Full Breakdown
Baylor Bears Aim to Rebuild Under Scott Drew for the 2025-26 Season
10/17/2025, 4:08:27 PM
Overview of the Current Situation
Scott Drew has transformed the Baylor Bears from a struggling program into national champions, achieving a remarkable turnaround culminating in their 2021 NCAA title. However, since that championship, the Bears have faced challenges, finishing tied for seventh in the Big 12 last season with just over 20 wins. This marked the program's lowest finish in over a decade, and they have been eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for four consecutive years. With a completely overhauled roster due to graduations and transfers, Drew faces the task of rebuilding the team for the 2025-26 season.
Key Additions to the Roster
Baylor's roster for the upcoming season features several new players who have shown promise at previous institutions. Among them is point guard Frankie White, who averaged 13.7 points and 4.0 assists per game at Omaha, leading the Mavericks to the NCAA Tournament. Another significant addition is forward Jaden Agbim, who excelled at Wyoming, averaging 17.6 points and leading the Mountain West in three-point shooting.
The Bears also welcome 5-star recruit Yessoufou, known for his physicality and scoring ability, and forward Jalen Rataj, who had a standout season at Oregon State with averages of 16.9 points and 7.2 rebounds. Center Juslin Bodo Bodo, a two-time Big South Defensive Player of the Year, aims to bolster the team's defensive presence in the paint.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the influx of talent, questions remain regarding how these players will adapt to the more competitive Big 12 environment. The transition from mid-major programs to facing teams like Houston and Kansas poses a significant challenge. The Bears will need players like White and Williams, who averaged 10.8 points at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, to step up and contribute significantly.
Upcoming Schedule and Expectations
Baylor's regular season kicks off with three home games, including a matchup against Washington on November 9. The Bears will also participate in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, facing strong opponents like Creighton and St. John's. The team enters Big 12 play in January, where they will face tough competition, including a road game against TCU and home games against Arizona and BYU.
While the Bears have a new look, they are not relying heavily on freshmen, which could provide a more stable foundation for success. Rataj is expected to be a key player, bringing experience and leadership to the squad.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics point out that Baylor's roster appears to have taken a step back compared to previous seasons, with concerns about the team's ability to compete at a high level. The lack of a dominant two-way player, such as Norchad Omier or Robert Wright from last season, raises questions about the team's scoring capabilities.
Conclusion
As Baylor embarks on the 2025-26 season, the combination of new talent and the challenge of adapting to a more competitive landscape will be crucial. While the potential for success exists, the Bears must find a way to gel as a team and navigate the rigors of the Big 12 to secure a seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
