Can Baylor Basketball Rise Again?
Remember the magic of 2021? Baylor, under the masterful guidance of Scott Drew, defied the odds and claimed the national championship, a testament to his transformative coaching. But here's where it gets tricky: four years later, the Bears are struggling to recapture that glory. Last season, they barely scraped together 20 wins, finishing a disappointing 7th in the Big 12, their lowest ranking in over a decade. While they made the NCAA Tournament, a second-round exit marked their fourth consecutive year failing to reach the Sweet Sixteen. Is the Baylor magic fading, or is this just a temporary setback?
The landscape of college basketball has shifted dramatically in recent years, and Baylor's struggles reflect this evolution. Despite a talented roster last season, featuring standouts like V.J. Edgecombe and Norchad Omier, the team faces a complete rebuild. Everyone from last year's squad is gone, leaving Drew with the daunting task of assembling a new team from scratch.
But Drew, the architect of Baylor's previous success, isn't one to back down from a challenge. He's assembled a roster brimming with potential, a mix of seasoned transfers and promising newcomers. Let's delve into the key players who will shape Baylor's 2025-26 campaign:
Projected Starters:
JJ White (Guard, Senior): A proven leader from Omaha, White brings experience and playmaking ability. Can he replicate his Summit League success against Big 12 powerhouses?
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Tounde Yessoufou (Guard, Freshman): This 5-star recruit from Benin is a physical specimen with a deadly mid-range game. Will he live up to the hype and become a defensive stalwart?
Michael Rataj (Guard, Senior): A transfer from Oregon State, Rataj is a proven scorer and rebounder. Can he be the consistent offensive threat Baylor desperately needs?
Juslin Bodo Bodo (Center, Junior): A defensive anchor from High Point, Bodo Bodo's rebounding and shot-blocking will be vital. Can he elevate his offensive game against tougher competition?
Key Reserves:
Dan Skillings Jr. (Guard, Senior): A veteran presence, Skillings provides depth and experience, though his shooting needs improvement.
Andre Iguodala II (Guard/Forward, Freshman): Following in his father's footsteps, Iguodala is a raw talent with the potential to develop into a sharpshooter.
Isaac Williams IV (Guard, Sophomore): Showing flashes of brilliance at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Williams needs to improve his outside shooting to become a reliable backup point guard.
Cameron Carr (Guard, Sophomore): A former top recruit seeking a fresh start, Carr's athleticism and scoring ability could be a game-changer if he finds his rhythm.
Caden Powell (Center, Senior): A solid rebounder and shot-blocker, Powell adds depth and experience to the frontcourt.
Schedule Analysis:
Baylor's non-conference schedule is relatively light, allowing the team to gel before facing the gauntlet of Big 12 play. Early matchups against Creighton and St. John’s in the Players Era Festival will be crucial tests. Conference play opens with tough games against TCU, Houston, and Iowa State, setting the tone for a challenging season.
Season Outlook:
This Baylor team is a mystery. On paper, they seem a step back from recent years. However, the potential for growth is undeniable. Will Rataj emerge as the go-to scorer? Can Yessoufou make an immediate impact? How will players like White and Bodo Bodo adjust to the Big 12 level? And this is the part most people miss: Can Scott Drew work his magic again and mold this group into a cohesive unit capable of contending in the Big 12?
One thing is certain: the 2025-26 season will be a fascinating journey for Baylor basketball. Will they rise from the ashes and reclaim their place among the elite, or will they struggle to find their footing in a competitive conference? Only time will tell. What do you think? Can Baylor bounce back, or is a rebuild year inevitable? Let us know in the comments!
