Show Me Something - Live From the Bracket: Episode 4 | Final Four and Philosophy with Jay Williams

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Show Me Something - Live From the Bracket: Episode 4

Final Four and Philosophy with Jay Williams
Aired: April 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Show Me Something - Live From the Bracket brings the NCAA Final Four atmosphere to listeners, blending March Madness excitement, college basketball fandom, and the profound personal and professional journeys of special guest Jay Williams. Hosts West and Yukon deliver behind-the-scenes stories and insights from Indianapolis, with a particular focus on the culture and impact of the Final Four, Jay Williams’ unique career path, tournament philosophy, and the evolution of college and professional basketball.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Final Four in Indianapolis – Community and Culture

• Hosts’ Impressions:
  • The hosts highlight the unique energy the Final Four brings to Indianapolis—restaurants thrive, fans flock to local spots, and the city embraces visitors with palpable enthusiasm.
    • “I think the cities do a really good job having people feel important, embracing them into their culture of Indiana. And people are showing out. It's packed here.” (West, 06:28)
• Event Structure:
  • Unlike other major sporting events, the Final Four brings four schools and their communities into town, creating a festival-like atmosphere even for teams eliminated before the finals.
    • “There's two games because it's the final four... Two of those teams, unfortunately do lose and... their whole job after that is to hang out and just catch vibes.” (Yukon, 06:44)

2. Tournament Analysis and Fan Rituals

• Bracket Surprises & Underdogs:
  • The hosts lament the increasing difficulty of true Cinderella runs due to NIL and top-seed dominance, but cherish early round upsets and underdog stories.
• Personal Game Day Rituals:
  • The trio shares their ideal championship day routines—late wake-ups, hotel gym sessions, bar hopping, and donning school colors.
  • Shout-outs to iconic Indy locales: St. Elmo’s (shrimp cocktail), Livery (Mexican fare).

3. Jay Williams: Reflections on Duke, Career, and Life

• Objectivity vs. Fandom:
  • Jay discusses the tightrope of remaining both a Duke fan and an objective commentator:
    • “If I try to be objective, my fan base hates me because I'm being objective. If I'm a homer, everybody else hates me because I'm a homer. So I just stop really giving a damn what people think.” (Jay Williams, 10:51)
• Duke Memories:
  • Intimate Duke recollections—including seeing Coach K let loose post-championship and formative team bus moments.
    • “Watching [Coach K] on the bus in Minneapolis dance...I was like, oh, now I see why Mickey married you, Coach.” (Jay Williams, 12:43)
• Life Lessons from Coach K:
  • The "Next play" philosophy—mistakes as opportunities for growth, applied to basketball and life.
    • “If I had three turnovers in a game, like, J. Next play. If I made four shots, Jay, next play... when you want to wallow in your own pity, think about the next play.” (Jay Williams, 14:22)

4. The Final Four Experience – As Player & Analyst

• Trash Talk & Camaraderie:
  • Jay relishes fan banter and the unbreakable off-court bonds among teammates.
    • “I love trash talking to fan bases. I love it. It is so my thing. It just. It makes me warm inside...” (Jay Williams, 14:56)
• The Pain of Losing, the Joy of Watching Others’ Moments:
  • Williams reflects on dealing with defeat and shifting to appreciating young athletes’ milestones.

5. Travel Habits, Team Dynamics, and Basketball Cities

• Hotels & Habits:
  • Jay’s lifelong devotion to Marriott, and aversion to rooms near elevators.
    • “I like to be in the middle of the hotel.” (Jay Williams, 20:55)
• Underrated Basketball Cities:
  • Cites Indianapolis for its passionate college basketball culture, sharing a bittersweet memory of a missed free throw vs. IU—a moment that now echoes through family ties (his wife and in-laws are IU alumni).
    • “Indiana fans are crazy. Comes the ball...very flat, not a lot to do around here...But, like, Indiana fans are pretty crazy, man.” (Jay Williams, 22:55)

6. Behind-the-Scenes: Analyst Routine & Pre-game Rituals

• Jay’s ESPN Grind:
  • Days starting at 5:30am, relentless live hits, and insights into the authenticity of sports commentary.
    • “You just pretty much don't sleep. You just keep going.” (Jay Williams, 24:18)
• Player Downtime:
  • Video games (“a lot of Call of Duty and NBA2K”), shenanigans, and unwinding between games—even under Coach K’s watchful eye.

7. Parenthood, Perspective & Legacy

• Faith and Resilience:
  • Jay’s family losses and spiritual routines (the Serenity Prayer) keep him grounded.
    • “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (Jay Williams, 31:39)
• Energy Management & Hospitality:
  • Prioritizing kindness and leaving people “better than you found them”—hospitality as a career and life philosophy.

8. Philosophy on Women’s Basketball and Player Empowerment

• WNBA Advocacy:
  • Jay expresses unwavering support for women’s hoops, credits early coed coaching for developing his fundamentals, and champions athletes fighting for revenue shares.
    • “You play a sport that is growing immensely...sharing a piece of the pie is critical.” (Jay Williams, 39:24)
    • “My oldest is starting to love basketball... so, like, oh, I have a platform. And for me...I don't like to see anybody taken advantage of.” (Jay Williams, 41:00)
• Academy Model & NIL:
  • Discusses the future of sports academies, learning from Europe’s developmental models, and why college sports should emphasize both athlete training and business education.
    • “You could be an agent, you could be a GM, you could be a president, you could be a lawyer for somebody. There's so many different jobs...” (Jay Williams, 44:30)
• Financial Literacy for Athletes:
  • Jay shares stories from USA Basketball seminars on the need for money management and future planning for young athletes.
    • “If you want to be involved in sports...doesn't it make sense for you to learn about the business of basketball?” (Jay Williams, 44:30)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Coach K:

  • “Watching him on the bus in Minneapolis dance...I was like, oh, now I see why Mickey married you, Coach. Okay, now it's all coming together.” — Jay Williams (12:43)

• On Dealing With Mistakes:

  • “Do you look at [mistakes] as mistakes, or do you look at them as growth opportunities?” — Jay Williams (14:13)

• On Being an On-Air Analyst:

  • “You just pretty much don't sleep. You just keep going.” — Jay Williams (24:18)

• On WNBA Fundamentals:

  • “Some of the girls, I'm like, her Handle's better than mine. I need to work on my shoes.” — Jay Williams (40:01)

• On Sports as Business:

  • “For me...I don't like to see anybody taken advantage of...And for me, like, once again, I don't like to see anybody taken advantage of. So, yeah, like, we're just gonna dive into the subject, and I'm gonna stand up for what I think is right.” — Jay Williams (41:00)

• On Financial Planning for Athletes:

  • “If you want to be involved in sports...doesn't it make sense for you to learn about the business of basketball?” — Jay Williams (44:30)

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Engaging Rapid-Fire Segment: “This or That”

(34:00–38:43)

• Hotel breakfast or postgame room service?
  – Jay: “Hotel breakfast.” (33:56)
• Cutting down the nets or hanging a banner?
  – Jay: “Hanging the banner.” (33:59)
• Game on your home court or on the other side of the world?
  – Jay: “Game on the other side of the world.” (36:31)
• Free upgraded suite or crunch time free throw?
  – Jay: “Free upgraded suite. I hate you both.” (37:02)
• Cinderella story or blue blood showdown?
  – Jay: “I kind of like the blue blood showdown.” (38:21)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 06:07–08:25 – Hosts discuss Indy’s transformation during the Final Four
• 10:46–14:40 – Jay Williams on objectivity, Duke memories, and “Next play” philosophy
• 14:56–16:13 – The thrill of Final Four trash talk and tournament psychology
• 20:21–21:02 – Jay on his lifelong Marriott loyalty and travel pet peeves
• 22:54–23:13 – Memory of missed free throw and Indiana fans’ passion
• 31:15–32:57 – Jay’s personal resilience and spiritual practice
• 39:08–42:55 – Women's basketball advocacy and the evolution of the WNBA
• 44:46–47:53 – Financial literacy, academies, and preparing athletes for life after sports
• 33:51–38:43 – Fun rapid-fire “This or That” segment with Jay

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Conclusion & Overall Takeaways

This episode offers a rich tapestry of tournament joy, personal storytelling, and deep basketball and life wisdom. Jay Williams’ presence infuses the conversation with philosophy, candor, and humor—from the pain of past defeats to the hope of seeing new generations succeed. The hosts and Jay celebrate college athletics' unifying energy, the complexities of athlete development, and the crucial importance of empowerment—on and off the court.

