As the NCAA Tournament comes to a close, GMS likes to review some of the power conference or power program teams that made it to the Big Dance and ask whether or not they’ve got a shot to return to the show next season. We kick things off with teams eliminated in the first round.
Recruit and Reload: Baylor Bears
Key Losses: Taurean Prince Sr., Rico Gathers Sr., Lester Medford Sr.
Key Returners: Jonathan Motley, Ishmail Wainright, Al Freeman
Key Newcomers: Mark Vital
Breakdown: Baylor has plenty of options coming back from what was, perhaps, their most talented roster in five years. But losing Prince and Gathers shouldn’t be ignored, despite their late season meltdown in the Bears’ loss to Yale. Freeman should provide some security at the lead guard spot while allowing Jalen Lindsay and King McClure the chance to grow further.
Where someone like Vital fits in is obviously yet to be soon, but he fits the physical and athletic mold that Scott Drew has had so much success with in Waco. I’d expect the Bears to be back in the NCAA Tournament once again, but they don’t look like a team that can challenge for a Big 12 title.
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