What was it like to play Len Bias at Maryland? Jay Bilas knows | SportsCenter

[@remihudson2927]

Thanks Jay. I'm a 60 year old black male. I attended Univ of Md Evening College but Len Bias was the man on campus. Even going to Evening and weekend college the excitement and electrification he bought to Maryland and Cole Field house is something I will never ever forget. IMO he could easily of bested Jordan. Thanks for speaking up the way you did. I was still on Active duty in the Marine Corps and stationed at HQMC. I cried when I learned he had passed. But as you said the laws passed afterwards were just cruel sentencing to AA males. I'll never forget Len Bias. He was that much of a Maryland Legend.

[@bolder2009]

Well its easy to say that but facts are that they matched up in college and from the footage that's available, Jordan had the edge on offence and defence, and was more spectacular. Jordan was just more driven on the court and relentless. Jordan also bested Bias at a basketball camp in which he had to serve as a waiter. Look it up.

[@RoyBaty]

Jay is one of the best analysts in sports, because he played against all the greatest players in the ACC. When he talks about players like Len Bias, everyone should listen.

[@UzbekWatermelon]

....easily....Uhhhhhh...what

[@scottgrimes1287]

People do not realize...his death led to the real war on drugs, because Boston House leader Tip O Neil was "something has to be done".....up to then...it was Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No"....his death really altered our country....not just sports.

[@rrogers2370]

Did I miss something ? Why did you preface your statement by saying you’re a black male?

[@NewWorldRob]

Highly thorough thoughts. Your class and fairness are appreciated Jay Bilas

[@tianyaFox8098]

Len Bias passed away 34 years ago he was a great basketball player and a wonderful friend of mine rest in peace Len I miss u so much ❤

[@craigprice1598]

Awesome, I grew up in the Kentland area on Flagstaff St. I didn't know Len but I knew a friend of the Bias's, Clinton Venable.

[@juliusmoore2176]

This guy could of been better than MJ!I remember my dad's reaction to Len Bias's passing. He like so many were devastated.

[@lionelt7882]

Between Len's death and Reggie Lewis dying, us Celtics fans got hit with setbacks

[@Noob_Guy2k]

My god what could’ve been

[@Zequiman2011]

Yes, that's the main reason why the Celtics has only won one ring since 1986.

[@scottgrimes1287]

It was always said, his leaping ability was incredible. He could pick up quarters off the top of the backboard. He was so fluid....and his shots didnt rattle in.....they were dead on drop ins. Jordan got famous for his dunks...aside from his backwards ones...Bias just had such a fluid over the top jump shot...especially baseline...which is hard for those who never played. An aside, seeing a Dukie in a Maryland shirt is kind of funny.

[@jesusneverexisted300]

I grew up in DC right around the corner from College Park and of course, Bias was a beloved figure in the DC area. I was working on the campus of Georgetown when Bias died. It was so heartbreaking.

[@chrisoakley5830]

I grew up and live in NC but Maryland was always my favorite college team, Len Bias was a tremendous player if he had made it to the NBA Boston would have won at least a couple more titles that is how great he was!

[@timharris6546]

Bias playing with Bird and the Celtics then competing against Jordan and the Bulls would've been NBA history.

[@micahpg3407]

Len Bias was a greater player than MJ in college. Kareem, Bill Russell and Bill Walton are the 3 most accomplished college players ever, but Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, Len Bias and Ralph Sampson are absolutely up there

[@gwnphoto6350]

Greatest 3 college players I've seen were Walton, Sampson and Bias

[@kevinmyers8966]

Don’t forget about Patrick Ewing or Christian Laettner either.

[@mattveteska8559]

@@kevinmyers8966 don't forget the pistol

[@tae2x866]

His story is sad man he was before my time but I know how great he was

[@eddiewallace7709]

Len was headed for greatness on the purest form!!! Believe me he would hav have Jordan FITS!!! Real talk.

[@cashmoney221]

Love Jay for highlighting how young African Americans were effected by Len’s death in a multitude of ways. A hero that gave so many a sense of you can make it too but also laws being set out to lock up young blacks for those same choices.

[@coleellish1409]

My dad went to Maryland in the 90s and he said he’s one of the greatest Maryland players of all time!!!

[@brianlongley9624]

Probably the best

[@bgood4449]

And he wasn't even there when Bias was playing. He would know the legend though.

