The primary men’s basketball nationwide title is in the trophy case for Baylor. Now what can the Bears do for an encore?
Asking for a repeat of a outstanding season that noticed them finish 28-2 and run by every Houston and Gonzaga in the final 4 may be troublesome. Nevertheless, Baylor coach Scott Drew has constantly had his workforce close to the highest of the big 12. So one different run isn't totally out of the question.
How deep that run goes relies upon upon what number of key contributors return. The NCAA rule permitting all gamers to retain a yr of eligibility would give all people the choice to return. It’s unlikely all of the band will stick collectively, nevertheless the Bears went eight deep with their regulars, so that they’re in larger form that some groups that usually need a entire overhaul after profitable a title.
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Let’s begin with the seniors.
Mark Vital merely completed his fifth yr on this system, so a keep for a sixth yr is unlikely. A key position participant and chief, his contributions on and off the courtroom docket is perhaps troublesome to alternate.
MaCio Teague put his identify within the NBA draft last offseason earlier than deciding to return, so coming off 52 mixed elements in the staff’s closing three victories, it's safe to think about his eyes are targeted on skilled basketball. Teague’s departure will go away a void on the perimeter. His 3-level taking photos and dimension was a good foil to backcourt mates Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell.
Speaking of Butler and Mitchell, the juniors had been first- and third-crew All-Individuals, respectively. There’s not fairly more they’ll accomplish in their school careers. Butler was the final Four’s Most Excellent Participant. Mitchell boosted his stock with a formidable postseason. Drew might be holding out hope each return, however with every in all probability a first-spherical choose, it's safe to think about their remaining day in a Baylor uniform was Monday evening.
Which brings us to who’s returning. It’s a larger image than it may seem with all that experience headed out the door.
Flo Thamba, the lone starter anticipated again, provides dimension and athletic potential. Another season would serve him properly in rising his all-around sport. The similar is true for reserve Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, a second inside presence who confirmed some offensive potential. Those two gadgets are a pleasant basis for the frontcourt.
Adam Flagler will not be the equal of Butler, however he’s greater than capable of operating the aim guard spot subsequent season. He scored in double figures in four match video games off the bench. His offensive place ought to extend.
Matthew Mayer is one other offensive expertise that can get extra options if he stays. A 6-9 ahead, the senior may have a breakout season with a bigger place that may highlight his outdoors taking photos and expertise to drive to the basket.
With the eight regulars absorbing a lot of the having fun with time, there weren’t many probabilities for a gifted freshmen class to level out itself, nonetheless guard L.J. Cryer can slide right into a beginning spot. Has the potential to be good. Zach Loveday is one different piece for the entrance line along with Dain Dainja, who redshirted.
Then there’s the incoming recruiting class that’s ranked in the very best 10. The jewel is five-star forward Kendall Brown, who Drew pried from Kansas. He initiatives to start immediately. Could be one factor distinctive for the Bears lineup. Langston Love, a four-star taking footage guard, might be one other piece to the backcourt if he is ready to contribute.
Another issue to contemplate: Drew isn’t one to face pat. Anticipate to see Baylor exploring the change portal for some expertise in the backcourt or on the wing. You must assume profitable a nationwide title will be a gorgeous recruiting pitch for a participant who must win immediately.
Once you add it collectively, the Bears do not look like a staff that’ll be going away anytime rapidly. While a variety of the names is also utterly completely different, the outcomes might not be far off from what they had been in this historic season.
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