Jay Bilas talks NBA Draft, college basketball, NIL & the evolution of the game

Q: What are the top NBA Draft prospects mentioned by Jay Bilas?

Jay Bilas highlights Aday Mara, Keaton Wagler, and Darius Acuff as notable top NBA Draft prospects.

Q: How has NIL affected college basketball according to Jay Bilas?

Jay Bilas discusses the significant impact of NIL on player development and the overall landscape of college basketball.

Q: What solutions does Jay Bilas propose for issues like tanking and load management in the NBA?

Bilas offers insights into potential solutions for tanking and load management, emphasizing the need for changes in the NBA's current incentives.

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Kevin O’Connor sits down with basketball legend Jay Bilas to break down the evolution of basketball from college hoops to the NBA. Bilas shares insights on player development, coaching at every level and the impact of NIL and the transfer portal.

They discuss solutions to tanking, load management and the backwards incentives in the NBA today. Bilas also weighs in on top NBA Draft prospects like Aday Mara, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff & more.

(1:23) Memories with Bill Raftery

(4:35) Love & evolution of basketball

(14:17) Tanking & load management solutions

(21:27) Why won’t NCAA & NBA work together?

(28:58) NIL, transfer portal & potential player contracts

(48:51) NBA Draft prospects to watch

Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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