Jay Bilas Interview

[UConnCat]

Here's the link to a podcast of interview of Bilas on a Charlotte radio station. Jay's interview starts at about 22-minute mark and covers the tournament, FF, UConn, Kentucky, Shabazz's statement at the trophy presentation, etc. Toward the end the host asks Jay about whether it's time Swofford looks seriously at adding UConn to the ACC. Jay says it makes sense, NY market, academic issues behind them, not a 0ne-coach program, etc.

Warning: Jay's cellphone connection weakens half-way through the interview so some of what he says may be tough but not impossible to hear.

http://charlotte.cbslocal.com/audio...ive-hour-3-48-ft-an-interview-with-jay-bilas/

 

[J-dog]

Thanks for posting… Always interested in what Bilas has to say…

 

[Husky1972]

I'd prefer the Big 10. The State University makeup appeals to me.

When UConn joined the Big East I noted that they were going to be the only large, State university in it. I thought that that would either be a blessing or a disadvantage. Not for any particular reason for one way or the other, but just recognized that it makes us different from all the other schools.

Funny, as I type this, a caller just asked Francesa if UConn would now get a bid from a big conference. He says no, because of football, "it drives these decisions". Goes on to say that going back to the Big East, as he has heard suggested, would be a good thing for both of them. "UConn would instantly make the Big East basketball 20% better on the male side; Then they just go Independent in football."

Of course does he think that the Big East would pay them enough make up for the exit fees?

[edit]. Now in response to another caller he says "it's just that your football program isn't attractive. But UConn would be bonanza to the Big East....... adding one of the best basketball programs in the country. Let them go independent football, and then give them an out after two years if something better comes along for them."

 

[djct1999]

Oh well. Guess we are doomed. If Francessa said it, it has to be true.

 

[Excalibur]

If we're discussing conference fantasies, my issue with the B1G is that it is not located in the places where the future of the country lies. Better to be tied to the South, IMO.

 

[huskypantz]

Now in response to another caller he says "it's just that your football program isn't attractive. But UConn would be bonanza to the Big East.. adding one of the best basketball programs in the country. Let them go independent football, and then give them an out after two years if something better comes along for them."

I can picture Waylon doing a Mr. Burns-esque "Ex-cellent" as he read that.

 

[Vuce]

Francesa has no idea what he is talking about. The GOOD thing is that since we won the championship there have been various media outlets (see conf realignment board) openly questioning why Uconn isn't in a P5 conference. This should have been happening anyway but that's how it goes. The more this happens the more Uconn is in the forefront of people's minds. I love that Jim Delaney was sitting in MSG as we took out MSU and packed the building. I also love that another year has passed without the B1G winning a championship in hoops. No one thing drives CR. It's not just football, it's not just market, it's not just politics, it is a mix of things and a one month long multi billion dollar commercial called March Madness is in that mix. The MOJO is building here........

 

[Pudge]

If we're discussing conference fantasies, my issue with the B1G is that it is not located in the places where the future of the country lies. Better to be tied to the South, IMO.

hmmm

Seeing that UCF is going to be 60,000 and USF will be 55,000. Houston is booming. Good God ... Texas State - San Marcos is exploding.

That is what this Cartel stuff misses. We are looking at massive change demographically and affordability wise. You can LOCK the P5 because you are protecting Wake and/or BC; but, there comes the next BIG thing. I want UConn to be elevated. I want to have the opportunity to grow like crazy & compete. But ... I won't be like our former peers & piss on the next tier.

Forevermore.

 

[amory]

I'd prefer the Big 10. The State University makeup appeals to me.

Funny, as I type this, a caller just asked Francesa if UConn would now get a bid from a big conference. He says no, because of football, "it drives these decisions". Goes on to say that going back to the Big East, as he has heard suggested, would be a good thing for both of them. "UConn would instantly make the Big East basketball 20% better on the male side; Then they just go Independent in football."

Of course does he think that the Big East would pay them enough make up for the exit fees?

[edit]. Now in response to another caller he says "it's just that your football program isn't attractive. But UConn would be bonanza to the Big East.. adding one of the best basketball programs in the country. Let them go independent football, and then give them an out after two years if something better comes along for them."

Makes no sense at all. Why would we want to go back to that neutered conference? The AAC sucks but it's a better place to wait than the freakin """"Big East""""". Christ I don't think that's even enough quotation marks.

 

[sportsart]

Anyone who talks about UConn and how their FB program is the problem, and leaves out how a B1G invite or ACC invite would elevate them to above competitive status, is just plain ignorant.