to get your thoughts on the draft. What were your initial feelings when the T-Wolves selected Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn back-to-back? I thought there was a trade looming, but David Kahn has stuck with that he believes they can play together. Are you buying that? Can it work?

Jay Bilas: I would be surprised if Minnesota drafted two point guards to play together. I believe that they were just acquiring assets with the greatest value. Rubio has star potential, and I still believe that Minnesota has more moves to make. I would not roast David Kahn just yet, as so many seem to be doing. Every draft takes time to properly evaluate.

Lang: It has become standard procedure that the Spurs will pull a diamond in the rough and reload in the NBA Draft. How in the world did they walk out with DeJaun Blair at 37? Do you think he can contribute significantly from day one?

Jay Bilas: Blair's fall to the second round was puzzling. I know that many question his knees, and he has not always kept himself in peak physical condition. San Antonio was able to grab the best offensive rebounder in the draft class, and he was a steal. I think that Blair has a chance to be very productive in the NBA. If you rebound at a high rate at the college level, you will usually rebound at a high rate as a pro.

Lang: I was shocked that the 76ers selected Jrue Holiday with Ty Lawson still on the board. Especially with Philly's struggles from long range. Even though Lawson isn't a pure shooter, he exhibited a better stroke collegiately. Do you feel Holiday has more upside down the line?

Jay Bilas: I think that Lawson will be a good pro. He is the most efficient guard in the draft, and he can play fast. Holiday has a ton of potential, and Philly is betting on the come with him. If Holiday had stayed in school, he would probably have matured into a top ten pick. The Sixers were able to get a terrific prospect at No. 17, which is a really good value. It will just take some time for Holiday to develop.

Lang: What player, who may have slipped a little, is lucky to wind up with the team and opportunity to contribute. I think Lawson and Maynor can be solid second team anchors.

Jay Bilas: Those are good calls on Lawson and Maynor. Eric Maynor really knows how to play and is a great leader. He is just a winner. I think that the Knicks grabbed a good piece in Toney Douglas with the 29th pick. I also think that Charlotte got a good one with the 40th pick in Derrick Brown. I felt that Brown was a first rounder.

Lang: So let's fast forward to 2010. Who's your top 5 still in college b-ball?

Jay Bilas: I like Kansas, Texas, Michigan State, Villanova and North Carolina. Kansas has the best personnel. Having players back is really important, and the Jayhawks have a great blend of veterans and blue chip newcomers.

Lang: Appreciate your time JB. Any projects you working on that you want to let everyone know about? Thanks for hitting the Vine.

Jay Bilas: Yes. I am really working on my short game and putting right now. After spending some time in the gym teaching at camps, I plan on spending the rest of my summer on the golf course. So, if you hear, "FORE, RIGHT!!!", it is probably me.


Lang
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