Baylor Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Bears

Baylor basketball is poised for another trip to the NCAA Tournament, but their roster looks different. Who will step up for Baylor and how do the Bears rank nationally?

The Baylor Bears had an excellent 2016-17 season where they advanced to the Sweet 16 before being upset by the surprising South Carolina Gamecocks. While Baylor should find themselves in the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight season, their roster has undergone many changes from last year.

Johnathan Motley, Baylor’s star power forward, left early for the NBA Draft. Motley contributed 17.3 ppg and 9.9 rpg while establishing himself as one of the top players in the Big 12 Conference. He was a talented scorer who was adept from the mid-range and has soft touch around the rim.

Clearly, Motley will be missed, but two other major contributors have also left the program. Glue guy Ishmail Wainwright has graduated and his ability to play multiple positions and impact the game without scoring will also be missed. He filled the box score by averaging 5.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.2 apg, and 1.7 spg.

Al Freeman has chosen to do a grad transfer year at NC State since his role was reduced from his sophomore to junior seasons. Freeman was a major producer as he averaged 9.4 ppg, which was third on the team.

Lastly, reserve Wendell Mitchell has transferred after one season with the team. The 6’3″ scoring guard had a chance to earn a sixth man role this season and his departure leaves the bench with little experience. Baylor loses some key pieces, but numerous players are ready to take on bigger roles and more offensive responsibility.

This article will analyze Baylor’s starting lineup, bench, and significant non-conference games. It will conclude with a team overview where I rank Baylor nationally and in their conference.