NBA Vine Q&A: ESPN's Jay Bilas

ESPN and CBS Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas stopped by the NBA Vine to discuss his top 3 NCAA freshmen, Tyler Hanbrough's pro stock, his playing career at Duke University and whether he ever gets the urge to return to coaching at the collegiate level.

Lang: Hey Jay - thanks for stopping by the Vine. What's up?

JB: I'm doing great! The season is well underway, and the sadistic ground acquisition game that decides its champ like figure skating does is mow over. What could be better?

Lang: We want to congratulate you on the 2007 Emmy award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Studio Analyst. How did you feel after you were notified of the nomination? Did you ever imagine being recognized nationally for the award?

JB: Clearly, it was a "down year" for studio analysis! I was honored, but that's not why I do what I do. Frankly, I thought Kirk Herbstreit should have won the statue. He's the gold standard.

Lang: From 1990-92 you served as an assistant coach on Mike Krzyzewski's staff at Duke, which included three trips to the final four and two national championships. Great run! Do you ever get the itch to get back into the coaching ranks? Would you ever consider taking a college head coaching opportunity?

JB: I doubt it. I have had a few offers that were tempting, but I really enjoy where I'm at. Plus, the broadcasters never lose! I have so much respect for what coaches do. If I ever did get back in, I would certainly make use of what I've learned from all of the great coaches that have allowed me into their programs over the years. I've learned a ton.

Lang: You were a four year starter for the Duke Blue Devils from 1983-86, and played alongside Johnny Dawkins - what were the expectations when your freshmen class hit campus?

JB: We wanted to win. We were the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, and we started all freshmen in 1983. It was a rude awakening. We steadily improved, and in 1986, we won 37 games, which I believe is still a record. It was a great ride, and I was lucky to be a part of it.

Lang: Who is the toughest underrated player you had to defend? Who was the best pure scorer you've ever had to cover?

JB: Thurl Bailey of NC State was perhaps the most underrated player. He was such a great player, but people regard his title team as such a Cinderella story that I think they forget how great Thurl really was. The best player I ever guarded in college was Ralph Sampson. I did a great defensive job on him. I held him to 36.

Lang: Switching gears. There seems to be a plethora of differing opinions on how good Tyler Hansbrough can be at the next level. Most agree that he will be a solid professional, but the split usually starts at whether he will be a star or a role player. What are your thoughts?

JB: Tyler will be a good pro. He works so hard and is so relentless that he will be productive. He may not be an all-star, but he will play a long time, and he will be a winner.

Lang: This year's NCAA freshmen have received massive amounts of media attention and are putting up strong numbers. Who are your top three with half the season completed?

JB: Michael Beasley, Kansas State; Eric Gordon, Indiana; and Derrick Rose, Memphis.

Lang: As of today, if you were a NBA GM, who would be your first pick of the 2008 draft.

JB: It would depend upon the team I had, and what we needed. I really respect the job that GM's have to do. The draft is an organizational challenge, and requires great information gathering and processing. I would probably take Gordon. I think he will be a monster scorer in the League, and I love his demeanor.

Lang: You currently serve on the Board of Directors for Coaches v. Cancer. Having witnessed the first hand effects of cancer myself, it's always good to see people working to support medical research to fight the deadly disease. Where can people find out more information on this project?

JB: There is no better group to form a winning team in the fight against cancer than our coaches. You can visit our website, and please get in touch with your local college to team up with its coaches. Over the years, I have hosted CvC galas for Gonzaga, UConn, Syracuse, Notre Dame and Wake Forest, and I have been amazed at all of the caring people that are willing to help. Thanks for yours.

Lang: Jay - appreciate your time. Keep up the great work!

JB: Great being with you. See you at a game!

Jay Bilas was a four year starter at Duke University from 1983-86. He currently serves as a Basketball Analyst for ESPN and CBS.