Memorable closing sentiment:

• “Cuts through. Through all these things. Don't really cut through.” — Jay Williams (48:08)
• “We cried, we laughed, we found hope.” — West (48:25)

For basketball fans, tournament travelers, or those fascinated by the personal evolution of athletes and the sports industry, this episode is a can't-miss Final Four reflection—full of heart, laughter, and genuine insight.

Transcript

[West]

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This is Daniel Cormier from the Daniel Cormier Show. This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. Power doesn't wait in the octagon or outside of it. You either make the move or you miss the moment. That's why you need a network that's just as powerful as you are. With Total Wireless, you get unlimited 5G data keeping you in the action from the walkouts to the knockouts. Now that's a total power move. Make your total power move today. Visit totalwireless.com or stop by your neighborhood Total Wireless Store. Additional terms apply. See totalwireless.com for details.

[West]

It's west and Sophie, and this is

[Yukon]

the Show Me Something podcast with Mary Bomboy checking in Live from the Bracket.

[West]

Come on now. Some of the best game day memories don't happen on the court. They happen in hotel lobbies, over pregame meals, and in moments before tip off. As the official hotel partner of the ncaa, Marriott Bonvoy sees it all. From breakfast pep talks to fans bonding over shared rituals, it's the moments around the game that become the ones that people remember.

[Yukon]

This March Madness Live from the Bracket brings those stories to life in a limited podcast series about college hoops, travel and fandom, with special guests and experiences along the way.

[West]

From now until April 15, Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to enter our Live from the Bracket sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the 2027 Final Four. Follow omeepod on Instagram to learn more. No purchase necessary. 18 in the 50 United States and DC ends 41526 for rules, visit rules.dja.com Life from the Bracket we're taking March

[Yukon]

Madness above and beyond, and you'll want to stay tuned. Marriott Bonvoy, where game day checks in. Show Me Something podcast. Yo, what's going on?

[West]

We're back in Indy and it's not as cold this time, so I'll take it.

[Yukon]

The big eye is what people are calling out.

[West]

It's game day for Michigan and Yukon. Yukon, who do you have?

[Yukon]

I'm staying in the Michigan Hotel, so I kind of feel like I like that I got to do it.

[West]

Honestly, I think like two or three weeks ago I would have seriously said UConn would have had it. But now watching Michigan. Oh yeah, those are just big boys that are pros. I think I'm going Michigan.

[Yukon]

They beat a one seed by 30 points.

[West]

If I was a betting woman, I would bet on Michigan.

[Yukon]

Yeah, but beautiful studio.

[West]

Yeah, it looks good. We've got the trophy back here, too.

[Yukon]

We're live from a Marriott.

[West]

We've had some good studios that we've been shooting in with our guests. We do have our last one today.

[Yukon]

We just came from Phoenix and had great pot episodes. And then today with Jay Williams, who rocks. Yeah, probably seen him on tv. I saw him.

[West]

Or heard the Voice.

[Yukon]

Yeah, I actually saw him on TV this morning. I turned ESPN on.

[West]

We're excited to have him. He's gonna be a good one, so lock the frickin.

[Jay Williams]

Okay.

[Yukon]

How's that sound?

[West]

Let's talk some ball.

[Yukon]

Well, fun tournament. A lot of one seed supremacy, which I hate.

[West]

It was like the things were supposed to happen, you know what I mean? Besides, like, the Duke and Yukon, that was like, the biggest thing to me for sure.

[Yukon]

The biggest moment of the tourney. Yeah, but you need those. Actually, I would say round one and two, there were a few little uppy sets. Uppy sets. I'm always a fan of that.

[West]

You're always going to have those upsets, but I always want, like, underdog. Underdog to, like, going to really make it.

[Yukon]

We've talked about it before. With Nil, it's like, way harder.

[West]

Okay, but let's talk a little Yukon. Michigan for real, though.

[Yukon]

Okay.

[West]

Have you. Have you been keeping up with them? A little.

[Yukon]

I mean, I watched Michigan dominate Arizona. Yeah, I watched Michigan with our sweet brother Kev.

[West]

Oh, did you?

[Yukon]

Yeah, we went to a little bar in downtown Phoenix.

[West]

That's fun.

[Yukon]

Every time we. We got wings and burgers, and every time we'd look up at the tv, Michigan was like, alley ooping from. From like, half court.

[West]

Okay, here's my thing. And hopefully I'm not eating my words, but UConn are phenomenal players. Like, I'm not trying to take away from them whatsoever. Really good players. Really good, systematic players. But compared to Michigan, Michigan just has a bunch of Hoopers who can just play. UConn is going to have people who go to the pros 1000%. Gotcha. Like, I'm not saying that, but Michigan has dogs. Dogs who are going to go to the pros.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[West]

Who just know. Have the rhythm of the game. They don't need a system. They just know how to go get a bucket.

[Yukon]

Well, and like, the biggest sinner in the bracket, which is kind of crazy.

[West]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

You have spent a lot of time in the great city of Indianapolis.

[West]

I have.

[Yukon]

What do you think a Final Four brings to the community? Weirdly enough, the Final Fours, men's and women's, are like your home bases.

[West]

Is that weird?

[Yukon]

That is weird.

[West]

Is it the Year of Me Kind of. Oh, say less. I could get behind this. I feel like, honestly, the W has done a great job of bringing a lot of money into the state of Indiana.

[Yukon]

Okay.

[West]

Having a men's Final Four anywhere, I just think the restaurants thrive. The people around town, they get excited. The gas, the hotels. I think the cities do a really good job having people feel important, embracing them into their culture of Indiana. And people are showing out. It's packed here.

[Yukon]

One thing that's, like, underrated Unlike a lot of major sporting events where it's one event and then you go home, there's two games because it's the final four. So you have the round of four and then you have the championship. So there's four schools in town at once. Two of those teams, unfortunately do lose and they have probably booked their flights in hotels, assuming that they'd be in the championship game and then their whole job after that is to hang out and just catch vibes.

[West]

Okay.

[Yukon]

But explore the city.

[West]

Well, that's what I was going to say. Like people. We just had people in here from Arizona.

[Yukon]

Arizona.

[West]

And they're still here because they want to see the championship game. And so you're right. They're just catching vibes. They're getting to see the beautiful, beautiful downtown Indianapolis. And so St. Elmos, go get you some shrimp cocktail.

[Yukon]

Have you been to Livery here? Huh?

[West]

I've not.

[Yukon]

It's a nice little Mexican restaurant.

[West]

Really.

[Yukon]

We had a great time because we've been here. We were here for selection Sunday and now final four. I was kind of saying downtown, but last night we went and got dinner. Like more in the. Not like in the suburbs, but it was like a 10 minute Uber.

[West]

Oh, yeah.

[Yukon]

I like to drive to a restaurant and just kind of like scope out neighborhoods and feel at home. And like there are a bunch of houses with like Colts flags and.

[Jay Williams]

Yes.

[Yukon]

Cute little streets with like trees and old stoops.

[West]

Being back in the Midwest, we just love our sports.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

Like we. We love our sports and. And I know that like Indiana, they won with their. The football. And I know it's known for like a basketball state, but like everyone is waving the flags. Everyone is like wearing their colors. I absolutely love that about college sports culture in the Midwest. So I think the coasts kind of lose it a little bit or they don't get it. They're not fired up as much as we are.

