Simply candid or fuse-blowing scary? I’d opt for the former in describing the work of ESPN’s Jay Bilas — generally no favorite of mine — who pulled no punches in sneering over the Big Dance qualifications of California and Washington this morning on “College Gameday”. In the eyes of the New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman however, the former Dukie’s work during the Big East Tournament “was unnecessarily confrontational.”

One of his mates, the gregarious Bill Raftery, called him “cranky.” Bilas certainly sounded inpatient, at one point ordering Raf to “finish your thought.” Whatever. Bottom line here: Listening to Bilas was uncomfortable. Perhaps one of the sociology profs on the Bristol Clown Community faculty will encourage him to work on his courtside manner. That would be much appreciated. It would also discourage those going to the mute button when Bilas opens his yap.