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Articles by Jay Bilas
The Bilas Index: The best 64 men’s basketball teams in 2026-27
It’s that time of year again: Jay Bilas is here to name the 64 best teams in the sport. You’re welcome.
The Bilas Index: The best men's basketball teams in 2026-27 Original
Welcome to November. The Bilastrator is excited and enthused for the college basketball season -- as has been the case for the past 50 seasons, without exception. The past five seasons especially have brought Everest levels of liveliness and exhilaration -- largely because the game has never been better. The product we are seeing on the floor is exceptional, and the level of play is heightened and clear.
The Bilas Index: The best 65 men’s basketball teams in 2026-27
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The Bilas Index: The best men's basketball teams in 2026-27
“I could be 10 times the player if I had her work ethic” – Sophie Cunningham on the only person she ever looked up to Sophie idolized only one person her entire career. Sophie Cunningham is now one of the biggest names in the WNBA. But like any other star athlete, …
Jay Bilas picks his 2026-27 All-America teams Original
Do you remember the players who were honored with Preseason All-America last season? And, please -- don't cheat and look at the walls of the arena for the elaborate Preseason All-America plaques or the Preseason All-America banners hanging from the rafters. You can't, and neither can I -- and I named the team myself. The last player selected in the NFL draft is called Mr. Irrelevant. (Of course, that is ridiculous.
It’s almost time for college hoops! Jay Bilas picks his top players to watch
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It’s almost time for college hoops! Jay Bilas picks his top players to watch
Bilas’ picks for some of the most exciting players to watch this college hoops season.
Bilas' 2026 NBA draft superlatives: Most talented, most dynamic, more Original
The 2026 NBA draft has tremendous depth of young talent, yet there is not a "no brainer" as the first overall selection. Whether LeBron James in 2003 or Victor Wembanyama in 2023, there are certain drafts in which everyone knows the top pick -- which leads to little discussion. The top of this draft reminds me of 2022, when Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith all were discussed as potential No. 1 selections.
Long Shots
Press Releases Long Shots Jay Wright, Villanova, and College Basketball’s Most Unlikely Champion By Dana O’Neil / Foreword by Jay Bilas Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312.676.4256, b.ames@triumphbooks.com Villanova basketball made history with their second-ever national championship in 2016. But their journey to victory was neither short nor simple: it’s what Coach Jay Wright has been working towards for 15 years.
Bilas’ path to the men’s Final Four for every Sweet 16 team
Stay on Jeff’s Sideline Subscribe to the official Jeff Fox YouTube channel to join Jeff Fox on the sidelines of all Florida’s most popular sporting events.
DraftKings responds to NCAA trademark infringement complaint
DraftKings has been using "March Madness" and other familiar terms to refer to the NCAA tournament for more than five years and has the legal right to do so, the sportsbook said in a court filing Wednesday in response to a complaint filed by the NCAA last week. The NCAA is seeking an emergency temporary restraining order to stop DraftKings from using registered trademarks associated with its men's and women's basketball tournaments.
Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson gametime call vs. Tennessee
Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson remains a question mark ahead of the team's Sweet 16 game Friday against Tennessee. Jefferson sprained his left ankle on a layup attempt just minutes into the Cyclones' NCAA tournament opener against Tennessee State, forcing him to miss the team's second-round game against Kentucky.
March Madness 2026: Bilas’ path to the men’s Final Four for every Sweet 16 team
This tournament has given us basketball at its best. Here’s what to expect from a Sweet 16 that will be just as electric.
March Madness 2026: Bilas' path to the men's Final Four for every Sweet 16 team
Oh, the wonderful narratives of March are here again. Detractors will proclaim that Cinderella is dead, just three years after Florida Atlantic and San Diego State made the Final Four (during the NIL era, by the way), or decry that the sport didn't give us the upsets we love to talk about at the office, even though fewer people than ever actually go in to an office. Of course, that viewpoint ignores VCU coming from 19 points down to beat North Carolina in overtime.
