Baylor Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for Bears

Projected Starters

Guard – Adam Flagler (Senior)

Last year’s leading scorer, Flagler is a flashy guard who can score buckets, averaging 13.8 points and 3.0 assists a game last year. He shot nearly 39% from long range, standing out as one of the best shooters in the Big 12. With those aforementioned departures, expect Flagler to run the point, though that won’t mean you can expect fewer contributions from him on offense.

Guard – LJ Cryer (Junior)

Had Cryer not injured his foot last January, it’s possible that Baylor goes on another long postseason run. This talented scorer had quite the breakout during his sophomore season last year, averaging 13.5 points a game before that injury. This season, he’s expected to bounce back and become a major piece again for these Bears, with the chance to become a full-time starter in the backcourt.

Guard – Keyonte George (Freshman)

This 5-star prospect slides right into a major role at Baylor. George projects as a potential lottery pick and has a fantastic build with quickness and the ability to score all over the court. If his development continues, then Drew will almost certainly have the conference’s best freshman.

Forward – Jalen Bridges (Senior)

Bridges is a stretch 4 who spent the last two seasons at West Virginia. He averaged 8.4 points a game as a full-time starter for the Mountaineers, though the Bears are hoping he develops into an all-around threat. At 6’8, he’s got great size and can dominate in the interior while also showing the ability to pop out and knock down shots from outside the arc.

Forward – Flo Thamba (Senior)

Thamba is a force down low and returns for his bonus season from the pandemic, hoping to cause mayhem in the interior for the Bears again. He’s an impactful presence down low and has gotten better with each passing season, though Baylor may be asking for another big step forward after averaging 6.2 points and 5.6 rebounds last year.