NCAA Basketball: Butler, SDSU headline National Coach of the Year rankings

Baylor entered this season as a preseason Top 25 team in the nation. As a result, not too many people are surprised by how the Bears have performed to this point while climbing into the short-list of national title contenders. With that said, though, there are many key points to mention that warrant Scott Drew being placed so high in these rankings. For starters, let’s talk about the unexpected changes in the rotation.

Throughout most of this offseason, experts raved about Baylor’s potential with the return of a healthy Tristan Clark alongside rising junior forward Mario Kegler. Well, that frontcourt duo has never seen the court this season due to the fact that Kelger chose to play professionally overseas instead of take the court in Waco. Clark, on the other hand, is yet to return to 100% healthy and looks like a shell of himself for the time being (I am still hopeful).

Coach Drew, though, put his trust in Freddie Gillespie as a full-time starter since the opening tip of the season and the senior has responded beautifully. Gillespie is the anchor of Baylor’s defense and cleans up on the glass while averaging 8.7 points, 9.5 rebounds (4.1 offensive), and 2.3 blocks per game. Coach Drew also made the decision to move Mark Vital into the starting lineup to replace the struggling Clark and he has played a big role inside as well.

In the backcourt, landing MaCio Teague as a sit-out transfer is paying major dividends. Teague forms an elite backcourt duo with Jared Butler and that has allowed this team to thrive from beyond the arc. Baylor ranks seventh in offensive rebounding rate and 67th in 3-point shooting so far this season – both are major reasons for the team holding a Top 30 offense.

Coach Drew’s defense is also as sensational as ever with those guards on the perimeter and Vital/Gillespie anchoring the paint. On the whole, not many coaches have been as impressive this season as the one down in Waco. Baylor is a legit title contender.