March Madness 2026: Bilas' path to the men's Final Four for every Sweet 16 team
Oh, the wonderful narratives of March are here again. Detractors will proclaim that Cinderella is dead, just three years after Florida Atlantic and San Diego State made the Final Four (during the NIL era, by the way), or decry that the sport didn't give us the upsets we love to talk about at the office, even though fewer people than ever actually go in to an office. Of course, that viewpoint ignores VCU coming from 19 points down to beat North Carolina in overtime.
March Madness 2026: Bilas' path to the men's Final Four for every Sweet 16 team
Oh, the wonderful narratives of March are here again. Detractors will proclaim that Cinderella is dead, just three years after Florida Atlantic and San Diego State made the Final Four (during the NIL era, by the way), or decry that the sport didn't give us the upsets we love to talk about at the office, even though fewer people than ever actually go in to an office. Of course, that viewpoint ignores VCU coming from 19 points down to beat North Carolina in overtime.
Mark sends Texas by NC State in NCAA tournament's First Four
DAYTON, Ohio -- Tramon Mark hit a fadeaway jumper from just inside the 3-point line with 1.1 seconds left, and Texas survived a late rally to beat NC State 68-66 on Tuesday night in a First Four matchup of power conference teams that limped into March Madness. Mark scored 17 points to lead the Longhorns (19-14), who had lost five of six entering the NCAA tournament.
Howard holds off UMBC in First Four for first NCAA tournament win
DAYTON, Ohio -- Bryce Harris had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and he sank a turnaround jumper with 13 seconds remaining that sent Howard to its first NCAA tournament victory in program history, 86-83 over UMBC in the First Four on Tuesday night. Ose Okojie scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Bison (24-10), who entered with an 0-4 record in March Madness and had to hold off a late rally by the Retrievers (24-9). DJ Armstrong Jr.'s 3-pointer with 43 seconds left got UMBC within 83-81.
March Madness 2026 - How to watch in SA, start time, schedule, TV channel for NCAA championship basketball tournament
It's one of the most exciting times of year again as March Madness returns. One of the biggest annual sporting events is back, featuring 134 games across the men's & women's full tournament. This time around it's all on Disney+ too! That's right, every single game across both men's and women's tournament will be available so you don't miss a single moment of the action. What is March Madness?
Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament
Looking for the perfect bracket? Look no further.
Butler basketball coach Thad Matta announces retirement
Butler basketball coach Thad Matta, who won 502 games and made 13 NCAA tournament appearances in a career that also included stints at Xavier and Ohio State, announced his retirement Monday. Matta, 58, will remain with Butler as special assistant to the president and athletic director. "After taking some time to reflect following the end of the season, I have decided that the time has come for me to step away from the sidelines," Matta said in a statement.
Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament
Stay on Jeff’s Sideline Subscribe to the official Jeff Fox YouTube channel to join Jeff Fox on the sidelines of all Florida’s most popular sporting events.
Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament
You already know the drill. After my fellow analysts and I have the privilege of calling the SEC championship game in Nashville, Tennessee, we move swiftly to process the men's NCAA tournament field as it is revealed. Our bosses at ESPN ask us each to fill out a bracket -- while we are on the air -- so we can reveal our picks before the end of the show. They give us less than five minutes. Hardly ideal, but perhaps our first instincts are better than considered thought.
Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament
Jay Bilas predicts every game of the 2026 NCAA tournament You already know the drill. After my fellow analysts and I have the privilege of calling the SEC championship game in Nashville, Tennessee, we move …
Armstrong's 33 helps UMBC clinch America East title, NCAA berth
BALTIMORE -- DJ Armstrong Jr. buried seven 3-pointers and scored a career-high 33 points, leading top-seeded UMBC to a 74-59 victory over No. 2-seed Vermont in the championship game of the America East Playoffs on Saturday. The Retrievers (24-8) will play in the NCAA Tournament for the third time and earned their first bid since 2018, when they famously became the first 16-seed to beat a No. 1 seed, upsetting Virginia 74-54.
Belmont won't play in NIT after coach Casey Alexander's exit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Belmont, which is losing longtime coach Casey Alexander to Kansas State, won't participate in the postseason NIT, the university announced Saturday. The Bruins won the regular-season Missouri Valley Conference title before losing to Drake in the conference tournament.
