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

7. Quincy Acy PF (2008-2012)

The big body build of Acy would be a player to absolutely dominate the late 80’s-early 90’s of basketball. Unfortunately for Acy, he was not in college basketball during that time frame. However, he was a big impact at Baylor and created his own mold.

The 6’7 235 lbs. from Mesquite, Texas started as a bench piece, making 10 starts and averaging 5.4 points and 3.6 rebounds on 65% field goal percentage. Acy would keep his efficient scoring as he would continue to come off the bench as a sophomore and averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Acy was so unique to everyone else in that his ability to finish with dunks. His most notable performance came in a Rivalry game against Texas. Acy would score 24 points on 12 field goals made. 10 of those field goals were dunks.

As a junior and senior, Acy would take the reigns as a starter and would never look back. He averaged 12 points each season and his rebounding numbers improved to 7.6 and 7.4 rebounds per game. He would rack up the awards, especially as a senior. Acy would be named Sixth Man of the Year in 2011-2012 and All-Big 12 2nd Team and All-Defense as a senior.

Acy’s wins with domination on the offensive end with his vicious dunks. On the defensive end, he quietly became a very good shot blocker, as he blocked nearly two shots per game as a senior. The dunks that are still heard today come from Mesquite’s own Quincy Acy.

6. Taurean Prince SF (2012-2016)

The trend continues as Prince was about as hidden of a prospect as you could have thought of. Prince was a zero-star recruit out of High School and originally committed to Long Island University-Brooklyn.

As a freshman, Prince was sporadic off the bench and was lightning in a bottle, when he was on the court. Even with playing time being limited, Prince made the most of his chance against Hardin-Simmons.

Prince would have the 27th 20-point, 15-rebound game in school history with 21 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal. Prince would finish the season with just 3.7 points and 2.2 rebounds on average for the season. However, the potential was there, and regardless of opponent, that stat line is impressive.

Prince’s role would increase as he made an appearance in all 38 games for the Bears as a sophomore, with two starts. With a more volume of shooting, Prince was not quite as efficient but did have an increase in playing time. As a Junior, coach Drew would make the bold decision for Prince to be a Sixth man. His decision paid off as Prince broke through and averaged almost 14 points on shooting 39% from beyond the arc and 47% from the field.

One of Prince’s best performances came off the bench against Texas Tech has he had 24 points and nine rebounds on 9/14 shooting and 50% from three-point range. With those numbers, Prince was easily Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year and All-Big 12 Second Team.

His Sixth man role disappeared as a Senior and started every game of the season. Prince’s numbers would increase to 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and shooting 43% from the field. The Bears would end up losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament once again and the “outrebounded meme” took the internet by storm in postgame interviews with Prince.

The progression of players from their placement out of high school to the finish of their college careers has been quite impressive. With the advanced roles from being a zero-star recruit to being an All-Big 12 player, even with coming off the bench. To now, Prince having success at the next level as he has had a stable NBA career. After playing with the Atlanta Hawks, Prince has been playing in Brooklyn with the Nets over the past few years. He now is with the Cleveland Cavaliers.