Jay Bilas on UCONN-Duke

[luckyhusky7]

. “You want to try and be on that level that UConn is on,” Bilas said. “But you do not get to that level, you are not thought of as being an equal, by just beating UConn once. It might be the start of something, but it is not going to indicate equality.
“People do not understand or realize that it is a heck of a lot easier to take a swing at the champ then it is to be the champ and be forced to deal with every single challenger. Do you not think every team UConn plays doesn’t circle it on its schedule? On what schedule would you not see it? There are none.
“UConn needs to match its opponent’s intensity every single game it plays. And it’s not even a question of comparing talent. Remember, every single game UConn plays represents its opponent’s storm-the-court game, a SportsCenter highlight game if [UConn loses].
“That’s a tremendous responsibility for the players and coaches to bear. The pressure is on UConn all the time. That doesn’t mean Duke won’t feel the pressure, but no one is going to roll their eyes in disgust if Duke losses. It’s only a story if UConn loses.”

 

[Icebear]

I always love hearing from Bilas.

 

[VAMike23]

He tells it like it is.

I also think that Geno recruits not just talent but a certain mentality. Not every Husky will have it, but many do. It's more than just a desire to win. It's the ability to handle being in the pole position, and believing that it's your station. Bria is our best examplar currently.

 

[UConnCat]

John Altavilla ‏@jaltavilla 3h
@JayBilas just told me @genoauriemma gave his book on mental toughness to the #UConnwomen to read. #requiredreading

 

[johnnyc]

Always liked that Bilas fella.....

 

[Phil]

And for those few who do not know, Bilas is a Dukie, so it is especially impressive that he is already on record as saying that Duke isn't "there" yet, even should they win.

 

[Mike144]

What I remember Jay Bilas for is commentary after the 2000 Championship game. Part of which he states--"You know what is really scary, we talked about how this Uconn team is a machine. THIS MAY SIGNAL THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL. I think Uconn will be even better next year." His prediction turned out to be true for the next decade and beyond.