Tarleton State hires Utah State assistant Haut to replace Gillispie
STEPHENVILLE, Texas -- Tarleton State has named Utah State associate coach Eric Haut to replace Billy Gillispie, who resigned last month because of medical issues. Haut, whose hiring was announced Thursday, was on Utah State's staff for two seasons after five as an assistant at Northern Kentucky.
Clemson's Carter Welling done for season with torn ACL
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Clemson said forward Carter Welling tore the ACL in his right knee in its opening game of the ACC tournament Wednesday. Welling was hurt when he attempted to drive late in the first half of a second-round win against Wake Forest when he collapsed to the court. The 6-foot-11, 240-pound junior was helped from the court and later had a brace on his right leg and crutches. He had an MRI on Thursday.
Lehigh upends BU in Patriot League tournament final
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Nasir Whitlock scored 18 points, Joshua Ingram and Edouard Benoit each added 15, and second-seeded Lehigh beat No. 4 seed Boston University 74-60 on Wednesday night to win the Patriot League tournament and clinch its first NCAA tournament berth since 2012. Hank Alvey added 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks for Lehigh (18-16).
Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. (back) says he hopes to return for March Madness
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Mikel Brown Jr. is focusing on rehabbing the back injury that is keeping him out of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Louisville's star freshman and high-end NBA prospect is hoping the time off will have him ready for March Madness. "Yeah, it's hard," Brown said while sitting at his locker after missing the 24th-ranked Cardinals' second-round victory over SMU on Wednesday. "But I can't rush God's plan. Can't rush his plan.
2-seed McNeese tops 1-seed Stephen F. Austin for Southland title
LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Javohn Garcia scored a career-high 31 points and made five 3-pointers, and No. 2 seed McNeese beat top-seeded Stephen F. Austin 76-59 on Wednesday to claim the Southland tournament championship and a bid to the NCAA tournament. McNeese (28-5) became the first team in 10 years to reach and win three straight Southland tournament title games since Stephen F. Austin did so from 2013-16. Editor's Picks Men's Champ Week 2026: McNeese steals Southland bid with win over Stephen F.
Bilas’ All-America teams: My top 20 men’s college basketball players of 2025-26
Freshmen earned six of the 20 spots we handed out Tuesday. Here’s who made the cut.
Bilas’ All-America teams: My top 20 men’s college basketball players of 2025-26
Stay on Jeff’s Sideline Subscribe to the official Jeff Fox YouTube channel to join Jeff Fox on the sidelines of all Florida’s most popular sporting events.
Bilas' All-America teams: My top 20 men's college basketball players of 2025-26
This has been an amazing college basketball season. Simply amazing. Despite all of the doomsday predictions of some of the older coaches and administrators, the pronouncements of "chaos" and the "wild west," the game has never been better. The quality of play has been spectacular. Plenty of teams are older and experienced, and this might be the deepest and most productive freshman class in recent memory, if not in history. Ratings and interest have never been higher. There is A LOT to celebrate.
Bilas' All-America teams: My top 20 men's college basketball players of 2025-26
Counting the cost of F1's controversial new engine formula Coming to near 50% electrification was supposed to make F1 more attractive to manufacturers. But with Renault gone, Honda in crisis and the drivers …
Slumping Georgia Tech backs coach Stoudamire, pride on line
ATLANTA -- The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have lost eight straight following a 94-68 defeat to the No. 14 Virginia Cavaliers on Wednesday night. That's a form far below the Yellow Jackets who beat N.C. State on Jan. 17 and hung close with then-No. 6 Duke on New Year's Eve.
Kansas' Darryn Peterson misses most of 2nd half due to cramping
Star Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half against Oklahoma State on Wednesday but was limited to just the first three minutes of the second half with a cramping issue that coach Bill Self called concerning. Peterson removed himself from the No. 8 Jayhawks' 81-69 win over Oklahoma State shortly after hitting a 3-pointer. He did not return for the final 17:22 of the game. "It's a concern," Self told reporters after the game.