[Yukon]

I would agree. And I mean, it helps that there's.

[West]

That they're good.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[West]

Yeah. Because the Colts kind of caught on fire. And like people.

[Yukon]

I was thinking about the Peyton Manning era and how fun it would have been to be here with, with that whole team when they were rocking trying to compete with Tom Brady every single fall.

[West]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

But for sure, the Midwest is like the best place to be a fan of any team ever.

[West]

Wait, I have a. I have.

[Yukon]

And especially the fever.

[West]

Wait, let's. Let's walk through. Okay. If you are a fan and say your team was in the championship game, what is your ideal day game? Is at 9:00pm tonight. Oh. So you have to like walk me through when you're waking up. What are you doing? Your friends are in town. What's going on? I like this.

[Yukon]

I'm going to try to be a little wholesome. I'm going to wake up at like 11, just a quick 30 minute incline walk downstairs in the treadmill.

[West]

I was sweat out last night expecting that at all.

[Yukon]

And then I'm going, I'm going to the hotel bar right downstairs.

[West]

Okay.

[Yukon]

Of this beautiful Marriott.

[West]

Yep.

[Yukon]

And I'm going to wait for all the boys to come downstairs.

[West]

Like noon, 12:30.

[Yukon]

I think that's probably around 1 1.

[West]

Okay.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

One lunch.

[Yukon]

Maybe we just wander around because we're not doing a big dinner because we're going to be ready to go to the game. So maybe it's like a late lunch reservation, Stay there, drink a little bit, bar hop because you're bar hopping during the day. And we're going to come back, shower, put on our, our collegiate clothing and then head inside.

[West]

I like that.

[Yukon]

And may I say, before we head out of here, my water pressure pretty good. Sick.

[West]

Yeah, it was good. It was really good.

[Yukon]

So salute. Salute.

[West]

Marriott AC was good too. I walked in my room and I was like, Wes would enjoy this.

[Yukon]

It's beautiful. I woke up this morning, turned on ESPN because that's what I do most mornings.

[West]

Did you see a lovely, beautiful man

[Yukon]

in a dark turtleneck?

[West]

Yep. With blue socks.

[Jay Williams]

I'm glad the story started that way.

[Yukon]

Yeah, it was torso up.

[Jay Williams]

It's pretty embarrassing now that I think about blue socks. And so put the legs down now.

[Yukon]

I felt special because said person on my TV screen was coming to hang out with us soon after. So he's been working already this morning. Was that live?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah, every hit has been live this morning starting at 5:30am so that was special for me.

[Yukon]

But before I started asking you a thousand questions, let me give you a special little intro. If you're down. Guys, our guest today, you set expectations high. Our guest today, former Duke standout and one of the most recognizable voices in college basketball. A national champion in 2001, a first

[Toyota Announcer 2]

team All American and national player of

[Yukon]

the year in 2002. He is one of Duke's all time greats. After his playing career, he's become one of the most trusted analysts and commentators for ESPN and beyond.

[West]

We'll see if he's trusted after this podcast.

[Yukon]

We gotta find that out. Please welcome Jay Williams, everybody.

[Jay Williams]

Hi guys. Yeah, I gotta tell you, big fan, big fan of the Pod thanks so much. Big fan of the pod.

[West]

All right, well, I'm just gonna get right into it.

[Jay Williams]

Okay.

[West]

How are you feeling after that, Duke's loss?

[Jay Williams]

I thought this was, like, a positive.

[Yukon]

It is.

[Jay Williams]

I think it's always one of those things I'm torn about. Right. I think what I recognized a long time ago doing tv is that if I try to be objective, my fan base hates me because I'm being objective. If I'm a homer, everybody else hates me because I'm a homer. So I just stop really giving a damn what people think. I root for my team, and I tell you, if I think they're bad in a matchup. And it's pain painful to see UConn here in the championship game. Plus, they've owned our number for the last 10, 15 years, since 1999.

[West]

Turning it back to being positive, the Boozer Boys, and especially the one who did the tournament.

[Jay Williams]

Kaden.

[West]

Yeah, he owned it. He owned it. And I just wanted to give him a squeeze because he's a freshman. He's young, unexperienced at the collegiate level, but, like, he stepped up to the plate, you know what I mean? And so, like, he had a heck of a season. The whole Duke team did, but that was a heartbreaker.

[Jay Williams]

So can I tell you, his dad is my teammate?

[West]

Yes.

[Jay Williams]

So I've held him when he was a little baby.

[West]

Oh, really?

[Jay Williams]

Which is crazy. Now I'm just an old man. No, but it's like, those are, like, the little babies. You know what I mean? So watching him and you know how it is. And, like, we all have our experiences, like losing on that stage with social media, like, that's all people try to label you as, so. But he's a strong kid. He's gonna be all right. He's gonna be all right.

[West]

Talking about, like, your college days, all of our college days. Talk about your favorite travel memories back in Duke, like, with teammates.

[Jay Williams]

I'll probably say one of my best experiences traveling was, you know, every time Duke has won a championship, we've either won it in Minneapolis or Indianapolis.

[Yukon]

Interesting.

[Jay Williams]

Which, once again, you know, not to pour salt on the wound, but we won in Minneapolis, and we won it. And obviously, you know, like, winning a championship is just crazy in general, Right? Yeah. And we all got on a team bus. You know, Coach K is always, like, every time you see him, he talks like this, and he's pretty.

[West]

I love him.

[Jay Williams]

He's like, you know, he's military. You know what I mean? And watching him on the bus in Minneapolis dance.

[West]

He let loose.

[Jay Williams]

He let his shoulders start flowing. And I was like, oh, now I see why Mickey marry you, Coach. Okay, now it's all coming together.

[Yukon]

Like, that was like.

[Jay Williams]

It was like a. You know. You know how it is. Like, you know, I didn't get a chance to see my coach be human a lot.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

It was always, like, so. Just monotonous every single day that there was a great moment.

[Yukon]

Typically, you hit the airport after an away game, but when you guys won in Minneapolis, did you get to stay at the hotel one more night?

[Jay Williams]

Oh, my God.

[Yukon]

Yeah, Right?

[Jay Williams]

Just great. Just great. Coach K just hit me in the chest with three of his national championship rings. Two of them just hit me so hard. I was like, I'm not gonna act like Eric.

[West]

Wait, what is. Yeah. What is something you really learned from him? Because I think Coach K is one. He's a lot of people's favorites. I just feel like the more that you just listen to him when you're away from the sport, not that you're away from it, but you're not being coached by him every day. So it's a different perspective, a different lens. Like, what is something that you really learned from him?

[Jay Williams]

I think, you know, he often talked about it, and it's been critical for my life because, you know, like, being drafted second overall, you're getting a chance to live out your dream.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

Right. And for me, my dream was cut short by a mistake that I made. So, as you can imagine, similar to Kate and Boozer, or why I probably run towards kids like that is you make a mistake on a national scene, everybody has some type of judgment that they think they would do if they were in your shoes. That's why I love, like, man in the arena. Right. It's like, it's a great speech. And I think for him in particular, to your question, there will be mistakes.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

Do you look at them as mistakes, or do you look at them as growth opportunities?

[West]

Boom.

[Jay Williams]

Like, he was by my side at the hospital, like, literally two days after I got hurt.

[West]

Amazing.

[Jay Williams]

And just prayed with me and just told me, next play.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

That was always his thing. Like, if I had three turnovers in a game, like, J. Next play. If I made four shots, Jay, next play. I say something stupid on tv, it was a mistake because you're on TV for seven hours. Next play. You make a mistake in a relationship, all these things. Right. And for me, in that moment when you want to wallow in your own pity, think about the next play.

[West]

Yep. So good.

