Baylor Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Bears
Non-conference highlights
Dec. 2 – Wichita State
Wichita State is the best team that Baylor plays in the non-conference, but the Shockers could be shorthanded for this pivotal early-season game. Markis McDuffie and Landry Shamet are currently injured and both players are in jeopardy of missing this game. If the Shockers are without their two best players, Baylor could have the upper hand. This provides Baylor a great opportunity to add a quality non-conference win.
Jan. 27 – at Florida
Baylor has a key non-conference game in the middle of league play as part of the Big 12-SEC challenge. Florida should be favored since they are seen as the better team and are playing at home. The Gators rely on a pair of dynamic guards, Chris Chiozza and KeVaughn Allen. Chiozza is one of the best lead guards in the country and averaged 7.2 ppg and 3.8 apg in just 22 minutes per game. His numbers should increase because he is now the clear-cut starter. Allen is an undersized scoring guard who led Florida in scoring (14ppg). This will be a very tough game for the Bears.
Nov. 28 – at Xavier
Baylor’s first true road game will be an extremely tough test against the Xavier Musketeers. Xavier returns multiple key players from last season’s Elite Eight team, most notably Trevon Bluiett and JP Macura. Blueitt is a senior combo forward who excels at scoring in a variety of ways. The 6’6″ senior will be in the running for Big East Player of the Year and averaged 18.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg last season. Macura is also a senior and averaged 14.4 ppg. While mostly known as a shooter, Macura is actually a well-rounded player both offensively and defensively. He can create off the dribble and is an important piece at the top of the Xavier zone.
Nov 20-21 CBE Classic (Wisconsin, UCLA, Creighton)
Baylor is guaranteed a game against Wisconsin and the Bears should be the heavy favorites in this early season matchup. Wisconsin returns star center Ethan Happ, but loses their four other starters. Getting an inexperienced Wisconsin team before they can fully gel will be a major advantage for Baylor.
Baylor and UCLA should be ranked in a similar spot, which would create a super competitive matchup. UCLA loses most of their star power from last year, but Aaron Holiday and Thomas Welsh will join forces with an extremely talented freshman class to form a NCAA Tournament-caliber roster. Creighton should be ranked in a tier below UCLA and Baylor, but the high powered Bluejays’ offense could pose problems for Baylor. Senior Marcus Foster and junior Khyri Thomas lead the way for Creighton.
Dec. 14 – Texas Southern
Baylor’s buy games are generally weak this season, but Texas Southern could test the Bears. Texas Southern is probably a top-150 team and is the clear favorite in the SWAC. Grad transfer Donte Clark is their most notable player. The 6’5″ wing averaged 12.6 ppg for UMass and has 18-20 ppg upside this season. Sophomore Demontrae Jefferson and well-traveled junior Trayvon Reed round out a talented core. Obviously, Baylor has the more talented team, but this will be their toughest buy game.
Overall, Baylor has a strong schedule with plenty of opportunities to grab quality wins, but their weak buy games could drag down their strength of schedule. If Baylor can grab at least two wins from their five tough non-conference games, then they will be in great shape for another tournament bid.