[@BrockLanders]

He was basically Dominique Wilkins with a midrange jumper. He was virtually unstoppable.

[@taylorknight7423]

Shout out Jay Bilas

[@ermannosorricchiodivalfort4905]

still can't understand to this day, and i'm talking about both Bias brothers

[@craigprice1598]

Yes, Jay's death was very tragic too.

[@a2a918]

Thank you for speaking the truth about the war on drugs

[@abrahamjackson6019]

Just imagine how great that Boston team would have been with Bias, young legs come in off the bench playing both forward positions. At least 2 more championships for the Celtics.

[@ciaojay7025]

He could have prolonged Bird and McHale's career by lessening their load and giving it to Bias

[@yeeluvspizza]

Off the bench? Bias, just like Jordan would've easily started on any team in the league... even Boston.

[@jhettmantv9513]

Great interview!

[@knoda2603]

One of the biggest what ifs in NBA history

[@craigprice1598]

Probably thee biggest considering how tragic his death was and how great of a basketball player he was.

[@1968-b3n]

44 Strong

[@markmccreadie6549]

It was sad to see his life claimed by drugs. He was on his way to being a top player, and would have had Reggie Lewis along side of him.

[@worldwiderell1812]

Would've been UGLY wit those 2!!!

[@RICHUNCLE44]

“Jay… you’re a real classy man!” “You’re a blessing to the game of basketball!” 🏀 ❤🙏🏽

[@user-wo7dl6tb2q]

Jay Bills should be in Politics & run for office. He knew & knows what time it is

[@Stewpendous360]

Jumpshot was "butter"! Aka - Wet Willie!

[@jvamerica1703]

Jay Bilias the GOAT in basketball broadcasting

[@johnchaney2091]

I still remember the room I was in(because I was just waking up), the radio station that announced it(I slept with the radio on) and the song that the played!

[@trevorbuck1632]

Jay...thanks! Terp for life, but have and RECPECT. You and Duke

[@forumcelebritypodcast]

Some forget Reggie Lewis came a year later and they got Jim Paxson. What an amazing team they would have had.

[@kcorpora1]

Boston would not have been in the position to draft Lewis!

[@connorrussell2084]

@@kcorpora1 not true, Reggie was the 2nd to last pick in the first round. Regular season standings wise, the Celtics would've stayed at the same range and couldve still drafted Lewis even if Bias survived. Where the Celtics missed Bias was come playoff time because of all the minutes the older veterans had to play during the regular season

[@musicmonster3033]

I’m glad he said that on national television!! Injustice of America how you get 15+ years for drug possession smh

[@WinwoodCompletist]

History would have been so different !

[@cgyiltis]

With Bias, Bird would have gotten another 3-4 rings and MJ would have fallen to 3 or 4. So in perspective MJ would not be considered GOAT. But history is written by facts not speculation

[@SRambo-hx8sl]

LEN BIAS!!!! THE GREATEST THAT EVER WAS. GO TERPS!

[@4747da]

One of the biggest "what if" in nba history. Celtics with len bias... Who knows if Jordan would have six rings.

[@scottgrimes1287]

Bilas, always liked him..hit the nail on the head. The War on Drugs began because of his passing. Cant get over him wearing a Maryland shirt.

[@0007tad]

Len was Jordan before Jordan was Jordan...

[@1stAaronAaron]

Facts ❤😢Fam4Life

[@greganderson1445]

Detroit wouln't have gotten by Boston for maybe a couple of years if Bias hadn't passed. Boston took a blow. Him and then Lewis passing.

[@digitalgravity3563]

It’s really a “what if”. Len just didn’t take it serious and let some wrong dudes inside of his circle to just let all his hard work like that.

[@therealbs2000]

It's dwelling in the upper bound of what if...anyone who watched the last dance knows that incredible athleticism and a jumper are the LEAST remarkable of michael jordan's basketball qualities. I am all for remembering the dead well, but come on Mr. Bilas, the only reasonable comps to Jordan are LeBron and Kobe.

[@darshloaf]

Clearly Bias had work ethic; you don't dominate the ACC in the 80's without work ethic or mental toughness. Plus, this has very little to do with Jordan & nothing to do with the Last Dance.