[Yukon]

Okay. Real quick. I got. I'm going to lob you. Every year, Final four weekend brings the games of pageantry and legions of loyal fans to one city. It's a stage that's bigger than anything else in college basketball. What about Final four weekend do you look forward to the most?

[Jay Williams]

I love trash talking to fan bases. I love it. It is so my thing. It just. It makes me warm inside, you know, like. Cause I think, you know, fans often just. That exchange is great. And also, like, I know as a player that played in it, there's so much noise. I'm just saying, like, you guys, there's so much noise that always leads up to all this, right? And then there's something about tucking yourself in a bunker and it just being you and your team. These people that I'm rocking with, like, that's my squad right now. And like, it's. I miss that so much. Yeah. Like, it never. You never get a chance to do that again. Being here in that moment where everything else, like, you can play in front of 60,000 people. It's just you and your squad. It's a beautiful feeling, man. Yeah.

[West]

Okay, now not playing, what is something you look forward to?

[Jay Williams]

Watching other people experience their moments.

[Colgate Announcer]

Yes.

[West]

I like that.

[Jay Williams]

Like, watching my freshman in my junior year, we lost in the Sweet 16 to the team that lost in the national championship game each year. And like. And that hurts. Like, that's like, you're like, oh, yeah. Like, trying to be like Duke right now, watching UConn. Yeah, right. I just said that. I don't even know.

[West]

I don't even think I would watch. Every time we got kicked out of the tournament, I stopped watching.

[Jay Williams]

You did?

[West]

Yeah, I was like, on the beach or like, I just didn't wanna. I was over it.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah. I respect that.

[West]

Cause if you're on my team, I don't like you.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[West]

But then once you're on my team. Love you.

[Jay Williams]

Yep. Fair. So I feel like I'm petty, LaBelle. I'm like, very petty. I like to store memories and just use that. Just use that as motivation, you know? I'm a little bit resentful that f. Duke.

[Yukon]

Can I say that?

[Jay Williams]

Sure. That fits.

[Yukon]

Like a Duke grad, expound. Small private school, like, and people are more petty towards you and, like, you just have it to give back at all times. Is that fair to say?

[Jay Williams]

So I'm from Jersey. Okay. Like, but I feel like I have a west coast vibe. Like, I love the mountains. I love the beach. Chill out there, listen to the water. Like, that's my whole energy. I like that being recruited by them. I'm like, regardless. Like, I was at Georgetown. Like, do I not go there? Like it was Coach K. Yeah, yeah. Like, do I say no to that? And then like we played a style of basketball. Like we were like kind of like the Golden State warriors before they started playing Golden State warriors basketball. So all of a sudden like people started comparing me to woj. Like Wojahowski and Bobby Hurley and Christian Leitner. I'm like, Yo, I got 19 tattoos. Like, I'm not Christian Leitner. But I love you guys. I know, like the turtleneck may throw you off a little bit, like, you know what I mean? Or the blue socks, I get it. But like, that's not who I am. So it's almost like people have this perception of who they think you are. I'm sure you guys see it all the time too. Then you meet, you're like, oh, you're actually, you're really cool. I'm like, ah, duh. What do you mean?

[West]

You know, I feel like everyone who is living in public eye, everyone relates to that, but I think the majority of people, it's like, oh wait, I actually really like you. You're not. It's like, well, yeah. Cause you guys don't know me. You guys. That's what you think. Cause like we all hate each other on the court. You know what I mean?

[Colgate Announcer]

It always happens right before the whistle. There's a little voice that says, what if I mess up? What if I'm not ready? I see a whole highlight reel of everything I don't want to happen. Missed shots, turnovers, letting my team down. And for a second there's doubt. But then I realize I've done enough to be where I'm at. The early mornings, the extra reps, the days I wanted to quit and didn't. So I smiled. Self doubt is natural. But my smile is a reminder that I'm resilient to put more smiles out into the world. Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games. The Colgate Women's Games is the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate, your smile is your strength.

[Mibo Announcer]

Dry eyes still feel gritty, rough or tired With Mibo eyes Can feel my bo O yeah Mibo Perflorahexaloctane ophthalmic solution is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It's the only prescription dry eye drop that forms a protective layer for the number one cause too much tear evaporation so eyes can find relief.

[Jay Williams]

That's Maipo O. Yeah.

[Mibo Announcer]

Don't use if allergic to Meibo. Remove contacts before using and wait at least 30 minutes before putting them back in. Eye redness and blurred vision may occur. For more info, talk to your eye doctor, call 1-844-MAIBOYEAH or visit meibo.com.

[Toyota Announcer]

Think about your favorite sports memories. Chances are it's not just the game you remember.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

It's the road trips to the big matchups, the tournament weekends, the pack cars full of predictions, playlists, and pregame hype.

[Toyota Announcer]

That's why Toyota believes people are the destination. The Toyota Grand Highlander is built for those moments.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

With seating for up to eight and space to spare, it keeps the whole crew together. Friends, family, teammates, and all the gear that comes with game day.

[Toyota Announcer]

From early morning drives to youth tournaments to long road trips for rivalry games

[Toyota Announcer 2]

to watch parties across town with everyone,

[Yukon]

you know there's room for it all

[Toyota Announcer]

when people are the destination. The best sports moments don't start at K Kickoff. They start when everyone piles in and hits the road together.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

Learn [e-mail] and find the vehicle that fits your people.

[Yukon]

Jay, as a traveling man, a college athlete, and in your professional life.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

You're on the road a lot.

[Jay Williams]

Yes.

[Yukon]

Hotels, cars, planes, whatever. What keeps you grounded while you're traveling?

[Jay Williams]

Like, what are my Marriott Rewards points? Since I've been 13 years old.

[West]

Wait, are you being for real?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah, since I've been 13 years old. I was telling the crew all back, they're like, what? I'm like, yeah. My dad worked at Amex, so we've been. I've been staying in Marriott since I've been little.

[Yukon]

What then? Okay, then let's do that. What do you need in a hotel room or hotel?

[Jay Williams]

Cleanliness.

[Yukon]

Of course.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's not.

[Jay Williams]

Of course. Here it is. Well, here it is. Yes. That. Hate being next to elevators. Can't do it.

[West]

Okay.

[Jay Williams]

I can't. Like, it's. Can't.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

Can't do it.

[Yukon]

Okay.

[Jay Williams]

Can't do it.

[Yukon]

So you, like. You'd rather take the walk?

[Jay Williams]

I like to be in the middle of the hotel. Yeah.

[West]

What's a.

[Yukon]

What's an underrated basketball city in your opinion? It could be professional. It could be w. It could be college.

[Jay Williams]

I gotta be honest with you.

[Yukon]

Okay, he's gonna say Chapel Hill.

[Jay Williams]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. My junior year, like, how many times when you're a little girl, were you in your backyard and you're shooting and you close your eyes and you're like, three, two, one. And a shot goes up and it goes in. Right?

[West]

Okay. Yes.

[Jay Williams]

My last college basketball game. Sweet 16 against Indiana at Kentucky. It's the only time in my life I think I've ever heard Kentucky fans root for Indiana. That never happens because they despise us so much. Down four.

[Yukon]

So it was in Lexington.

[Jay Williams]

In Lexington.

[Yukon]

Sweet 16 at the arena, where Kentucky plays at Rupp Arena. Oh, okay. Interesting.

[Jay Williams]

They take a shot, I get the. My rookie freshman takes the ball down the right side of the floor, shoots a three. We're down four with eight seconds left to go in the game. The ball hits the back of the rim, bounces to me at the top of the key. Literally, like every dream. Catch the ball. This guy Dane Fife is right there from iu. Give him a head fake. He jumps. I close my eyes, jump into this dude, throw it up. Ball goes in.

[West]

Four point play.

[Jay Williams]

Three. Three and a half seconds left on the clock. Every kid's dream, they call timeout. Coach K is great at drawing, like, all these visionary stuff. He's like, when you make this free throw, we're going into our 41 press, like, hands up. He's talking about all these next defensive plays, right? I'm locked in. I'm like, I'm gonna make the free throw.

[West]

Throw.

[Jay Williams]

I'm gonna make the free throw. I'm gonna make the free throw, go up to the free throw line, do my routine. Ball goes in and out. My teammate, Carlos Boozer, gets the rebound, gets fouled. They don't call it, we lose to Indiana. Now, I tell you this because I happened to marry a girl that went to IU and her brother and her dad also went to IU. And all I hear about is the Ms. Free Throw for the last 10 years of my life. And these IU fans are crazy. Indiana fans are crazy. Comes the ball.

[West]

I like them already.

[Jay Williams]

It's very flat. Not a lot to do around here. I. I do respect downtown things that came up a long way. But, like, Indiana fans are pretty crazy, man.

[Yukon]

They're pretty loyal towards Bloomington as a whole. Or do we think the state. Are we giving the state love?

[Jay Williams]

Giving a state love. I'm also giving, like, Indiana basketball. They will now say they're a football school because they're basketball.

[Yukon]

Wow.

[West]

Wait, so what are you. You have a lot to say about all these sports, and I love this, but what are you looking forward to

[Jay Williams]

today in the national championship game?

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

I've known Dan Hurley since I've been.

[West]

We need to talk about him and the ref.

[Yukon]

That was. It's the funniest video I've ever seen.

[Jay Williams]

The ref is my boy.

[Yukon]

Oh, you know both of them?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah. The ref is my boy. He's been around forever. What he does is every time I call a game, like I'm at Big 12 or ACC game, he walks over to me, he's like, yo, I had on the pink flamingo suit pants tonight. I had the gray Pacino loafers on. I had the jacket on. Like, he always tells me what his game fit is. Uh huh. Like all like it's crazy and down to a T. And I always see him leaving. He's the best dressed referee there is in the game and him and Dan are kind of bored. So like they kind of like that was the moment of. They're cool. Like it's like they're like, yeah, he didn't think anything about it.

[Yukon]

Oh, Dan was just hype.

[Jay Williams]

Like crazy was just hyped.

[Yukon]

That's nuts.

[Jay Williams]

Dan's always been hyped.

[Yukon]

Though I do have to also say I listen to the Keyshawn, Max and Jay podcast all the time.

[Jay Williams]

Max is genius. Max just straight up tell you. Like, so we have like our pre production meeting every day, like at 4:45 in the morning, right?

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

I'm like, all right.

[West]

So when you go to bed.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah. You just pretty much don't sleep. You just keep going.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

Is that why you're doing circles around this table?

[Yukon]

That's right.

[Jay Williams]

So Max would come on the show and like, all right. Like, oh, the Monday night game was last night. Max was like, I did not watch one second of it.

[Yukon]

I like.

[Jay Williams]

And I'm like, so where do we go with this? So then Max would read and then he would hear a couple people and have their assessment and next thing you know, like 10 minutes into the show, he has this thesis that is brilliant.

[Yukon]

I'm like, how did you just do that?

[Jay Williams]

Meanwhile, Kee's coming in from the bar the night before. He's like, oh, I was watching the game with all the boys. Like, so everybody just had their, like the true part about like the reason why your show was good. You guys are just authentically yourselves, right. Like, it doesn't feel performative. You're just kicking it.

[Yukon]

I don't think we've said a stat the entirety of the show.

[West]

No, we said that here. Player of the year.

[Jay Williams]

Player of the year. Oh yeah, yeah, true.

[Yukon]

2002.

[West]

So we talk about a lot on court and some of the experiences you've had. But walk us through. Like you as a player not on the court. What are the hotel stays? Like, what are the meals like? Like the bus, like tournament specifically when

[Yukon]

it's like non stop. City, city, city, bang, bus, game, hotel.

[Jay Williams]

A lot of video games. Video games are played. Call of duty.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

NBA 2K. A lot of stuff like that as a player. A lot of just shenanigans that typically occur when you're dumb and you're 17, 18, 19 years old.

[West]

Do you guys do that? Like with Coach K as your coach?

[Jay Williams]

Oh my goodness.

[West]

You gotta. No, you gotta tell us during tournament time or just like normal season?

[Jay Williams]

I can neither confirm nor the specific time or location.

[West]

Stop it.

[Jay Williams]

Some of these things that have occurred.

[Yukon]

Jay, we've talked about this. You travel all over the country. When you're traveling, how do you like to explore a new city? Like for me, find like an old bar, sit in it, have a couple beers and just see who comes in, who comes out. Maybe talk to the bartender. What do you like to do when you're in a new city? How do you take it in?

[Jay Williams]

So the last couple years have been hard because I have three kids under seven, so I'm always tired.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

Well, how fun though?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah, they're the best too. So sometimes like when I go into cities with them, like, I kind of. I like history, love. So like just going through like, hey, what are the top five places that we can go visit where I can teach my kids about history? Because I don't find that people talk about that anymore. So going to locations, I'm big on that love, like sightseeing and just kind of like talking through like what used to be right. To understand like where we are now. So I love anything like that.

[Yukon]

My dad's very much like that. And I appreciate those memories now that I'm older, more than I did when I was younger. Yeah, because when you're little, history is hard to like truly grasp. Just like the importance of it, you know.

[West]

But when you're physically there too though, you just, you get to take it in.

[Yukon]

But looking back now and like the fact I've been to XYZ Historical Place is so special. See, I'm saying your kids will be very proud of those experiences.

[Jay Williams]

And are boys. I think girls are different. Like, I have two girls and one boy. Right. So like my friend Scott made this video. They were all having a beer at this bar. Just the difference between girls and boys, because My kids are 7, 5 and 3. So my son is in the middle. Right?

[Yukon]

Okay.

[Jay Williams]

So Amelia, Zayn, Penelope. And this video was all these guys sitting at the bar. Four guys. And one of my friends stood on top of the table and they did it by AI and kind of like jumped out of the roof and then jumped into outer space. Right. And my son is like, oh, that's so cool. And my oldest daughter's like, but how can he breathe? He's in outer space. And I was like, oh, my goodness.

[West]

Girls have brains.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah. It's activated earlier than luck. Right. So like, my daughter, when we go places, she's like, she'll talk about it.

[Yukon]

That's dope.

[Jay Williams]

For like a while. Like, she'll talk about Indiana, places she's been like, remembers it all like that. Where my son's just. It's so. It's, I guess, about timing and when the brain forms, you know?

[West]

True. Speaking of kids, when you were little, who was your favorite player growing up and why? And also now watching collegiate hoops or pro hoops, who's someone that you still really love?

[Jay Williams]

So I. I am so, like, all these conversations, whenever I start talking about business, I geek out.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

Like, I love sitting at this intersection of sports and business. And, you know, I'm six two. I never thought I was gonna be six, eight. But like, Magic Johnson was like my favorite person of all time. Even though, like, I used to watch Magic, I'm like, I'm gonna be more like Isaiah, but like, I rock with you, Magic. Right? So, like, meeting Magic and spending time with Magic, and Magic's like my little brother. He calls me his little brother. I'm like, oh, thank you, Lord. Just. Cause, like, you know, what he's built is legendary. I think, like, when I see guys now, like, I got the best job ever.

[West]

You really do.

[Jay Williams]

Honestly, it's so gnarly. I get a chance to hang out with like Asia Wilson or you, or like, some of the best players in the W. Get a chance to play like, LeBron or talk to D. Wade about history or Melo. Or, you know, if I'm watching Kate Cunningham in Detroit, like, all these different people and just sports in general. Nascar, NFL, NHL, like, NHL hockey playoff. It's just awesome. Yeah. So I think when you get a chance to spend time with Pete Carroll, I'm like, yo, you are way more smart. Like, you're brilliant. I never knew him like that. Right. So Caliperi, you just made mention of him.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

Like, you know, my father in law is Italian, so like, I just watch literally like these. And I'm from Jersey. So my friends would call me like a black Italian growing up. Like, I just watch these two just like kick it.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

And like, and they were like, oh, it's fugazi. And all these other like. So it's like you get a chance to know people on a human level, which is. It's just cool.

[Yukon]

To me, meeting people is such a better human experience than thinking, you know, people from media or TV or.

[West]

Because you get to know them and like, why they are the way they are. And like, when you are around people who are so brilliant at their craft and then you get to pick their brain, it's just like, I love that stuff. And now that I'm kind of on this side of it. And you do get to kind of like interview, tell stories. Yeah. And it's just like, people are just genius and the way they think about the craft. I know you say sports in general, but for me, when I'm still playing, like, I just love seeing different people's perspective on the sport of basketball. And it's cool as a player, it's cool as an analyst. And so, I don't know, I appreciate that too.

[Jay Williams]

What's your favorite part about doing media now?

[West]

My favorite thing is being around the players and seeing their daily habits, picking their brains on why they do what they do. I love breaking down offenses and defenses and why they're playing a certain way, why they switch up that style. I was with the Suns broadcast for three or four years and once KD got there and you know, book's phenomenal, but KD is just, I feel like on whole another level. Yes. And so just like always seeing his little right to left crossover right at that elbow, no one could stop it. I saw so many game winners and just everyone knows that's his move, but they couldn't stop it. And so just like picking up on small details and you know, getting to see Wimy play live, getting to say see Luca play lives, getting to see these, you know, amazing players, just like, I don't know, they're the elite level athletes in the entire world and you get to see it firsthand, then talk about it and then interview them. I just think that's so special.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[West]

Yep.

[Yukon]

Speaking of little details, Jay, did you have a routine or like, are you superstitious in any way? Anything you did at the hotel before you played or even before a big day?

[Jay Williams]

It's crazy being a parent. The most humbling thing that can ever happen to you.

[West]

Right.

[Jay Williams]

Get you outside of yourself. And this is positive because you Know, I almost died when I was 21. Right. So that was a very hard experience for me to learn who I was, but not through the lens of other people, like, for myself and who I wanted to be. Right. I lost my mom 3 years ago. Coming up in a couple of days.

[West]

Sorry to get.

[Jay Williams]

It's okay. And I lost my dad this year. And so my parents have always instilled faith in me. So I always say the serenity prayer before I go to sleep and when I wake up, but I say it in my mind, right? And it's like, God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Because I just feel like. And I say it to. To my kids because, man, life throws so many different things at you. And especially when I'm traveling, I don't know how you guys are, but being out and about, I absorb a lot of people's energies all the time. Right. So it's. And I've definitely had a couple of bump ins with people, like when I was younger that I thought I wanted to meet. And I was so disappointed when I met them because that's what I was gonna get because they didn't take that time. Right. Just to treat me like I was a person.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

And so, like, when I'm out and about, people come up to me and they'll talk to me, and I'm like, all right, I have a choice in this moment. Like, I'm dead tired. I've been going since 4am Like, I have no words, but, like, how do I try to engage with this person for a minute? Right. And I want my kids to have that same type of, like, hospitality. Like, that same type of, like, thoughtfulness.

[West]

Yes.

[Jay Williams]

With life. Because it, man, is. Nobody says I have to be here, man.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

Like, and also, like, when my mom and my dad, I'm like, Whoa. Like, I'm 44 years old. Like, I got 23 extra years with them.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

Like, nobody said I had to have that.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

So it's a gift, you know? It's a gift.

[West]

That's a great perspective.

[Yukon]

That's good.

[West]

And I think we can all feel that because you are exhausted. Like, you just told us your schedule after this. And it's like, how are you doing what you're doing? You do this, like, on a daily basis just. Just to feed off that. I feel like our parents are always like, leave people better than you found them. How can you put a smile? Or how can you make people. I love the word hospitality. Like I've never even thought about that because you think about in so many ways. But how can you do that when people come up to you and so you can feel that. I think we felt your energy right when you came in. We're like, this is going to be great.

[Yukon]

That's a good way to put it. Yeah. I've always just thought that. I think being and maybe not for everyone, but being kind and nice at least comes naturally to I would like to think it comes naturally to everybody. But yeah, when you meet people who don't take the time to whether it's be respectful or give you the time, I just feel like that would drain me more than it would like taking the time to like energy management, baby.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah. It's a real thing.

[Yukon]

Quick little game of this or that.

[Jay Williams]

Okay.

[Yukon]

And we're asking you. But like we'll probably chime in. Hotel breakfast or post game Room service.

[Jay Williams]

Hotel breakfast.

[West]

Cutting down the nets or hanging a banner.

[Jay Williams]

Hanging a banner.

[Toyota Announcer]

Really?

[Jay Williams]

Hanging the banner.

[Colgate Announcer]

A game in your it always happens right before the whistle. There's a little voice that says, what if I mess up? What if I'm not ready? I see a whole highlight reel of everything I don't want to happen. Missed shots, turnovers, letting my team down. And for a second there's doubt. But then I realize I've done enough to be where I'm at. The early mornings, the extra reps, the days I wanted to quit and didn't. So I smile. Self doubt is natural, but my smile is a reminder that I'm resilient

[West]

to

[Colgate Announcer]

put more smiles out into the world. Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games. The Colgate Women's Games is the nation's longest running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate, your smile is your strength.

[Mibo Announcer]

Dry eyes still feel gritty, rough or tired. With mibo, eyes can feel Meibo Perfluorohexaloctane ophthalmic solution is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It's the only prescription dry eye drop that forms a protective layer for the number one too much tear evaporation so eyes can find relief. That's don't use if allergic to maibo. Remove contacts before using and wait at least 30 minutes before putting them back in. Eye redness and blurred vision may occur. For more info, talk to your eye doctor, call 1-844-MAIBOYEAH or visit maibo.com.

[Toyota Announcer]

Think about your favorite sports memories. Chances are it's not just the game you remember.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

It's the road trips to the big matchups, the tournament weekends, the pack cars full of predictions, playlists and pre game hype.

[Toyota Announcer]

That's why Toyota believes people are the destination. The Toyota Grand Highlander is built for those moments.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

With seating for up to eight and space to spare, it keeps the whole crew together. Friends, family, teammates, and all the gear that comes with game day.

[Toyota Announcer]

From early morning drives to youth tournaments to long road trips for rivalry games

[Toyota Announcer 2]

to watch parties across town with everyone,

[Yukon]

you know there's room for it all

[Toyota Announcer]

when people are the destination. The best sports moments don't start at kickoff. They start when everyone piles in and hits the road together.

[Toyota Announcer 2]

Learn [e-mail] and find the vehicle that

[West]

fits your people, your hometown, or a game on the other side of the world.

[Jay Williams]

Oh, game on the other side of the world.

[Yukon]

That's good.

[Jay Williams]

Yeah, I want to see.

[Yukon]

There's such good basketball. Have you seen those videos where the, the, the stuff's on fire.

[Jay Williams]

It's wild.

[West]

Will never get over cuz when you play over there you get to experience that. Yeah. And yic when he was like, like when they're like oh, is the crowd going? He's like I'm from Serbia, brother. And then you see like guns are going like whole thing is shaking game

[Yukon]

at Cameron or final four.

[Jay Williams]

Final four.

[Yukon]

Okay.

[Jay Williams]

Wow.

[West]

This is a. A salty question.

[Jay Williams]

You trying to hang banners, Wes?

[Yukon]

That's true.

[West]

Free upgraded suite or crunch time? Free throw.

[Jay Williams]

Free upgraded suite. I hate you both. I hate you. I tell you one story about a Ms. Free Throw and it has to get family in flight.

[Yukon]

Movie or good music. I internally battle with this one a lot actually.

[Jay Williams]

This is tough because I love country music low key. It makes me chill out. But I do love a great in flight movie. I love it. If I had to go music.

