Baylor Basketball Preview 2021

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Oct 31

Our Baylor basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that once again the Bears will be in the midst of a battle for the top spot in the nation. Last year, the Baylor Bears (28-2 Overall, 13-1 Big 12) finished first in the Big 12 and won the National Championship. Head coach Scott Drew’s (37-215 Baylor/18 years, 390-226 Overall/19 years) hard work resulted in the Bears putting the best backcourt in the nation on the floor. Drew has to replace those players and a total of four starters overall. Winning the national title has not muted Drew’s motivation. He’s planning on capturing another championship.

Bears Frontcourt

There’s good news in front, as G/F Matthew Mayer decided to return rather than play pro ball. Mayer, a 48.9 percent field-goal and 39.5 three-point shooter, came off the bench last season and scored points in bunches while playing ever-efficient ball. Our Baylor basketball preview 2021 - 22 expects Mayer to see his role expanded this season. Also moving into a starting role is forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua. Tchatchoua brings energy and toughness to the paint while ably rebounding and shooting. Six-foot-10 forward Flo Thamba, the Bears’ only returning starter from last season, gets the most out of every minute played.

Baylor Basketball Preview – Backcourt

Junior guard Adam Flagler, a sub last season, moves into a starting role. He’s a lightsout shooting at 45.4/43.4/87.2 percent. Freshman swing Kendall Brown brings athleticism to the floor. He’s a slasher who can drive, rebound, and score around the rim. Senior transfer James Akinjo, former Big East Rookie of the Year (Georgetown) and All-Pac-12 First Team (Arizona) is perhaps the biggest part of this unit. He’s an assist machine who can shoot threes and rebound. However, Akinjo is weak when shooting twos (36%). That aspect of his game must improve.