Introduction
**Baylor Basketball: A Dynasty in the Making?** Baylor University’s men’s basketball program has undergone a remarkable transformation under head coach Scott Drew. Once a perennial underdog in the Big 12, the Bears have emerged as a national powerhouse, culminating in a 2021 NCAA Championship. But is Baylor truly on the path to becoming a dynasty, or is their success a fleeting moment in college basketball’s volatile landscape? This investigation critically examines the program’s rise, the sustainability of its success, and the challenges it faces in an era of rapid change in collegiate athletics. --- ### **The Rise from Ashes: Scott Drew’s Rebuilding Miracle** Few programs have faced a steeper climb than Baylor basketball in the early 2000s. After the 2003 murder of player Patrick Dennehy and subsequent NCAA violations under former coach Dave Bliss, the program was mired in scandal and sanctions. Scott Drew, then a little-known coach from Valparaiso, took over in 2003 with just seven scholarship players and a postseason ban. His ability to recruit under adversity—landing future NBA talents like Ekpe Udoh and Quincy Acy—laid the foundation for Baylor’s resurgence. By 2010, Baylor reached the Elite Eight, and in 2012, they returned to the Final Four. The 2021 championship, however, marked the program’s apex, fueled by a dominant backcourt of Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell, and MaCio Teague.
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Drew’s player development system, emphasizing defense and three-point shooting, has drawn comparisons to modern NBA schemes. But sustaining this success requires more than just coaching acumen—it demands institutional support, recruiting consistency, and adaptability in an evolving NCAA landscape. --- ### **The Case for a Dynasty: Recruiting, Culture, and Infrastructure** Baylor’s recent success is not accidental. The program has invested heavily in facilities, including the $212 million Foster Pavilion, which opened in 2024. Recruiting has also shifted—once reliant on transfers and overlooked prospects, Baylor now competes for five-star recruits. ESPN’s 2023 class rankings placed Baylor in the top 10, a rarity for the program. Moreover, Drew’s culture of accountability and player development has produced NBA-ready talent. Since 2020, six Baylor players have been drafted, including three first-round picks. This pipeline reinforces Baylor’s appeal to recruits seeking NBA exposure.
Additionally, Baylor’s NIL collective, “The Green & Gold Guard,” has kept the program competitive in the pay-for-play era, ensuring top talent isn’t lured away by wealthier programs. --- ### **Challenges to Sustained Dominance** Despite these strengths, Baylor faces significant obstacles. The transfer portal and NIL have disrupted traditional team-building models. While Baylor has adapted—adding key transfers like Jalen Bridges—maintaining roster continuity is harder than ever. Rivals like Kansas and Houston boast deeper financial resources and historical prestige, making recruiting battles an uphill fight. Furthermore, the 2021 title team was an outlier in its cohesion; replicating that chemistry is difficult. Baylor’s 2023-24 season, though strong, ended in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, raising questions about whether the program can consistently contend for championships. --- ### **The Skeptics’ View: Is Baylor a True Blue Blood?** Critics argue that Baylor lacks the historical pedigree of programs like Duke, Kentucky, or North Carolina. While Drew has built a formidable program, dynasties require sustained excellence over decades, not just a few years.
Baylor’s 2021 title, though impressive, came in a COVID-affected season with limited fan attendance, leading some to downplay its significance. Additionally, the NCAA’s shifting power dynamics—with super-conferences forming and mid-majors rising—could dilute Baylor’s standing. Without continued Final Four appearances, Baylor risks being labeled a “one-hit wonder” rather than a dynasty in the making. --- ### **Conclusion: A Contender, But Not Yet a Dynasty** Baylor’s rise under Scott Drew is one of college basketball’s most compelling stories. The program has shattered expectations, built a winning culture, and adapted to modern challenges. However, true dynasties are defined by longevity. Baylor must sustain elite recruiting, navigate the transfer portal effectively, and compete for championships consistently to earn that distinction. For now, Baylor is a powerhouse—but whether it becomes a dynasty depends on its ability to evolve in an ever-changing sport. The 2021 championship was a milestone, but the next decade will determine if Baylor’s success is a fleeting triumph or the birth of a lasting legacy.
May 14, 2024 The Baylor men’s basketball program has been rising for the past two decades under coach Scott Drew, but now the Bears could be set to make a bit of history in affirming its status as a professional pipeline to the NBA.
Jan 29, 2025 The Baylor Bears men’s basketball team is known for its dynamic style of play that emphasizes both offense and defense. Their strategies focus on movement, ball control, and high-pressure defense , creating a well-rounded game plan.
Mar 17, 2025 By Jerry Hill Baylor Bear Insider WACO, Texas – As a top-4 seed in each of the four previous NCAA Tournaments, the Baylor Bears were "the hunted," losing to lower seeds three-straight years after winning the 2021 national championship. On the bubble just to make it into this year's NCAA Tournament before a win over Kansas State at the Big 12 Tournament,.
Oct 31, 2024 As No. 8 Baylor MBB's season opener on Nov. 4 against No. 6 Gonzaga approaches, it's time to start breaking down the roster, plus the biggest storylines and questions heading into the 2024-2025 season. Today, with a little help from hoops experts Ashley Hodge and Kendall Kaut, we'll assess the most impactful freshmen on this year's roster.
Oct 12, 2024 After keeping its head coach for another year, Baylor Basketball looks to make another deep run in March. Will they be the best team in the Big 12 this season?
Dec 26, 2024 Baylor men's basketball will play Arlington Baptist on Friday at Foster Pavilion. The Bears are undefeated at home.
2 days ago Duke guard Sion James dunks over Baylor forward Norchad Omier during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.(Chris ...
4 days ago Baylor Recap. The Baylor Bears come into the NCAA tournament on behalf of the Big 12, finishing the year with an overall record of 19-14 including a 10-10 mark in Big 12 conference play. As the 7-seed in the Big 12 tournament, Baylor took down Kansas State before getting knocked out by Texas Tech in the quarterfinals.
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