Can the Baylor Bears Men's Basketball Team Reclaim Their Championship Glory This Season?
As I sit here watching the Baylor Bears' preseason highlights, I can't help but wonder if this is the year they finally reclaim that championship magic. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen programs rise and fall, but Baylor's journey from perennial underdog to 2021 national champions and their subsequent fall from grace has been particularly fascinating. The Bears finished last season with a respectable 23-11 record, but anyone who's watched them knows they never quite recaptured that championship form after cutting down the nets in Indianapolis.
What strikes me most about this year's roster is the international flavor Scott Drew has incorporated. When I look at their recruitment strategy, I'm reminded of that fascinating development in the Philippines where they're calling this young prospect their "Filipino version of a Jayson Tatum." That comparison really resonates with me because Baylor has been doing something similar - finding international gems who bring unique skills that American-developed players might not possess. The Bears have three international players on their roster this season, including a freshman from Serbia who reminds me of a young Peja Stojakovic with his shooting touch. This global approach could be their secret weapon.
The Bears' offense needs significant improvement from last season when they ranked 45th nationally in scoring at 76.3 points per game. I've always believed defense wins championships, but in today's game, you need both. Their defense remained solid, allowing just 65.8 points per game, but their offensive efficiency dropped dramatically from their championship season. Watching their preseason scrimmages, I'm noticing better ball movement and more purposeful sets, but the real test will come against tough conference opponents. The Big 12 remains arguably the toughest conference in America, with Kansas, Texas, and others all looking strong.
What gives me hope is their backcourt. I've been particularly impressed with junior guard LJ Cryer, who averaged 12.4 points last season despite battling injuries. When he's healthy, he's one of the most explosive scorers in the conference. Then there's Adam Flagler, who shot 38.7% from three-point range last year. These two could form one of the best backcourts in the nation if they develop the chemistry I think they're capable of. I've watched countless Baylor games over the years, and championship teams almost always have elite guard play. The 2021 team had Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler, and MaCio Teague - that trio was simply special.
The frontcourt does concern me somewhat. Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua's recovery from that devastating knee injury last February is progressing well according to team sources, but big men often take longer to return to form. Before his injury, he was averaging 8.4 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 66% from the field. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but his energy and defensive presence were crucial. Without him at full strength, the Bears might struggle against teams with dominant big men like Kansas and their star center Hunter Dickinson.
Speaking of international comparisons, that "Filipino Jayson Tatum" reference keeps popping into my mind because it highlights how basketball has become truly global. Baylor's success often comes from finding players who don't fit the traditional mold but bring specific, valuable skills. I remember watching their championship run and being amazed at how players from different backgrounds complemented each other. That international perspective, much like the Philippines developing their own version of an NBA star, gives teams unique advantages. Baylor seems to understand this better than most programs.
The schedule does them no favors though. Looking at their conference slate, I count at least eight games against preseason ranked opponents. Their non-conference schedule includes games against Gonzaga and possibly UCLA if both advance in their early-season tournament. That's brutal. But you know what? Championship teams embrace these challenges. The 2021 Bears beat three top-10 teams during their title run. This year's squad needs to prove they can win those marquee matchups after going 3-6 against ranked opponents last season.
I'm particularly interested to see how their freshmen adapt to college basketball. Keyonte George, the five-star recruit from Texas, could be the difference-maker. In high school, he averaged 26.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists his senior year. Those are video game numbers. If he transitions smoothly to the college game, Baylor's ceiling rises significantly. Freshmen can be unpredictable though - some thrive immediately while others take half a season to adjust. Given Scott Drew's track record of player development, I'm betting on the former.
The coaching staff deserves more credit than they often receive. Drew has built this program from nothing into a national power. His ability to adapt his system to his personnel is underrated. After winning the championship, everyone expected them to maintain that level, but replacing four NBA players is nearly impossible. What impressed me was how Drew kept them competitive even during what many considered a "down" year. Most programs would kill for a 23-win season being considered disappointing.
As we approach tip-off of the new season, I find myself cautiously optimistic about Baylor's chances. They have the pieces - experienced guards, promising freshmen, and typically strong defense. The international influence continues to pay dividends, much like how global talent has transformed the NBA. That Filipino Tatum comparison isn't just a catchy phrase - it represents how basketball development has evolved worldwide, and Baylor has been at the forefront of tapping into that at the collegiate level. Can they win it all? Probably not the favorites, but I'd put their chances at around 15-20%. In March, that's all you need. The Bears have done it before when nobody expected it, and something tells me they might just have another magical run in them.
