NCAA Basketball: Kentucky, Arkansas fall in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
13. Baylor (4-0)
With their national title further in the rearview mirror, the Bears are certainly looking ahead and liking what they see, despite all the changes around this program. Scott Drew remains in charge of a strong Baylor program, but both roster and conference look somewhat different this season. Regardless, the new faces are playing decent well and the Bears should look good in this Big 12.
Last Sunday’s effort against Gardner-Webb was a bit underwhelming, as the Bears won 77-62 and failed to make a single 3-pointer. Still, five Bears were in double-figures, including a 14-point, 8-rebound performance from freshman Ja’Kobe Walter. Things went a bit more smoothly a few days later against Kansas City, with the Bears winning 99-61. This time the Bears shot 57% from outside the arc and got 25 points from Jayden Nunn and 23 from Walter in the win.
The new-look backcourt has done enough to get four wins for the Bears this season, though you have to wonder if that hot and cold shooting will come back to bite this team later in the year. For now, Baylor has passed their early tests and that’s what matters. Next week will take them to the NIT Season Tip-Off, facing off against Oregon State and then either Florida or Pittsburgh in two intriguing matchups. Will they keep rolling in games where they’ll be favored in Brooklyn?