"Jackson, Bello, Heslip, Austin, Jefferson" 2012-13 Baylor Basketball Thread

[THEREALBRAND]

Before the season kicks off for the Baylor Bears, here’s a seasonal breakdown for Scott Drew’s basketball team.

Key returners: Pierre Jackson, Brady Heslip, Corey Jefferson, Deuce Bello

Key losses: Quincy Acy, Perry Jones III, Quincy Miller (all to NBA)

Notable additions: Isaiah Austin, Rico Gathers, L.J. Rose, Taurean Prince

Biggest question: Can Scott Drew’s Bears finally get past the Elite Eight even after losing three players to the NBA? In two of the past three seasons, whoever Baylor has lost to in the Elite Eight has gone on to win the title (Duke in 2010 and Kentucky last year). Drew’s teams are beginning to win 20 games per season and recruiting classes are taking notice. But getting over that Elite Eight plateau is something this Baylor team hasn’t been able to do. Baylor has an incredibly deep back court this year with Jackson, Heslip and Bello. If newcomers Austin and Gathers can immediately contribute, the Bears may be able to overcome its offseason losses to again return to the Elite Eight.

Games to watch: Like the women’s team, the Bears will be tested early by Kentucky. It will be much different than last year’s Elite Eight matchup, however. Like Baylor, Kentucky lost many starters to the NBA but also reloaded with talented recruits. Games against Gonzaga, Kansas (twice) and the opener against Lehigh are all games to keep an eye out for. Baylor will also be heavily televised this season. Along with three Big Monday games this year (at Kansas on Jan. 14, versus Oklahoma State on Jan. 21 and at Texas on March 4), Baylor will be on Watch ESPN 18 times this season.

 

[Lee_Land]

 

[THEREALBRAND]

I expected this St. John's game to be close.

We'll struggle early on this season, but once this team starts to gel their potential is unlimited.

 

[THEREALBRAND]

Heslip is already in mid-season form.

7-11 from 3 point range

 

[THEREALBRAND]

Strong second half, definitely showed a lot more cohesiveness.

We should benefit by having one more tune-up game before the Kentucky showdown.

 

[Sensitive Blake Griffin]

We're gonna butt fukk yalls team

losing to colorado?

I don't know how you all recruit top talent, your coach is fukking awful, he always underachieves.