Episode 073: Jay Bilas – World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Jay Bilas is an incredibly interesting person.  He is a great combination of extremely high intelligence mixed in with a keen awareness of many issues we are all faced with in today’s world.  This was one of my all-time favorite conversations. I absolutely loved it.

Jay Bilas is a 1986 graduate of Duke University undergrad and 1992 graduate of Duke Law where he competed for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski on the Blue Devil Basketball team. Jay was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and played professionally for 2 years in Europe before embarking on his coaching career. Bilas served as an assistant coach on Blue Devil bench during a time that included the 1991 and 1992 National Championships. Bilas then launched a successful law career before becoming a popular analyst on ESPN’s coverage of college basketball. Jay has published one book, “Toughness,” and is a sought after motivational speaker throughout the world. Jay is one of the most respected voices in college basketball today.

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“There are certain things in life that are “have to” and there are things that are “want to”, I think I have taken care of the “have to” things well, and that has made a good part of my life “want to” now.” – Jay Bilas

Episode 073: Jay Bilas – World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

The Learning Leader Show

Some Questions I Ask:

  • What are the common characteristics of high achievers?
  • How did your parent’s encouragement of doing speech and debate help you?
  • How did you go from lawyer to broadcaster?
  • Discuss the importance of putting yourself in positions to be nervous
  • What is your process to prepare for a broadcast?
  • What are your thoughts on some of the loud, argumentative TV shows on ESPN and other networks?
  • What specific problems do you have with the NCAA? Why?
  • What are your thoughts on NCAA president Mark Emmert?
  • If you became the president of the NCAA, what are the first things you would do to improve it?
  • Who would be the first people you would call to work with you?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • The importance focusing on sustained excellence rather than achievements
  • The importance of being well rounded
  • Accepting his first broadcasting job only paid him $200 per game
  • The specific preparation needed to be world class
  • The importance of an informed opinion
  • That he believes Mark Emmert to have thin skin
  • Some practical ideas to help fix the NCAA
  • The importance of putting yourself in situations to be nervous
  • The importance of humility and how it leads to success

“Mark Emmert has very thin skin.” – Jay Bilas describing the President of the NCAA

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Did you enjoy the podcast?

This was a jam packed episode full of great content.  Jay Bilais is a leader who leads an incredibly interesting life. Who do you know that needs to hear this?  Send them to The Learning Leader Show!

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

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