[@gwnphoto6350]

@@therealbs2000 i don't think Kobe or Lebanon compare to Jordan but Bias definitely does. I honestly thought just based on their college play that Bias was better and gonna be a better pro. Jordan improved like no other human has and no one compares to what he did in the NBA

[@jahmaiharrison5471]

@@gwnphoto6350 great take

[@jeffreyriley8742]

The ACC was one of the most loaded conferences in the history of college basketball then. You could make the case three or four of their teams were all the best in the country. Len was the best player among all that talent and it wasn't really an argument.

[@cliftonjohnson1852]

Len Bias would of been a great player in the NBA

[@mikehofman3553]

Jay donning Maryland gear!

[@levermp]

A Duke grad wearing a MD shirt. Wow 😳! Never seen that before

[@72Dexter72Manley72]

The news of Len Bias death rocked the Maryland area. A native son who was destined for stardom. We were just in a fog when we heard the news. He jumped so high during his jump shot that it could not be defended. The shot was smooth as glass. Imagine an aggressive scoring 6'8 power forward, with fantastic hops and a beautiful jump shot. And how much better he could have been going to the Celtics and working with those veterans.

[@eugenewesley1845]

I grew in the DMV during this time. I was working a summer job during my summer break from college. I remember listening to WKYS and hearing story of death. Second time I cried. First was Jordan shot during final against GTown 😢

[@raymondsmith2040]

He was so physically strong too. Usually guys that strong take years to perfect a jumper like that.

[@craigprice1598]

@@raymondsmith2040 , I know right

[@vivahernando1]

Big 10 legend Len Bias. Would have been Jordan’s rival

[@davidrobert1229]

I cried when he dies, I was seven and watched ACC and Big East basketball regularly as a kid

[@leodrosia4369]

Bias death ended the celtic dynasty from 57 to 86, bos fan....what a tragedy

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

I was playing Football in College when Bias died. I cried like a 5 year old when I heard about it and was super frustrated because I knew how big of a problem Cocaine was and is. Now, I just give up. People want to blow their minds with Drugs, LEAVE ME OUT OF IT

[@pacmarley925]

He was on point when he talk a bout drugs💯😱🤔 That’s something Steve A Sellout Smith need to talk a bout,but he’s to perfect to understand...💯🤦🏻‍♂️✌🏼

[@cindyknudson2715]

But drugs WERE and ARE a scourge on our society. It's just that the "war" like so many wars was used as a tool for other agendas.

[@bgood4449]

Jordan wouldn't have 6 rings for sure had he lived. Detroit would have not won the 2 rings they did had he lived. McHale wouldn't have had to play on a bad wheel and Bird put additional mileage on his bad back. Lakers would have been defeated with Bias on Boston.

[@kcorpora1]

Say this one more time!

[@cindyknudson2715]

And he would have been coming into the team that just one the Championship. What a great group of mentors. With Walton injured in 87, there was plenty of room.

[@1968-b3n]

i had just completed 11th grade in High School an i was at work in the morning vaccuming an watching Espn then All of a Sudden Espn announced that Len Bias had just died . i was Crushed 44 Strong

[@thomasawesomeaustin1085]

If he played at Boston they win 4 or 5 more championships. Bird would have made him even better. Biggest loss in regards to being a true gentleman and superstar in NBA history. I was in uniform at Fort Hood Texas never will forget the sickness I felt for his Mom and Dad. Heartbreaking.

[@kcorpora1]

All legacies would have change. All!!!!!!

[@kcorpora1]

Dj 6 5.. point Bias 6 8...2 guard Bird 6 10...sf McHale 6 11..power f Chief...7 1...center All healthy! Unreal Ainge, Walton rotating Are you serious!

[@BrendenBaker30]

Jay Bilas is the smartest man in law and in sports.

[@mariohostios]

If Len Bias lives, the Bad Boy pistons and lakers never win again.

[@dcvalentine1]

Hey everybody, hope you are having a great weekend.

[@renxu9]

I like Len bias more but maybe I'm bias(ed).

[@sammymorales6838]

Can an old timer educate me? Everyone talks about Len Bias as a potential rival to MJ and he was that amazing, why wasn't he the number 1 pick if he was arguably one of the greatest prospects ever?

[@seanwebb2254]

Jordan wasn't the number one pick. Means nothing

[@craigprice1598]

@@seanwebb2254 , that u man..smdh

[@Grief_Weasel]

Jordan was the 3rd pick of the 1984 draft and The Cavaliers traded with Philly for the number one pick in 1986 and they were in the market for a center and drafted Brad Daugherty #1 and Bias went #2 to the Celtics

[@Eseibio__]

I remember Ken bias documentary

[@eddiewallace7709]

Len wouldn't gave the whole N.B.A. fits everyone period!!!

