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

9. Ekpe Udoh C (2009-2010)

At the time, the argument could be made that Udoh was the most talented transfer Drew had landed in Waco. After limited playing time and not being satisfied, Udoh would transfer from Michigan and take his talents to the Big 12 and play for Baylor. At Michigan, Udoh was known for his shot-blocking but was not a huge offensive threat.

That would change as Udoh dominate in every facet at Baylor. In his one season with the program, Udoh would average 13.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. He did all of it while averaging 49% from the field.

What could possibly go down as the most defensive performance from a Baylor player, Udoh would tally 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 blocks in one game. Udoh had other fantastic performances like 12 points and 20 rebounds in a road win over South Carolina. He scored 25 points and eight rebounds in a win over Texas in the Big 12 Tournament.

The 6’10 standout dominated in so many ways, on both ends of the floor. In the rebounding category, he led the conference in offensive rebounds and ranked 14th in the country. He ranked 4th in field goal percentage in the conference and ranked fifth in the NCAA in blocks per game.

Udoh ended up being the highest draft pick in Baylor history as he would go 6th overall to the Golden State Warriors. Although his NBA career has been stable and has still been around the league, it’s not quite how Udoh expected it to be.

Even with Udoh’s dominance, he did only have one year with the Bears. Another season and similar stats and Udoh easily cracks the top 5 and more than likely, the top 3 of this list.

8. Tweety Carter PG (2006-2010)

The first elite recruit that Scott Drew was able to land was PG Tweety Carter. After going 4-13 the year before, Carter as the 69th player in the country from Reserve, Louisiana would sign with Baylor as the highest signed Bear in years.

With Jerrells in the backcourt, Carter would start 13 games his freshman year and was a difference-maker early. He averaged 8.7 points and 2.7 assists on 37% shooting from the field. Although raw, the tandem of Jerrells and Carter had the potential to be dangerous.

Carter would take a reserved role as he would score 9.6 points per contest on a much improved 40% shooting from three-point range. Although Carter was well known around Baylor, he wasn’t getting a bunch of talk until his big senior season. After starting all 36 games the year before, he would get All-Big 12 3rd Team his senior season with 15 PPG, on 38% three-point shooting, and nearly six assists per game.

Carter as a senior season was a part of a fantastic Baylor run that had them in the Elite 8 for the first time since 1950. The Bears would destroy a very good Saint Mary’s team on their way to losing to the eventual national champions, Duke.

Carter was the first elite recruit, to give the program something to look forward to. His ability to be a leader on a team that was having rare success means a lot to the program. To any well-known Baylor fan will tell you Carter is among the best to ever play in the Ferrell Center.