Baylor basketball: Bears exceed all expectations

Baylor basketball was a big surprise this season. The Bears eventually reached number one in the rankings and exceeded all projections along the way.

Did anyone see this season coming for Baylor basketball? The Bears beat some of the nation’s best and reached No. 1 in the rankings despite replacing three big starters from last year’s team. They finished tied for second in the Big 12 at 12-6 and went 27-8 overall. The team made the Sweet 16 before bowing out to South Carolina.

This might have been Head Coach Scott Drew’s finest year in Waco. He had to replace an NBA draft pick, an NFL draft pick, and his leading assist man. He cobbled together a roster that managed to beat big programs like Oregon, Louisville, and Xavier in nonconference play.

What made Baylor so good was a tremendous improvement on team defense. They ended their year ranked No. 15 in adjusted defense compared to No. 84 in 2015-2016. Having twin towers Johnathan Motley and Jo Lual-Acuil went a long way towards stifling opponents’ offense. The season ended with a whimper, but Baylor was a tremendous success story this year.

Final Grade: A

So, what is next in Waco?

Who’s gone:

G – Al Freeman (9.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg)

F – Ishmail Wainright (5.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.7 spg)

Two guys are currently scheduled to leave the program. Wainright had a fine season as a versatile wing with contributions all across the stat sheet. He didn’t really hit his ceiling as the No. 60 ranked player from 2013 but ended his career as a valuable member of the program.

Freeman surprised a few folks with his declaration to graduate and transfer for his final campaign. The 6’3″ junior was third on the team in scoring and shot 39% from deep. He will be a highly sought after transfer, and his Big 12 experience isn’t easy to replace.

Who’s back:

G – Manu Lecomte (12.2 ppg, 3.8 apg)

G – King McClure (5.0 ppg)

G – Jake Lindsey (4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 3.1 apg)

G – Wendell Mitchell (2.9 ppg)

F – Johnathan Motley (17.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 bpg)

F – Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (9.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.5 bpg)

F – T.J. Maston (7.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg)

F – Nuni Omot (4.1 ppg)

The returning core definitely has the talent to compete in the conference next season. Manu Lecomte was one of the best newcomers in the league after sitting out last season from Miami. He hit an incredible 41% of his threes and directed the offense efficiently. Lindsey was the second-best point guard on the team and got measurably better as a sophomore. Mitchell was also a solid contributor in a small role. The only disappointment was sophomore King McClure. The former top 50 guard had almost identical numbers to his first campaign. He needs to improve a lot next year if he wants to keep his rotation spot.

The front court is also in fine shape, even if Motley decides to sign an NBA agent.  Lual-Acuil was a terrific addition after a redshirt year. He was maybe the best pure interior defender in the entire Big 12 and could be the next great Baylor big man. Maston was a hardworking backup who just needs to get a bit more consistent; he had multiple big scoring performances but never scored in double figures more than twice consecutively. Omot was a deep reserve player but still added depth to the unit.

Who’s new:

G – Tyson Jolly (6’4″, 200)

F – Mark Vital (6’6″, 220)

F – Tristan Clark (6’9″, 230)

Jolly and Vital are intriguing options for next year after sitting out this season as redshirts. Vital was a top 100 guy when he signed a year ago and has the physical attributes to play all over the court. He could be the newcomer most likely to challenge for a starting role. Jolly was also a four-star recruit in some circles and will push both Lindsey and McClure for the right to play shooting guard.

The lone true freshman for the moment is Clark, who hails from San Antonio. The three-star prospect could add immediate depth if Motley does decide to turn professional, but I’m leaning towards a redshirt for the young man based on Coach Drew’s history of not throwing guys into the mix right away.

The Bears have 12 scholarships that I count at the moment, but a lot hinges on Motley’s decision. The team will still be in the hunt for another freshman or a transfer regardless of what he does, but the position focus might change if he leaves.

Next: What's next for Kansas basketball?

Motley put up 16 double-doubles this season en route to First Team All-Big 12 and AP All-American Second Team. There really isn’t much left for Motley to accomplish in college based on the numbers. The Bears do have options to start in his stead, but there is no doubt a ton of production is lost if he does indeed choose to leave.