[@Zachhwilliamssssss]

I thought he was jay bilas brother at first glance looking at the name

[@DanielRGonza]

If Len bias didn’t die who knows maybe he makes Boston good after Larry retired due to injuries , do they still draft Paul Peirce?

[@mrhighperformance2891]

He would have definitely made them better. This wasn't the NBA of today where a guy shines in College and is a Bust in the NBA. Watching his skill set from back then, you knew he had the it factor. I'll say this, Bird, McHale, Parish, Johnson and all the other veterans would have mentored him to the fullest. He would have started his career in 86, Bird Retired in 92. That would have been 6 seasons with Bird. They still had a good run at that time. However Red Aurebach was on to something. He gets Len Bias, who know who he would have drafted in 87? The would have needed a point guard more than likely. By the time Paul Pierce is in the league, Bias would have probably been retired with 13 seasons or just a reserve planning retirement. Len Bias was the real deal.

[@grimjim1774]

certainly when it comes to athleticism and skill he was equal or better than jordan. but nobody ever had or ever will have jordan's competitive edge. jordan's will is what sets him apart from every other player and i truly believe bias would never have been able to match that no matter how great he was.

[@arronfrazier7873]

Stop the cap! Jordan wasn't the only great player with Will or want to win! The Celtics losing Bias in 86 greased the skids for the Pistons and then the Bulls to take over. The Celtics don't lose Bias and he playing with Reggie Lewis who was drafted in 87 the year after Bias was drafted in 89, it would have changed things in the East 87 to 92. If Bias and Lewis stay alive, the Pistons and Bulls don't go on their championship runs in the late 80's and early 90's. Not to say, neither don't win championships but the Celtics would have had a young and athletic Bias and Lewis to take the mantle from Bird and Mchale .

[@grimjim1774]

@@arronfrazier7873 must be nice to live in fantasy land.

[@darrelljones3965]

We was robbed of len bias man smh he would’ve made the eastern conference very interesting

[@BBAERSTANCE1]

I want to know what it was like to play an alien warrior next to dolph Lundgren 🤔

[@TempeSoldier123]

I remember being a 12 year old kid watching Len Bias cook Jordan.

[@jowellrepfj2015]

Celtics would of ran the 90’s

[@joshuahollowell95]

Len Bias and Reggie Lewis vs MJ and Scottie throughout the 90s. Would've been crazy

[@korethoe262]

Kobe, Jordan, LeBron, and Bias. In that order. At best. Maybe ends up like Pippen and those guys, just a slight drop from the top.

[@bychristopherewing]

Jay light skinned

[@timhoward5]

?

[@Norma1250]

😂😂😂

[@auc2.0]

@Alan Brown stfu you don't decide that.

[@Eseibio__]

Bias and reggie lewis

[@craigprice1598]

Yes, they would have been a great dynamic duo. Would have rivaled Jordan and Pippen.

[@therealbs2000]

Someone explain how len bias differs from shawn kemp, another guy who was an all time athlete with a J and bad history with cocaine.

[@DJrock888]

Shawn kemp was a finisher. Len Bias had all around game and one of the best jump shots ever. He was good on D and had a good handle, he was much much more than a dunker. Shawn Kemp never scored 41 against a top ranked Duke Team. You just have to ask anyone that saw him play like Dean Smith or coach K. He also was a very hard worker and had a mean streak. He also would be alive but his buddy didnt realize the coke they had gotten was uncut. He might have become a coke head but he like many others at the time used it on special occasions.

[@craigprice1598]

@@DJrock888 , tell him bro, u really couldn't compare Lenny to anyone. His game was uniquely his own. This kid obviously never got to see Lenny play when he was alive.

[@tiredofotherwhitepeople9197]

if he would've lived i retire in 88_ Larry Bird

[@cindyknudson2715]

But that is in hindsight, fully knowing what the future held.

[@MrBoogie68]

He would have been better than Jordan

[@timothyg8397]

No Doubt Two NBA titles

[@brandonfrank3284]

How did the celtics get the #2 pick? Coming off of a 69 win season

[@ciaojay7025]

They got that pick from a trade in summer of '85 from Seattle

[@terrymcnamara5893]

Mr Len Bias

[@marlonperryman9126]

Like JFK it hurt me bad.

