The Baylor Bears are ready to roar back! After a fairytale rise to the top, they now face the challenge of rebuilding their basketball dynasty. But can they reclaim their former glory? Let's dive into the story of a team's quest for redemption.
The Rise and Fall of Baylor Basketball:
Scott Drew, the mastermind behind Baylor's transformation, crafted a remarkable comeback story. He took a struggling program and molded the Bears into national contenders, culminating in the 2021 national championship. But the fairy tale didn't last forever. In the four years since, Baylor hasn't come close to replicating that success.
Last season, the Bears barely scraped by with 20 wins and a tied 7th place in the Big 12 standings, their lowest finish in over a decade. Despite the talent of players like V. J. Edgecombe, Norchad Omier, and Robert Wright, the team couldn't replicate their championship form.
A New Era Begins:
With a wave of departures due to graduation, transfer, and other factors, Drew faced a daunting task this offseason. But he's not one to shy away from a challenge. Baylor aims to remain a force in the Big 12, but this team is undeniably different from its predecessors. Let's meet the key players and explore Drew's strategy.
Projected Starting Lineup:
- JJ White (Senior Guard): A star at Omaha, White led the Mavericks' offense for three years. He averaged 13.7 points and 4.0 assists per game and now brings his skills to Baylor, offering solid facilitation and defensive prowess.
- Obi Agbim (Senior Guard): Agbim dominated at the JUCO level and then at Wyoming, averaging 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. His sharpshooting is a valuable asset, and he'll likely be a key facilitator for the Bears.
- Tounde Yessoufou (Freshman Guard): A 5-star prospect from Benin, Yessoufou is a physical force with excellent shot-making skills. He's expected to grow into a significant role and could become a high-level defender.
- Michael Rataj (Senior Forward): Rataj shined at Oregon State, averaging 16.9 points and 7.2 rebounds. He earned First Team All-WCC honors and is poised to continue his success at Baylor.
- Juslin Bodo Bodo (Junior Center): A defensive powerhouse, Bodo Bodo was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year twice. He averaged 5.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks at High Point and aims to dominate the paint for the Bears.
Key Reserves:
- Dan Skillings Jr. (Senior Guard): A former Top 100 prospect, Skillings contributed 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds last season. He adds veteran experience to the backcourt.
- Andre Iguodala II (Freshman Guard/Forward): The son of a basketball legend, Iguodala is a 6'7" wing with potential. He could develop into a lethal shooter.
- Isaac Williams IV (Sophomore Guard): Williams showed promise at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, averaging 10.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He aims to improve his shooting and become the Bears' backup point guard.
- Cameron Carr (Sophomore Guard): After a brief stint at Tennessee, Carr is ready for a second chance. He's a skilled athlete with scoring ability, looking to find his role on the court.
- Caden Powell (Senior Center): Powell had solid performances at Wyoming and Rice, averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. He's a strong offensive rebounder and shot blocker, adding depth to the frontcourt.
Schedule and Outlook:
Baylor's schedule starts with three home games, including a notable matchup against Washington. They then head to Las Vegas for the Players Era Festival, facing Creighton, St. John's, and another team during Thanksgiving week.
The non-conference schedule is relatively light, allowing the team to gel. They face Memphis in December and host weaker opponents at home. In conference play, the Bears face a challenging slate, including TCU, Houston, Iowa State, and a road game against Kansas. They'll also host Arizona and BYU in February.
The Road to Redemption:
Baylor's roster has undergone a significant transformation, a reflection of the evolving landscape of college basketball. Last year's success relied on transfers and top-ranked freshmen, and this season, they aim to rebuild with another packed transfer class. The question is, can they gel as a team?
Michael Rataj stands out as a dependable player with experience and leadership, but he's not alone. The frontcourt, featuring Bodo Bodo, Powell, and Rataj, might not be as dominant as last year's duo of Omier and Wright. The Bears will need players like Agbim and White to step up their scoring.
On paper, Baylor might seem like they've taken a step back. But potential is abundant, and they have what it takes to return to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh consecutive year. Will Obi Agbim or Michael Rataj become the breakout star Baylor needs? Or will another player rise to the occasion? The journey to redemption is full of intrigue, and the Bears are ready to write the next chapter.