2026 NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame honors six new inductees
The NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame will induct five distinguished industry professionals and an innovative media company at its annual gala on Friday, April 24, 2026, at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.
The Bilas Index: Ranking the top 68 teams in men’s college basketball
With a month until Selection Sunday, Bilas reveals which teams he has at the top of the pecking order.
The Bilas Index: Ranking the top 68 teams in men’s college basketball
With a month until Selection Sunday, Bilas reveals which teams he has at the top of the pecking order.
The Bilas Index: Ranking the top 68 teams in men’s college basketball
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The Bilas Index: The best 68 men's basketball teams in 2025-26
Jay Bilas Now that football takes a break from its weekly competition, those irrationally obsessed with the sadistic ground acquisition game can turn their attention spans toward the objectively beautiful, balletic, organic, improvisational and creative game of basketball -- just as it heads toward the meat of conference play and into the NCAA tournament.
The Bilas Index: Ranking the top 68 teams in men's college basketball
Stay on Jeff’s Sideline Subscribe to the official Jeff Fox YouTube channel to join Jeff Fox on the sidelines of all Florida’s most popular sporting events.
The Bilas Index: The best 68 men's basketball teams in 2025-26
Now that football takes a break from its weekly competition, those irrationally obsessed with the sadistic ground acquisition game can turn their attention spans toward the objectively beautiful, balletic, organic, improvisational and creative game of basketball -- just as it heads toward the meat of conference play and into the NCAA tournament.
Krzyzewski returns to alma mater as West Point takes on Duke
WEST POINT, N.Y. -- The winningest coach in men's basketball doubled as a tour guide Monday. When Mike Krzyzewski and Duke arrived at West Point a day early for its Veterans Day game, they visited some of the academy's historic spots, including Trophy Point. Many places brought back memories of Krzyzewski's time as a West Point cadet and basketball player under legendary coach Bobby Knight and his first head coaching stop 50 years ago.
Tucker DeVries leads Indiana past Marquette in Chicago
CHICAGO -- Tucker DeVries scored 24 of his 27 points in the first half, Lamar Wilkerson scored 15 of his 23 in the second and Indiana cruised to a 100-77 win over Marquette on Sunday afternoon at the United Center. DeVries was on fire in the first half, making 5 of 7 3s and 8 of 12 overall. Wilkerson made 5 of 7 3s in the second.
Cameron, Cayden Boozer start strong in debut for No. 6 Duke
DURHAM, N.C. -- Cameron and Cayden Boozer had already gotten a taste of playing for Duke at its famously rowdy campus arena in exhibition and fan events. On Saturday, the twin brothers -- considered among the nation's top incoming freshmen to the college ranks -- had a strong start in their first official game at Cameron Indoor Stadium as the sixth-ranked Blue Devils beat Western Carolina 95-54.
No. 15 Alabama upsets 5th-ranked St. John's 103-96 at MSG
NEW YORK -- Labaron Philon Jr. scored 25 points and No. 15 Alabama passed an early-season nonconference test with a 103-96 victory over fifth-ranked St. John's on Saturday afternoon. Philon helped Alabama clinch the win with a deep 3-pointer for a 98-88 lead with two minutes remaining. He shot 10-of-17 from the field in his second straight strong performance as Alabama took control late in the first half, withstood a comeback and executed in the final minutes.
No. 15 Alabama upsets 5th-ranked St. John's 103-96 at MSG
NEW YORK -- Labaron Philon Jr. scored 25 points as No. 15 Alabama passed an early-season nonconference test with a 103-96 victory over fifth-ranked St. John's on Saturday afternoon. Philon helped Alabama clinch the win with a deep 3-pointer for a 98-88 lead with two minutes remaining. He shot 10-of-17 from the field in his second straight strong performance as Alabama took control late in the first half, withstood a comeback and executed in the final minutes.
๐ The Bilas Index: The top 68 teams this season
Stay on Jeffโs Sideline Subscribe to the official Jeff Fox YouTube channel to join Jeff Fox on the sidelines of all Floridaโs most popular sporting events.
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