PMT DB
PMT DB
Jay Bilas on Barney Lawsuits, Paying Athletes, and the Final Four
The Final Four is officially set, but the mood in the studio is somber because Wisconsin decided to rip Big Cat’s heart out on Friday night. South Carolina, Oregon, Gonzaga, and UNC are heading to Phoenix, but the real story is the emotional wreckage left behind in New York City. We get a glimpse into the immediate aftermath with a segment recorded just ten minutes after the Badgers' overtime loss, featuring Big Cat in a state of pure, unadulterated grief.
Before the sadness fully takes over, PFT has some branding advice for the surprising Gamecocks. Since it’s 2017 and we need to be sensitive to the plight of fighting chickens, a name change might be in order.
PFT CommenterThe South Carolina Gamecocks should change their name to just 'The Cox' because Gamecocks is offensive
South Carolina should change its name from the Gamecocks, which is offensive, to just the Cox. Which is not. It's 2017.
The guys also took aim at Kansas and Bill Self after another Elite Eight exit. While Kansas fans might be happy just being there, the standards are a bit higher on this program.
PFT CommenterBill Self underachieves with his talent at Kansas
[Bill Self's] teams are always really, really good, but they should be better. He doesn't get the most out of his talent. That's the side I'm on.
Jay Bilas Joins the Show
ESPN’s Jay Bilas stopped by to provide some actual basketball expertise, though he spent a fair amount of time defending his legal career and his new commitment to growing a "Karnowski beard." Jay didn't hold back on his evaluation of the remaining field, noting that North Carolina has been the class of the sport since November.
Jay BilasNorth Carolina was the favorite to win the NCAA Tournament from the start of the year
I thought they were the favorite at the beginning, honestly. I thought for the whole year, since I saw them at Maui in November, that Carolina was the best team.
While South Carolina has been the feel-good story of the tournament, Jay isn't convinced the magic continues against the Zags. He points to the sheer volume of weapons Gonzaga has compared to the gritty, lower-scoring style of the G-words.
Jay BilasGonzaga will beat South Carolina in the Final Four because of their scoring depth
I favor Gonzaga because they've got so many more scorers and shooters. You know, South Carolina's not been a great offensive team all year... otherwise, I like Gonzaga to win the game.
The conversation shifted from the court to the courtroom, where Jay detailed his experience suing Barney the Dinosaur over the color purple. He also provided some insight into the future of Duke basketball and how much longer we have to deal with Coach K on the sidelines.
Jay BilasCoach K will retire in four or five years
My guess is like four years or so, four or five, but you never know... Four to five years. I don't know, but that's my guess.
Beyond just calling games, Jay is well-known for his stance against the NCAA’s amateurism model. He describes the current system as a "cartel" and predicts that the power dynamic is shifting rapidly as players become more aware of their market value.
Jay BilasIt is a near certainty that college players will eventually boycott a game
I do think as the players, as we go forward, the players are getting more sort of socially aware and their awareness of their power in the marketplace is becoming greater. I think we'll see at some point somebody will boycott. I don't know when it's going to come, but I think it's a near certainty it's going to happen.
LeBron Blames and Respecting the Biz
In the world of the NBA, LeBron James is back to his old tricks. After a scratched cornea, LeBron showed up in what can only be described as chemistry lab eyewear. Big Cat and PFT are onto the scheme: if he plays well, he's a warrior; if he loses, it was the goggles.
Big CatLeBron James only wears 'bunsen burner' goggles as an excuse for potential failure
He literally just wears these things [goggles] so that then he can say these things were screwing with me... or he can look tough in front of the cameras... Bunsen burner goggles mixed with a guy that goes to a shooting range for the first time.
Respect the Biz highlighted the grumpiest people on earth: beat writers on a 1 a.m. deadline. A Sports Illustrated for Kids reporter dared to ask a question, sending one veteran journalist into a Twitter tailspin. It was a beautiful moment for Big J Journalism everywhere.
Finally, the show wrapped up with thoughts and prayers for the city of Oakland. The Raiders are officially heading to the desert, a move that feels destiny-driven once you look at Mark Davis’ hair and his wardrobe choices.
Big CatMark Davis belongs in Las Vegas because he owns more than one white sports coat
Mark Davis was... meant to be in Vegas... They probably just looked at Mark Davis' closet and were like, okay, you own more than one white sports coat. You need to be the owner of a franchise in Las Vegas or Miami.
If the move to Vegas means more P.F. Chang's visits for Mark Davis, we're all in.
