#126: Jay Bilas, ESPN basketball analyst – Put substance before style
Mar 16, 2023
auto_awesome
David Novak talks with Jay Bilas, ESPN basketball analyst, about putting substance before style in basketball and leadership. They discuss the tactics Jay learned playing for Coach K, his self-coaching techniques, and the evolving landscape of college basketball. Jay also shares a hilarious court case involving Barney the purple dinosaur and his transition from lawyer to basketball commentator. Qualities of a good leader are also explored.
Emphasizing substance over style in broadcasting for thoughtful analysis and preparation.
The importance of gratitude, humility, and character in effective leadership.
Being prepared and delivering the right message at the right time with the right tone in television broadcasting.
Deep dives
Jay Billis's Basketball Insights and Career Journey
Jay Billis, a renowned basketball analyst for ESPN, discusses his career journey and insights into the game. He emphasizes the importance of substance over style in broadcasting, highlighting the need for thoughtful analysis and preparation. Billis also reflects on his experience playing against basketball legends like Michael Jordan and shares his admiration for Virginia's coach Tony Bennett. He stresses the importance of gratitude and humility in leadership, drawing inspiration from General Martin Dempsey's definition of leadership as character, competence, and humility.
Lessons from Jay Billis's Influences
Throughout the podcast episode, Jay Billis shares insights from influential figures in his life. He discusses the impact of his father's advice on focusing on one task at a time and avoiding distractions. He also recounts the lessons learned from Skip Prosser, emphasizing the importance of never delaying gratitude. Billis also admires the leadership of General Martin Dempsey, who highlighted the significance of character, competence, and humility in effective leadership.
Jay Billis's Approach to Broadcasting
Jay Billis discusses his approach to television broadcasting and providing insightful analysis. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and delivering the right message at the right time with the right tone. Billis also shares his admiration for his colleagues behind the scenes, highlighting their role in creating a successful broadcast. He shares his perspective on the impact of broadcasters and acknowledges the influence they have in enhancing the audience's enjoyment of the game.
Jay Billis's Reflections on Coaching and Team Dynamics
Jay Billis reflects on his experience playing for and coaching under top basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski. He highlights Krzyzewski's unique ability to balance kindness, trust, and competitiveness in his coaching style. Billis also discusses the importance of understanding one's role within a team and working together to achieve success. He shares insights from successful basketball programs, including Virginia coached by Tony Bennett, where players embrace joy and gratitude while striving for excellence.
Jay Billis's Personal and Career Choices
Jay Billis shares personal stories, including his affinity for rap music and his daily Twitter posts. He discusses the choices he has made throughout his life and career, such as transitioning from a law career to broadcasting. Billis emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities and not being afraid to pursue new paths. He also highlights the value of helping and encouraging younger professionals in their journey.
As the NCAA March Madness tournament kicks off this week, David talks with ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas.
Jay knows the game inside and out. And he has a way with words that really draws you into the game. He’s a master of his craft because he truly honors the work he does – and the work of those around him.
As you’ll hear in this episode, he is thoughtful with his opinions. He is deliberate about his work. And in his words, he has stuck to the substance of the job rather than the flash of it.
In this episode, you’ll hear how to put substance before style – and so much more – including some great stories about Coach K and Michael Jordan from Jay’s years playing at Duke.
You’ll also learn:
• Three questions you can ask yourself whenever someone gives you criticism
• The tactics he learned to motivate and instruct others while playing for Coach K
• A powerful analogy that can help any team work better together
• What kind of upsets we can expect in this year’s March Madness tournament
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode