WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina

Bilas: Carolina has leadership in Lawson, just not vocal leadership

By Adam Harris

Jan 23, 2009

Any sports fan will tell you leadership is a huge factor for great teams.  Most successful teams have one player that others turn to for words of encouragement at critical times. 

But, does a team's leader have to a vocal leader?  Former Duke player and coach Jay Bilas doesn't think so.

"I actually had a chance to work with Ty Lawson when he was in high school..." Bilas told 99.9 FM The Fan on Thursday.  "I actually mentioned to Roy Williams when I saw him right after that, that kid doesn't say boo.  He didn't say a word the whole time, but he was a great leader."

If a player isn't yelling or getting in the face of his teammates, he can still be a leader by his actions.  Bilas believes Lawson exemplifies this type of leadership.

"He led by example, he's always engaged.  But, he's not the type of guy that's going to grab you by the shirt and say come on let's go."

Bilas joins 99.9 FM The Fan each Thursday afternoon.  You can hear his entire conversation with The Insiders by following the link on this page.