Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Baylor Bears had a very disappointing season. However, they made the NIT and managed to win the whole thing. Leading scorer Pierre Jackson will no longer be on the team, but the expectations shouldn’t skip a beat. So, can the Bears be a threat in the Big 12 for the 2013-14 college basketball season.
The Bears will be returning Brady Heslip, Cory Jefferson and Isaiah Austin. Although both Jefferson and Heslip will be seniors, this team will be Austin’s. He has the most potential on Baylor. He could easily be one of the best big men in the nation, but he will have to get much better for that to be the case.
Related: Oklahoma State Cowboys Get Easy Matchup In Big 12/SEC Challenge
Austin averaged 13 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game. Although he stands at 7’1”, he can also shoot the three-ball, making 30 threes on the year.
Jefferson was the second highest scorer on the team this past season, with 13.3 points per game. He had eight rebounds on the year. Him and Austin could easily make up one of the best frontcourt duos in college basketball, but both will have to carry this team.
As for Heslip, he drains threes and then he drains some more. Heslip hit 83 threes on the year and if he can get back to shooting the ball at a 45.5 percent clip from behind the arc, Baylor could be very dangerous next season.
Replacing Jackson will not be easy, but there is some talent at that position that could take over.
Kansas and Oklahoma State will be the clear favorites to challenge for a conference title next year, but do not count out Baylor just yet. The Bears will have plenty of talent once again next season and the could definitely be a threat in the Big 12.
If you’re a tweeter, feel free to follow me @TheTrevorLowry.
