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Baylor Basketball: Takeaways from win over Villanova in Myrtle Beach finals

By Zach Stearman

LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – DECEMBER 29: Tommy Hamilton IV #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders goes to the basket and is fouled by Tristan Clark #25 of the Baylor Bears during the game on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – DECEMBER 29: Tommy Hamilton IV #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders goes to the basket and is fouled by Tristan Clark #25 of the Baylor Bears during the game on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

3. Tristan Clark remains less than 100%

Tristan Clark was one of the best big men in the Big XII last season before suffering a season ending knee injury. He is on a minute restriction to begin the season, and it is clear from his play that he is not close to 100%.

Clark was one of the most efficient scorers in the country last season, shooting 73.7% from the field. His ability to finish around the rim is extremely valuable as it gives defenders a bit of hesitation when leaving him to help on a driving guard. Not only was he an effective offensive player, but Clark heavily relied upon to defend the rim. Clark averaged 2.4 blocks and 1.1 steals per game last season. His ability to play at a high level on both ends of the floor made him a popular candidate for an all Big XII slot heading into the season.

Unfortunately, he has struggled to match last season’s level of play on limited minutes this year. Clark is only shooting 28.6% this season, a remarkably low number considering where his attempts occur. He has yet to record a block, and he hasn’t had more than six rebounds in any game. Clark may physically not be all the way back to his former level yet, or he could just mentally be struggling to trust himself after his injury. Either way, Baylor will need him to improve before conference play begins.

The game against Villanova was actually his best game of the season statistically as he recorded 10 points and 4 rebounds. Two of his buckets were wide open underneath the basket however as Baylor broke through the press at the end of the game. Clark was whistled for four fouls which were mainly the result of him struggling to stay with quicker players as they tried to finish around him.

As Clark works back to full health, he will have to adjust to a new role in a guard oriented offense. He certainly still is a valuable piece for the Bears as frontcourt depth is their main deficiency. With many talented big men in the Big XII, the success of the Bears’ season may hinge on whether Clark can begin to play more like he did last season.

Next. Biggest takeaways from the week. dark

Overall, Baylor’s victory over Villanova showed that they are going to be a serious contender in the Big XII. The deserved to be mentioned as one of the conference’s top teams with Kansas and Texas Tech. Their guards might be the best group in the nation, and with Jared Butler leading the way, the possibility of a conference championship is realistic. There are questions to be answered, but for now, there should be optimism in Waco.

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