To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Baylor and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five:
G: Al Freeman
F: Rico Gathers
Who is lost: Prior to the 2013-14 season, Baylor had question marks at the point guard and small forward spots. Two years later, the Bears are going into the offseason knowing they will greatly miss Kenny Chery and Royce O’Neale, two impact players over the past two seasons. Chery, a former junior college transfer, has been one of the most underrated point guards in the country since arriving on campus. He’s a playmaker and a scorer who also provided another shooter from the perimeter. O’Neale, who transferred from Denver after the 2013 season and became immediately eligible at Baylor, brought versatility to the wing. He was a terrific passer and a good defender, while also possessing shooting and rebounding ability.
Who is added: With Chery and O’Neale moving on, coach Scott Drew knew he needed perimeter help for next season. And he came through with three guards in his 2015 class -- including ESPN 100 shooting guard King McClure (No. 35). McClure is a power wing who is tough to stop when he looks to drive to the basket. At 200 pounds, he can finish through contact and is constantly in attack mode. Joining McClure will be three-star prospects Wendell Mitchell and Jake Lindsey. Mitchell is very good in the midrange but can score at all three levels. Lindsey is a 6-foot-5 point guard who has a high basketball IQ and whose size will be an asset. Australian Joseph Acuil (7-foot) is a stretch big man with room to grow.
What it means for next season: While most of the recruiting focused on the perimeter, it’s Baylor’s front line that will be among the most feared in the country. It starts with Rico Gathers, a double-double rebounding machine whose speed and strength could match some NFL players. His ferocity is contagious. Taurean Prince was a breakout performer this past season, becoming a consistent outside shooter and more dangerous scorer. Johnathan Motley had some breakout games as a freshman and could be ready for a bigger step forward. Lester Medford will take on more of a ballhandling role with Chery gone, but he was an effective distributor last season. Al Freeman and McClure will provide some scoring punch on the wings.
Trending: Level. Drew did a tremendous job with this group in 2014-15, and with the frontcourt he has returning, Baylor will once again be a NCAA tournament-caliber team. The days of elite, five-star prospects coming to Waco have slowed, but Drew will still have the Bears competing on a national level.