Baylor Basketball: Re-ranking the top 20 Bear players from 2000-21
By Andrew Tineo
5. LaceDarius Dunn PG (2008-2011)
LaceDarius Dunn for a long stretch of time was considered to be the best Big 12 shooter that the conference had to offer.
A four-year starter, he started at Baylor when they were considered the laughing stock of the conference. He made an impact early as he averaged 13.6 PPG, on 41% from three-point range, and nearly 84% from the free throw line. He and the Bears broke through as his numbers went up, alongside Baylor as they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1985.
Even with the Bears not making the postseason the next year, Dunn may have had his best statistical season yet. He tallied 19.6 points per game, alongside shooting 41% from beyond the arc and almost 86% from the free throw line. He ranked number one in the conference in 3-Point Field Goals and 15th in the country in points.
In his senior season, he led Baylor to their most successful season since 1950, with an Elite 8 appearance, where Dunn averaged 19.5 PPG. On less effective shooting, going 35% from three-point range. Dunn would hold the record for the most three-pointers in a career until Buddy Hield broke the record in 2016.
In his career, Dunn would finish with 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds per game, on 84% shooting from the free throw line.
Dunn would receive Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year as a freshman, 2nd Team All-Big 12 as a junior, and 1st Team the following season. The rise of Baylor in the past decade has been noticed, especially on a national level over the past few seasons. Dunn was a big part of Baylor’s success early in the decade.