[@danandhibb]

He was a bigger, stronger version of Ray Allen

[@flyingdutchman399]

Lenny could have been better then Mike

[@bolder2009]

In theory. Was he as competitive as MJ? I highly doubt that. Based on what I've seen, he was not as explosive or spectacular as Jordan. He didn't have Jordan's first step and equal leaping ability off one and two feet. He didn't have Jordan's hangtime, body control in the air, creativity and handle. What he did have was a jump shot that was pristine and especially deadly from the baseline. I just can't see him doing what Jordan did on offence and defence based on the footage I've watched. The effort that would require is not just about ability. The mental side of Bias's game would have to have been equal to Jordan in order to even come close to being better.

[@craigprice1598]

@@bolder2009 , u just can't base your analysis or assessment on footage from KZbin. If you never seen him play in real time then you should deal your lips and let those who actually witnessed him play make an analysis of his game. You're not really qualified to make a comment.

[@bobnbea100]

Drugs were his nemesis. Yet another sad example of talent wasted

[@almadeunrebel]

talent wasted or weak

[@thescatman5029]

Dude used to eat box-and-ones for lunch....!

[@PInk77W1]

Just say no to drugs

[@Iam-kw5ws]

Mj could do nothing with len bias.

[@basketballgod2791]

There are people who say he was better than Jordan or had more potential

[@chrissinclair4442]

I don't know. I don't like MJ because of the way he treats people. Len didn't have Dean Smith sitting him so he wouldn't average 25, 35 or 40 points a game. I wondered if MJ would have been even better because Dean Smith gave him bad habits of scoring for sitting him. Maybe broke good habits of scoring because he sat him.

[@kcorpora1]

More than true. Jordan has never ever mentioned Bias!

[@kcorpora1]

@@chrissinclair4442 Mike would have avg just like Bias. But bias was 2 inches taller, a slight more athletic. He shot jumpers over you vertical, no fade away. He on Boston would have changed the legacy of Jordan, Magic, Isiah for sure. Boston would have been totally unstoppable. Jordan can thank God for 3 things. He grew 5 inches, Bias died, Chicago picked up Rodman.

[@lanceprimus9133]

@@kcorpora1 bias would have been banned for drug use if he didn't die. His death is the reason they pass those brutal drug laws so thanks bias.

[@f430ferrari5]

kcorpora1 and how exactly was Len Bias going to battle his drug habit demons. Come on. Get real. If Bias was so good how come he couldn’t win an NCAA title. For as good as Len Bias was what about Shawn Kemp. Even bigger and more monstrous and actually helped get Seattle to the NBA Finals. What happened to him too? 7 kids with 6 different women and drinking problems? It takes a lot to resist the “temptations” out there and Bias couldn’t even wait until he got his big pay checks for a few years.

[@tez1202]

Yo

[@radfordfulton1681]

BETTER THAN MICHAEL Jordan

[@angelmarrero9506]

He was great but Jordan was still gonna be the goat

[@Mo-yd8xc]

How could the Celtics be "world champs?" The NBA is NOT a world cup tournament. It's a domestic league.

[@jacewoods411]

The first time ever I've agreed or even considered anything Bilas has said Bias would've been better than Jordan IF but the more I watch old films Jordan wasn't the greatest player ever it was Bill Russell 🤔😎😷

[@jeromebrooks7]

Better than Jordan!!!! Jordan knows it.

[@kofifordjour9128]

Stop hyping up a college player

[@peterjo5215]

I don’t know about that one

[@upgradeyourmindset3265]

He did nothing to prove that. Stop

[@darrylnelson05]

@@upgradeyourmindset3265 Says a guy that probably never say Jordan and Bias play in college.

[@haseebdawar4760]

@@upgradeyourmindset3265 i cant say hes better but he was suppose to be jordans rival cuz if you look at it jordan never had a true rival cuz the people as good as him were already old by then

[@HieiDaHellSpawn94]

Len Bias would'ev been in that 4th spot with along with Micheal,Kobe & Lebron

[@musicmonster3033]

He had no friends that why he is in the grave!! And the pistons would have never got out the east

[@manl15_89]

celtics core 4 wouldve got him sober cuz im sure he wouldve kept doin coke smh

[@asianfireflie]

40th comment 📦📯💊