DJ's one-way conversation with Jay Williams

[Dry White Toast]

Was watching from a bar.  It seemed clear, from the video, that DJ was pointing and shouting at J.Williams.  Was it addressed in any post-game interviews?  I like to see a touch of cocky in our guys.  Just curious what exactly he said.

[Markusquette]

Jay was his favorite growing up, I think it was just like a dedication to him after he made the shot or something

[wadesworld]

Jay was his favorite growing up, I think it was just like a dedication to him after he made the shot or something

Yup that's what DJ said in the postgame interview.  He said that he texted his brother (or cousin?) and told him he met his idol earlier in the day (being Jay), and his brother (cousin?) said he thought that he was DJ's idol, and James said something like he was, so he was pointing at Jay after the 3.

[77ncaachamps]

IS this the same Jay Williams from Duke?

[Markusquette]

IS this the same Jay Williams from Duke?

yeah, same one.  He got drafted really high, like 2 or 3 and then got in a bad motorcycle accident and didn't make a good return so retired and become a sportscaster.

[TallTitan34]

yeah, same one.  He got drafted really high, like 2 or 3 and then got in a bad motorcycle accident and didn't make a good return so retired and become a sportscaster.

I believe the Bulls still gave him a very significant amount of his contract even though the motorcycle accident should have voided it.

[CTWarrior]

That was the first time I've heard Jay Williams on a broadcast, and I thought he was very good.  Made good points throughout the broadcast.  That's probably the first nice thing I've ever said about a Dukie.  Called us out for blowing the fast breaks and settling for jump shots and mentioned the lack of touches/shots Costner was getting in the 2nd half.

[ATWizJr]

DJ and J. Williams had a conversation at the shootaround and Williams told him that he was a great player and should not be afraid to let his greatness show.  DJ's pointing at him after making the game winner was a celebration of fulfillment and a thank you to Williams for his supportive words. 

[WashDCWarrior]

The commentators were driving me nuts. (don't know if it was Williams specifically) It was a back-and-forth game, late in the second half and they were discussing all sorts of off topic items. They didn't show/explain certain plays. (especially foul calls) It was like they were using filler material for a 30-point blowout.

[Knight Commission]

It was clear from the beginning of the broadcast that Jay Williams was a big fan of Dominic. He singled out Dominic during the game (ignoring Jerel and Wes) discussing his prospects for the NBA. He even mentioned that he read Dominic' NBA scouting report. The love was intensified at the end of the game. You could clearly tell jay was flattered.

[LON]

It was clear from the beginning of the broadcast that Jay Williams was a big fan of Dominic. He singled out Dominic during the game (ignoring Jerel and Wes) discussing his prospects for the NBA. He even mentioned that he read Dominic' NBA scouting report. The love was intensified at the end of the game. You could clearly tell jay was flattered.

I loved how he was calling him 'Mr. James' the whole second half...

[only a warrior]

yeah, same one.  He got drafted really high, like 2 or 3 and then got in a bad motorcycle accident and didn't make a good return so retired and become a sportscaster.

You are correct - Bulls really stepped up for him when they weren't obligated to.  Made a nice chunk of change.

[Bob "Big Daddy" Wild]

IS this the same Jay Williams from Duke?

Yep, definitely not the shotgun-toting-former-New-Jersey-Net Jayson Williams.

[Ahoya06]

I thought the broadcasting was awful. Like someone stated before, they were off-topic a lot, and there were even snippets of the game that weren't shown, because they were doing stat overlays (that's more ESPN's fault than the broadcasters themselves).

As for Williams, it seemed he had an NC State/ACC bias all game. Seemed like all he could say about MU was negative, and even after the (official) final horn, his only commentary was to praise NC State's effort, rather than talking about the clutch finish WE had. Then, after Dom called him his idol, only then did he return the favor.

I never understood broadcasters' fixations with the ACC, though being a former Dukie, I guess I can see where it came from here.

[StillAWarrior]

I thought the broadcasting was awful. Like someone stated before, they were off-topic a lot, and there were even snippets of the game that weren't shown, because they were doing stat overlays (that's more ESPN's fault than the broadcasters themselves).

I thought they were terrible too.  We commented on it several times.  Williams said some really, really stupid things.  My "favorite" was (paraphrasing), "Costner just scored his 1000th point...he may have to score another 1000 to help NC State win tonight."  Umm, actually another four would have done it.  Even at that point in the game, he would have been pretty safe projecting a win if Costner scored, say, another 50.