[Yukon]

I always think I'm gonna watch a movie and then I just kind of like I just get comfortable with my shuffle and I just let it. I just let it rip.

[West]

Easy one here. Durham or Chapel Hill Hill.

[Jay Williams]

What am I doing? Hanging out, cruising the town. Because the old me would have like Chapel Hill. I love hanging out in Chapel Hill. No, I'm always gonna choose there.

[Yukon]

Film sessions or shoot around.

[Jay Williams]

Shoot around.

[West]

You fully unpack or live out of your suitcase? Depends on how.

[Jay Williams]

I know a lot of people who fully unpack all the time. I kind of go back and forth.

[Yukon]

Oh, I know Jay's answer for this one. It's probably all three of us. Post game, hotel recovery or go out and celebrate.

[West]

Shout out. Florida State.

[Yukon]

Yeah. Come on, dude. Yeah, shout out.

[West]

Tallahassee just won 60 point game or 20 point triple double?

[Jay Williams]

20 point triple double.

[West]

Like that?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

Did you get a lot of. Were you boards, guy?

[Jay Williams]

No, I got boards.

[Yukon]

You did?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

Good.

[Jay Williams]

I think I averaged like six rebounds.

[Yukon]

Dog dog Cinderella story or blue blood showdown?

[Jay Williams]

Oh, I kind of like the blue blood showdown.

[Yukon]

Yeah, that's good. That's good.

[West]

Team bus or team flight?

[Jay Williams]

NBA or college?

[West]

That's what I was about to say.

[Jay Williams]

Ah, different experiences.

[Yukon]

Yes.

[West]

I would say, I was just about to say as a pro, team flight.

[Jay Williams]

Team flight, no doubt about it.

[West]

But as a college team bus. Yes.

[Yukon]

Pregame workout or pregame meditation? Sesh.

[Jay Williams]

Pregame workout.

[Yukon]

Did you work out before games?

[Jay Williams]

Yeah, that was my meditation.

[Yukon]

Okay.

[Jay Williams]

The workout was the meditation watching a

[West]

game on set or in seats.

[Jay Williams]

On set? Yeah, on set.

[Yukon]

Space.

[Jay Williams]

Just. Cuz I. I can talk to all my. We'll be able to talk. You know what I mean? Like, when I'm at the game, be

[Daniel Cormier]

like, oh, what do you think?

[Jay Williams]

I'm like, I. I stop. I'm watching the game with these people right here.

[West]

Fact. All right, we're gonna switch a little bit. You have been super outspoken about the wnba, which I. Big fan.

[Yukon]

Let's go, Jay.

[West]

Yeah. Just give us your thoughts. And why, like, why do you care so much? Because there's a lot of people in your position who, you know, they just want to stick on the men's side. But you have been a big supporter of us, so thank you.

[Jay Williams]

My pleasure. I mean, you're human beings.

[West]

Yeah, thank you.

[Jay Williams]

You're human beings and you play. You play a sport that is growing immensely.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

And you know, sharing a piece of the pie is critical, I think, for a multitude of reasons. I think number one, like, growing up, I played one of the first coaches I ever had. His name was Rich Leary, and he coached his team, the New Jersey Demons. And we had a girl on our team named Asia Jones. And asia played at UConn.

[West]

Yeah, I was gonna say, why do I know that?

[Jay Williams]

And she was an absolute savage. And we worked out all the time together. And my coach was so cool because basics were so part of the game. And I would see all these guys play, and it was always about running up and down and dunking. And he would be like, all right, Jay, let's do ball handling. And I would do it with the girls. Right. And like some of the girls, I'm like, her Handle's better than mine. I need to work on my shoes.

[Yukon]

She talks about all the time how, like, the WNBA fundamentals are.

[West]

It's just better.

[Yukon]

I mean, yeah, it's better, but it

[West]

has to be, like, you guys are just way more athletic, where we. We have to have our fundamentals.

[Jay Williams]

So I learned that at a young age. And I think just being around a lot of women's players, like, I would hear, like, I would hear all these stories. Like, when I was in college, like, I would listen to sue, like, Sue Burr talk about, like, going over and what she had to do going overseas. Like, DT is an absolute beast. And I would watch Diana Taurasi tell stories about going overseas. I'm like, wait, they can just cut your contract? And she's like, yeah, they cut our contract. Whenever I would hear all these stories, and I'm like, yo, this is just wild. I'm like, you're here. You play here for several months, and then you go over there because you can make 3,4x with it. That's the way they treat you over there. It's just. So as you watch this sport grow and grow and grow, like. And also, like, I'll be real with you guys. Like, I've always been passionate about it. And then, like, my oldest, like, is starting to love basketball. Yeah, he loves basketball. Right. So you start thinking about the future of the sport. I already thought about it that way. But now, like, when I take my daughter to a Liberty game, and you're like, yeah, yeah. So, like, oh, I have a platform. And for me, like, once again, I don't like to see anybody taken advantage of. So, yeah, like, we're just gonna dive into the subject, and I'm gonna stand up for what I think is right. And I do. I was glad that you guys decided to take a stand.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

Because at some day, like, some point, you have to be the advocate for yourself.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

Right. Cause in any big business, they're gonna keep trying to. They say they're gonna do the right thing, but they're in the business to make profit. To make profit.

[West]

Like, I appreciate. And I think that it's really cool. And we talked a little bit about it with Alison Feaster when she was talking, because she's with the Boston Celtics, she does stuff with their front office, and she was like, I love that you're hearing more. Kobe kind of started the trend of it, I would say, you know, the orange sweatshirt. But, like, all the NBA guys and people who play at a high level, they love our sport. And they respect it. It's cool when you see someone with your background, your platform, and now you have a daughter and you're just even more invested because hopefully us players now, when it's her time to shine, nine, it's way better than we could have ever imagined. You know what I mean? And so I think every little piece is important. And the cba, it was super important. It was huge. And we fought for, you know, our revenue share was the biggest thing. Our salary cap is way better.

[Jay Williams]

You know, so it's interesting, like, how the public frame something as opposed to what it actually is. Right? So, like, a lot of times for the W, it's. I hear this come up a lot in commentary. Well, like, the NBA subsidizes, right? And you're like, oh, that's an investment, like it should. Right. And the NBA is looking to get that investment back. And as you see this asset continue to grow and grow. That's why the meteorites deal was better.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

Right. So I think you're starting to see. And one of the things I hear a lot on is, like, academies. Like, I really think, guys, that we're moving toward day and age. Like, I sit on the board for Overtime Elite. It's a really big conversation for sports academies. Yes. Oh, I think it's a really big. And I think in particular for women's basketball, it's gonna become big. Bigger and bigger and bigger.

[West]

Wait, I love this.

[Yukon]

So I coached at Overtime Elite.

[Jay Williams]

Do you know David Leto? Yeah. David Leto used to be the assistant coach at Yukon.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

What?

[Yukon]

Yeah, he was a student for a while. So he went to. Dave went to Rockbridge where we went to high school.

[Jay Williams]

Wow.

[West]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

I love Dave Lado. Yeah. It's my all time. Please tell him I said it last.

[Yukon]

I absolutely will.

[Jay Williams]

So it's interesting when we talk about kids getting paid, right? It's such a polarizing topic in college. You know, a lot of people say, well, you know, it takes away from the sport. I'm like, okay, well, it's been taken away from. Has it been taken away from tennis? Has it been taken away from golf? Like, has it been taken away from overseas? Like, everybody gets into a conversation around Luka right now and his hamstring. Right? And I talk a lot about, as an athlete, habits. Okay, well, you become a pro and you don't know what you don't know. Like, now, as a coach, I can mold your habits, Right. Luka's been a pro since he's been 14 years old.

[West]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

Valid.

[Jay Williams]

So a lot of his habits are habits that he's not gonna change. And he's been rewarded for those habits over and over. So, you know, in Europe, this is a, this is a common thing. You could be a pro when you're 14. Look at all these academies in soccer.

