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Jay Bilas highlights international recruiting advantage of top teams
TL;DR
Jay Bilas emphasizes the global talent pool in basketball, urging teams to expand their recruiting efforts beyond the U.S. He highlights that while the U.S. has many top players, it doesn't have all of them.
The recently completed 2026 NCAA tournament reminded fans of the plethora of talent that exists throughout the basketball world. Jay Bilas recently underscored that point to highlight the importance of expanded recruiting efforts.
"We seem to think in the United States that it's our game, and it's not," Bilas said. "It's the world's game."
"We have to expect we've got more of the best players than any other country in the world, but we don't have all of them," Bilas warned.
The ESPN analyst also spoke about the people and programs that have consistently gotten an edge by thinking outside the box and outside the country.
"Part of the problem in getting into international recruiting is having experience and having contacts and knowing people," Bilas said.
He spoke about Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd's international recruiting track record dating back to his days as an assistant with Gonzaga. Bilas recalled Gonzaga bringing Ronny Turiaf to the program from France, and continuing to milk the international market ever since.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Jay Bilas explains importance of international recruiting
Q&A
What did Jay Bilas say about international recruiting in basketball?
Jay Bilas stated that teams need to expand their recruiting efforts internationally, as basketball is a global game and the U.S. does not have all the best players.
Why is international recruiting important for NCAA basketball teams?
International recruiting is crucial because it allows teams to access a wider pool of talent, enhancing their competitiveness and performance in tournaments.
What recent event highlighted the talent in international basketball?
The recently completed 2026 NCAA tournament showcased the abundance of talent available worldwide, reinforcing the need for teams to look beyond U.S. borders for recruits.