Baylor Basketball 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.
--- 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.
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.
--- 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.
--- 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.
--- 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.
--- 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.