[Pardner]

Why the 1974 tribute during five minutes of the game and not half time?  And, if so, why didn't they catch the audience up in between on the action?  And, "Mister, Mister" was lame.

[chrisk1]

I thought the production overall was bad, but Williams showed that he did his homework on MU and that he understands the game very well.  I think over time he will improve his ability to provide some good analysis because he has those two areas covered.  He knew precisely what MU would run in certain situations, and he knew why they ran those particular sets.  That said, they spend too much time yucking it up on off topic stuff while completely ignoring the game action.

[MU gimp ONE]

i don't know if anyone else on this board has had the job of announcing a sporting event, but it's not easy.  and yes, there are times where you stray off topic because you are obligated to fill the air time.  i actually thought the announcers did a good job last night.  they knew both teams and Jay Wills actually offered some fresh insight since he isn't far removed from playing.  Would you people rather have Dickey Simpkins???

by far the best announcing team is, Bilas, Rafferty, and McDonough... hands down.  those guys make watching the game enjoyable.

[CAINMUTINY]

As a number 2 overall pick in the draft and his subsequent motor-cycle crash that ended his career, I am happy to see Jay Williams on the sidelines.  He is well spoken, knowledgeable and does a pretty good game; even the best announcers repeat the same stupid stats/facts.  It was pretty obvious that both of the guys doing the game we're pro ACC; especially when they mentioned they game was pretty much over with three minutes and a two point lead by NC State.

[CTWarrior]

I thought the production overall was bad, but Williams showed that he did his homework on MU and that he understands the game very well. 

I agree with this.  It is the play-by-play guy's responsibility to keep the tandem focused.  When discussing the game at hand, Williams was insightful.  Also, I've noticed more and more the creep of graphics and sideline reporters (has any sideline reporter or coach/manager interview ever added any real insight to anything or increased your enjoyment of any game broadcast?) interfering with watching the game.  You don't have to show me David Thompson for more than a couple seconds for me to know you're talking to him live.  Show me the freakin' free throws, already.

[CTWarrior]

by far the best announcing team is, Bilas, Rafferty, and McDonough... hands down.  those guys make watching the game enjoyable.

I like those guys too, but I find Gus Johnson to be the most fun guy to listen to at the moment.  He seems to be genuinely enjoying himself at games, gives the guy working with him ample time to make his points, and could make an intramural game exciting.  When he gets a great game like the UConn-Gonzaga game on Saturday nobody is better.

[Ahoya06]

i don't know if anyone else on this board has had the job of announcing a sporting event, but it's not easy.  and yes, there are times where you stray off topic because you are obligated to fill the air time.  i actually thought the announcers did a good job last night.  they knew both teams and Jay Wills actually offered some fresh insight since he isn't far removed from playing.  Would you people rather have Dickey Simpkins???

by far the best announcing team is, Bilas, Rafferty, and McDonough... hands down.  those guys make watching the game enjoyable.

I appreciate that it's tough, and I don't mind off-topic bantering, but showing stat overlays instead of the game was unacceptable. Again, this one I put on the network, and not the broadcasters themselves.

As for my beef with Williams, it seemed like he had nothing positive to say about MU. Even after the game, all he could talk about was the fight NC State put up, and not our awesome victory. I'd expect that from a local telecast (I watch many a Sox game with Hawk Harrelson, local bias is a good thing), but for national games, I want even coverage.

[TallTitan34]

by far the best announcing team is, Bilas, Rafferty, and McDonough... hands down.  those guys make watching the game enjoyable.

I've always liked Dan Shulman except for the fact if you get him you usually get Vitale with him.  Gus Johnson is great too as he could even make a Big Ten game exciting.  Every game is March Madness for him.

[TallTitan34]

Even after the game, all he could talk about was the fight NC State put up, and not our awesome victory. I'd expect that from a local telecast (I watch many a Sox game with Hawk Harrelson, local bias is a good thing), but for national games, I want even coverage.

I'm a Cubs fan but I know many Sox fans who wouldn't mind seeing Hawk Harrelson disappear.  His Sox bias is even over the top for them. 

[nyg]

Gus Johnson hands down.  Especially in close games with big shots/plays being made.