[West]

Well, when you, when you are like a pro pro, they have kids who are 13, 14, that are kind of like our practice players who do get paid. And then they're just like developing them then to take our spots.

[Jay Williams]

Yes.

[West]

So it's. But it's smart.

[Jay Williams]

It's happening.

[West]

Smart. Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

So I look at this as trade school and I think it's gonna start happening. It's the same way when you think about in five years, where are gonna be some of the highest paying jobs, like plumbers.

[West]

Yep.

[Jay Williams]

Nobody wants to. So, like, at some point when you get your education, you guys both graduate from school, you're like, what did I major in?

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

Like, is it actually applicable to like, anything I'm doing right now? If you want to be involved in sports, if you're a young girl, you want to be a WNBA player, doesn't it make sense for you to learn about the business of basketball? You could be an a, you could be a gm, you could be a president, you can be a lawyer for somebody.

[Yukon]

There's so many different jobs academies, not just training, but educational as well.

[Jay Williams]

One million percent. You gotta change the whole curriculum.

[West]

Because the only reason why, and I know I speak for probably a lot of people, we knew that there were overseas players who didn't go to college because they were already getting paid. The only reason why I truly went to college is because that was the next step in America to become a WNBA player, to become a pro. But also to your point, and I think, I think social media, there's good things about it, there's bad things about it, But I also think that it's shown a lot of, I'm speaking on the female side of things, those types of jobs. Like, growing up, I had no idea. I was like, I had no idea. I was like, oh, GM had no idea that we could do that. You know what I mean? You know nothing about it. They don't tell you anything about it. And so I feel like you go to college and you have to. In the sports world, it's either you're playing or you're. I don't know. You just don't get taught the sports business as much as I wish you would.

[Jay Williams]

So I just got done speaking at USA Basketball, like Jim Tooley and Sean Ford, they were in the men's program, and I would do it with the women's, too. So got a chance to be there three days ago and literally asked them. They had like 40 players in a room. And I was like, okay, cool. Who in here wants to be top 10 NBA draft pick? Everybody raise their hand. Who in here wants to be the first pick? Ticket in the draft? Everybody raised their hand. So I picked on one kid. I'm like, hey, you stand up. He's like, great. He said his name. I'm like, all right, you want to be the first pick in a draft? He said, yes, sir. I said, cool. How much does the first pick in a draft make? He was like, I'm like, how do you want to be the first pick in the draft? And you don't know what the first pick in the draft makes? How much is your contract inflated by on an annual basis?

[West]

No one knows anything.

[Jay Williams]

I don't know anything. And so then I take you to the exercise. I'm like, let's say you made a million dollars, right? You're 21 years old. You made a million dollars, right? Okay, great. You got drafted by Miami. You both live in Miami, right? Where are you going to live?

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[Jay Williams]

And he's like, oh, I'm gonna live in my own high rise. I'm like, all right, cool. I'm like, how much are you gonna spend for your partner? He's like, $200,000. I was like, $200,000? No, it doesn't get you anything in Miami. He's like, $800,000. I'm like, all right, cool. What kind of car are you going to drive?

[West]

Yes.

[Jay Williams]

And he's like, probably get like, a Bentley. I'm like, all right, that's 250. I'm like, your mom and dad, have they been there for you your whole life? He's like, yeah. I'm like, how much are you going to spend in their house? He's like, a million dollars. I'm like, yo, you're already over. You're only netting $600,000.

[Yukon]

Bigger picture, would this be so that people don't have to also then waste money on other people to manage their money? If people just knew how to do it.

[Jay Williams]

People just know how to ask the right questions or the right questions.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

And I think, like, we in our high school, which is crazy, we had financial advising, which was nice, and I think everyone should have to take that, especially kids who are getting paid that type of money. Take the financial courses, like, know where your money's going know the tax. Like, another thing I didn't know. Everywhere we play, you get taxed in that state. Like, you get taxed in every, every state because we're an entertainment business. And so it's just like little things like that.

[Jay Williams]

It's all applicable, though. It's like when I go on the road and I use my points, my Marriott, like, bonvoy. Like reward points, like, so ESPN is putting me on the road all the time. I'm like, oh, I get a chance to stay at Marriott, I'll stay here. Yeah, give them my number, get my points. And then when the season's over, I'm like, I could take my family on a vacation. It's about learning how to utilize your resources. But you have to know they're there. You have to be disciplined with it. But these are things that people have to teach you how to do. If not, they just go unnoticed.

[Yukon]

Yeah.

[West]

Thousand percent. God, that's good.

[Yukon]

Hey, Jay, we love you so much.

[West]

We do.

[Jay Williams]

When we're not going to appreciate you guys.

[Yukon]

You have so much stuff to do.

[Jay Williams]

You do teach you guys business. You guys are both like rock stars, seriously.

[Yukon]

Thank you.

[West]

Thank you.

[Jay Williams]

Keep doing your thing and keep being yourselves.

[West]

Thank you.

[Jay Williams]

Cuts through. Through all these things. Don't really cut through.

[Yukon]

That's love.

[West]

Well, we appreciate that.

[Jay Williams]

Respect.

[Yukon]

So that about does it. Sadly.

[West]

Yeah. We had some really good guests, though.

[Yukon]

I. I know I keep saying this, but we literally cried during this experience.

[West]

We cried, we laughed, we found hope.

[Yukon]

Incredible guests. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Show Me Something podcast. We love you.

[West]

We have Lexi, Joel, Holly, Allison, and Jay. We really did have some great guests. Yeah. And I'll be friends of Marriott, too.

[Yukon]

If you ever are wondering what hotel to stay at when you're traveling, just watch the Holly Row episode. Favorite tournament memory from the last few weeks.

[West]

I think I'm going to go with the historic one of Duke Yukon. Them getting the steal. Then he. He made it. So good for him. Freshman, though. He'll never forget that moment. So that was a game Wonder. That was awesome.

[Yukon]

I am going to keep it in the family because I. My only dog in the fight. Well, I guess Mizzou and Iowa.

[West]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

Representing the rest of my immediate family. But I went on a little run and so I got to send my brother a couple of texts.

[West]

You know, know, I love that.

[Yukon]

That's actually. That's an underrated part of the tournament.

[West]

What?

[Yukon]

Because there's so many schools involved. You have like that one friend from, like summer camp who went to like where the 15 seat is and like all our family's mizzou, my brother. Like it's a fun little way to like keep tabs on all your friends and family home to like different schools who are dancing.

[West]

Yeah.

[Yukon]

So that's much love. But this was fun.

[West]

It was fun.

[Yukon]

Before we head out of here, we just want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible. Mosi Marriott and the fans Legends.

[West]

We didn't even talk about the fans showing up in Phoenix. Oh yeah, huge shout out to them too. That was a. That was a fun deal. Yeah.

[Yukon]

First live pod.

[West]

Yeah, yeah. Oh I know.

[Yukon]

20 great memories. The crew behind this camera that you're

[West]

looking at right now, honestly.

[Yukon]

Yeah, a bunch of Legends.

[West]

The 2026 tournament is over, but we are not done yet. Mary Bomboy is giving away another pair of tickets to the 2027 Men's and Women's Championship.

[Yukon]

To enter for a chance to win, head to Show Me Something pod on Instagram and comment what you want to see in the 2027 Final Four on any of our Live from the Bracket posts related to the sweepstakes.

[West]

And be sure to include the hashtag Live from the Bracket in our caption to be eligible.

[Yukon]

Full details in the episode description do not miss it.

[West]

No purchase necessary. Open to legal Residents of the 50 United States or D.C. who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry ends April 15. [e-mail] Live from the Bracket Guys, thank

[Yukon]

you so much for watching Live from the Bracket with Show Me Something Podcast.

[West]

Thank you to Marriott, our guest and you fans.

[Yukon]

See you next year. This is awesome.

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[West]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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