Baylor Basketball: Re-ranking the top 20 Bear players from 2000-21

17. Kenny Chery PG (2013-2015)

What could quite possibly be one of the most underrated players on this list, Chery is a prime example of what Scott Drew can accomplish and how well he can recruit at the JUCO level. Chery was a transfer from State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO, and earned NJCAA honorable mention All-American.

Chery came to Baylor in 2013 and served for two seasons as the Bears starting point guard. In his junior year, he was an honorable mention All-Big 12 and ranked second on the team in points with 11.5 and first in assists with 4.7 per game.

Chery’s ability to drive and create fouls was above average. What was even better was his free throw percentage as he led the Big 12 with nearly 88% from the line. What could quite possibly be the most memorable stretch for Baylor fans was the finish to the season, lead by Chery.

Chery made missed part of conference play due to a turf toe injury, and Baylor was just 2–8 during conference play at that point. The Bears would run the table and make a Big 12 Championship game appearance and a bid to the Sweet 16. The Bears would finish the season winning 13 of their last 15, with Chery leading the way with 13.6 points and 4.9 assists per game during that run.

He led Baylor to a 3 seed his senior season and is known for being a steady floor general. Chery isn’t the most decorated on this list, but the undersized guard from Montreal, Quebec made his mark in Baylor Basketball History.

Chery was named Big 12 Player of the Week and National Player of the Week, Newcomer of the Year, and an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.

16. Mark Vital PF (2018-2021)

The definition of a hard worker, who crafted a role for himself, to make a name. Vital is far from the most polished and volume scorer but found a role needed and became an elite defender. Vital was left off the list in the off-season and with the elevated play in the season, moved his way into the Top 20.

Vital averaged 6.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in his career. However, Vital is the rare player that can guard all five positions at a high level.

There are numerous instances where Vital is flying around the court, blocking shots, getting his hands on passes, and forcing turnovers. This is an instance where Vital blocks a shot and then throws the ball of a defender to ensure the possession, all within the span of eight seconds.

A true eraser that makes no shot easy. Vital wins with hustle, and intensity not only on the defensive end but on offense as well.

This past season was the first for Vital, as he has been a four-year starter, including two seasons, where he started every single game.

During his sophomore season, Vital had a  game on the road, in a win over Arizona that defined the player that he is. He only tallied five points, but recorded 17 rebounds, with nine of them being on offense. Vital’s total rebounds were more than the entire Arizona team.

In that season, Vital had more double figures in rebounds, with seven on the season, headlined by 15 points and 14 rebounds in a win over West Virginia.

Vital was named to the Big 12 All-Defense team three times and was All-Big 12 for the 2019-2020 season.

His defensive intensity and constant motor make Vital among one of, if not the best defender Baylor has ever seen. He and Davion Mitchell certainly have had their own arguments and may be the only ones to know who is truly better.