April 2019 Basketball Wiretap

Jay Bilas: Grant Hill Is Best Player In Duke History

Mar 30, 2019 3:03 PM

While describing Zion Williamson as an unforgettable player, Jay Bilas said that Grant Hill is the greatest player in Duke basketball history.

"If you’re asking, is [Zion] the best player to ever play at Duke? I don’t think he is. I think Grant Hill is the best player to ever play at Duke. And Jay Williams would be right there with Grant Hill if he played four years and didn’t bail out early for the money," said Bilas.

Bilas also praised the contributions of Christian Laettner.

“Christian Laettner’s the most decorated and I think had accomplished the most. But for best player ever at Duke, I would go with Grant Hill. And then Zion Williamson would be in the discussion just because there’s never been anybody like him.”

Michelle R. Martinelli/For The Win

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California Hire Mark Fox As New Head Coach

Mar 30, 2019 10:50 AM

Former Georgia coach Mark Fox has been named the new coach at California, replacing Wyking Jones.

"Mark Fox is a man of unparalleled integrity with a proven record of success as a head basketball coach. He is an inspiring leader, a teacher and an exceptional communicator who has displayed a strong commitment to developing the entire student-athlete on the court and off the court," said Cal athletic director Jim Knowlton.

Fox was fired by Georgia after 9 seasons in which he made 2 NCAA tournaments. He had previously lead Nevada to 4 regular season WAC titles in 5 seasons.

Jeff Borzello/ESPN

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Duke Is Heaviest Tourney Favorite Since 2014-15 Kentucky

Mar 21, 2019 12:26 AM

At 2-1 odds, the Duke Blue Devils enter the NCAA tournament as the heaviest favorites since the Kentucky Wildcats in 2014-15. The Wildcats lost in the Final Four after going undefeated throughout that season.

More money was bet on Duke to win the title this season than any other team in the country.

At 12-1, Virginia winning the title represents the worst case scenario for casinos.

"Virginia is really the only bomb we're facing," said MGM vice president of risk Jay Rood.

David Purdum/ESPN

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Louisville Ranked Most Valuable College Basketball Program

Mar 16, 2019 6:46 PM

Louisville was ranked as the most valuable college basketball program despite recent off-court issues, according to a study conducted by Forbes.

In a 3-year span between 2014 and 2017, Louisville averaged an annual revenue of $52 million and a profit of $30 million. Between the KFC Yum! Center and their adidas jersey deal, Louisville lead college basketball in revenue from royalties and sponsorships.

Kentucky, Indiana, Duke, and Kansas round out the study's top 5.

Chris Smith/Forbes

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Ja Morant Leads Murray State To NCAA Tournament With 36 Points

Mar 10, 2019 12:17 PM

Ja Morant scored 36 points to lead Murray State past Belmont in the Ohio Valley Conference championship game.

Morant, a highly-rated draft prospect, averaged 24.2 points and 10.3 assists on the season.

Murray State is the first school this season to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament.

“I feel like we can get one,” said Morant following the game.

Eric He/Yahoo! Sports

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Ja Morant Hits Game-Winner In Front Of Suns, Cavs, And Lakers Executives

Mar 9, 2019 12:02 PM

Ja Morant scored a game-winning 3-point play to lead Murray State to the Ohio Valley Conference finals over Jacksonville State.

Morant finished with 29 points in the game.

NBA executives in attendance included Magic Johnson, Koby Altman, Robert Sarver, and James Jones.

Murray State play Belmont in the finals.

Chris Fedor/Cleveland.com

Tags: NCAA, NCAA B-Ball IQ

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