Can Baylor Basketball Rise Again? Scott Drew's New Challenge in 2025-26
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 prowess. But here's where it gets interesting: four years later, the Bears find themselves at a crossroads. Despite Drew's undeniable talent, Baylor hasn't come close to replicating that championship glory. Last season was particularly humbling, with a mere 20 wins and a seventh-place finish in the Big 12, their lowest in over a decade. While they squeaked into the NCAA Tournament, a second-round exit marked the fourth consecutive year of falling short of the Sweet Sixteen.
The Landscape Shifts: A New Baylor Takes Shape
The college basketball landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, and Baylor's roster reflects this. Gone are the familiar faces of last season's talented squad, replaced by a fresh wave of players. This complete overhaul presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Drew. Can he weave his magic again, molding this new group into a cohesive unit capable of challenging for Big 12 supremacy?
Meet the New Bears: A Blend of Experience and Potential
Drew has assembled a roster brimming with intriguing talent, blending seasoned veterans with promising newcomers. Let's delve into the key figures:
Projected Starters:
- JJ White (Guard, Senior): A proven leader from Omaha, White brings experience and playmaking ability, having guided the Mavericks to the NCAA Tournament. His ability to facilitate and knock down shots will be crucial.
- Obi Agbim (Guard, Senior): A sharpshooter extraordinaire, Agbim dominated the Mountain West at Wyoming, leading the league in three-point shooting. His scoring prowess will be a welcome addition.
- Tounde Yessoufou (Guard, Freshman): This 5-star recruit from Benin is a physical specimen with a deadly mid-range game. His athleticism and potential as a two-way player make him a player to watch.
- Michael Rataj (Guard, Senior): Rataj blossomed at Oregon State, earning All-WCC honors for his scoring and rebounding prowess. His experience and leadership will be invaluable.
- Juslin Bodo Bodo (Center, Junior): A defensive stalwart from High Point, Bodo Bodo was a two-time Big South Defensive Player of the Year. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities will anchor the paint, but his offensive game needs refinement.
Key Reserves:
- Dan Skillings Jr. (Guard, Senior): A former top recruit, Skillings brings veteran presence and scoring ability, though his shooting needs improvement.
- Andre Iguodala II (Guard/Forward, Freshman): Following in his father's footsteps, Iguodala is a promising young talent with the potential to develop into a sharpshooter.
- Isaac Williams IV (Guard, Sophomore): Williams showed flashes of brilliance at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and will compete for backup point guard minutes.
- Cameron Carr (Guard, Sophomore): A highly touted recruit seeking a fresh start after a brief stint at Tennessee, Carr possesses athleticism and scoring potential but needs to find his role.
- Caden Powell (Center, Senior): A solid rebounder and shot-blocker, Powell provides frontcourt depth and experience.
Schedule Analysis: A Balanced Test
Baylor's schedule offers a mix of challenges and opportunities. A soft non-conference slate allows for early team bonding, while a tough Big 12 schedule will truly test their mettle. Key matchups against Creighton, St. John's, Houston, Iowa State, and Kansas will reveal their true potential.
Season Outlook: Questions and Possibilities
This Baylor team is a fascinating enigma. On paper, they appear to have taken a step back. However, the potential for growth and surprise is undeniable. Rataj's experience and Yessoufou's raw talent stand out, but the success of this team hinges on how quickly the new pieces gel. Can players like White and Williams, who excelled at smaller schools, make the leap to the Big 12? Will Bodo Bodo's defensive prowess translate against elite competition? And most importantly, can Drew work his magic once again?
The Verdict: A Work in Progress with Upside
While a Big 12 title might be a stretch, this Baylor team has the talent and coaching to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. The key lies in their ability to overcome the learning curve and find their identity as a unit. Will they rise to the challenge and surprise the nation, or will they struggle to find their footing in a competitive conference? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure: Scott Drew's rebuilding project will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the 2025-26 college basketball season.
What do you think? Can Baylor bounce back and contend in the Big 12? Which player will emerge as the team's star? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
