Flagler: Season in Reflection, Testing NBA Waters

Adam Flagler is a national champion and helped lead Baylor to another Big 12 Championships, 26 regular season wins, and a No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament.  In a season plagued by injuries, Flagler was a steadying force for the Bear,  lead the Bears in scoring and three-pointers made.  He was named to the All Big12 Second Team. 

SicEm365, in an NIL interview sponsored by Bill Rosenberry and James Perry, caught up with Adam to reflect on his season and his decision to declare for the NBA draft.  

Athlete+: Adam, let’s start what life is like for you right now.  You declared for the NBA draft but you are maintaining your college eligibility in the process.  What is life like for you as you prepare for the NBA combine?

Adam Flagler:  I’m in California right now and working out with some other guys that declared for the draft:  Andrew Nembhard (Gonzaga), Kofi Cockburn (Illinois), Terquavion Smith (NC State).  My schedule is fairly regimented from now until the NBA combine in Chicago in late May.  I wake up around 6:30am, eat breakfast, lift weights, rehab and have a vigorous workout at UCLA around 1pm.  I spend more time in rehab, massage, cryotherapy.  After a meal, I go get shots up later at night.  It’s California so you spend a fair share of time in traffic.  

Athlete+: We know you were banged up this year and played through a knee issue.  Where are you in that rehab process?  

Adam Flagler:  I would say I'm about 85%.  The resources that Baylor has is tremendous but at the end of the day you have one trainer and he was spread pretty thin with all of our injuries.  This gives me time to focus on getting my body right and understanding what the pros do to take care of themselves.  

Athlete+: Take me back to the season.  You all accomplished so much despite the injuries you personally had to deal with and your teammates as well.  Are you happy with how things turned out overall with a #1 seed and a Big12 championship?

Adam Flagler:  We have a lot to be proud of and a lot of great memories but of course the way it ended was tough.  We came back from 25 down against UNC which showed a lot of resolve.  I remember telling Jordan Turner and Dale Bonner before the North Carolina game, the winner of this game will play in the Final 4.  We need to find a way to win this game.  And obviously that became prophetic.  

Athlete+: I know you are going all in on the draft right now, but of course Baylor fans all want you to return.  Many fans believe that you would make a great point guard.  Some have their doubts.  What would you say to the doubters?

Adam Flagler:  I have played point guard before.  To be a great guard, you have to play both positions and really understand the nuances.  I love challenges and always maintain a growth mindset.  It will work out the way God has planned for it to.  

Athlete+:  I know you have an outstanding basketball staff and all of the staff has poured into you in different ways, but Coach Jakus works with the guards.  I know Davion, Jared, MaCio, James have all mentioned the impact that Coach Jakus has had on them.  How would you describe your relationship with Coach Jakus?

Adam Flagler:  Coach Jakus is such a relational guy.  He’s a Christian brother, mentor.  He cares so much about you on and off the court as all the coaches do.  He was the coach that recruited me and he spends so much time with the guards that I've built up a lot of trust.  He's an amazing coach as well.   

Athlete+:  Is there anyone on Baylor's roster this upcoming season that will surprise fans as to how good they are?

Adam Flagler:  It is hard for me to pick someone.  But I'll say Langston Love just because he was injured and Baylor fans don't know what to expect.  He can shoot the piss out of the ball.  He will surprise with how good his outside shooting is.  He's unbelievably strong.  I always tell him to just give me a little of his muscle.  He loves Baylor as well. 

Athlete+: I know Baylor fans would love to hear about your progress towards a degree?  I know you have aspirations after basketball to do something in the medical field.  

Adam Flagler:  I am expected to graduate in the fall.  We will see what the plan is after that.   

Athlete+: Final Reflections?

Adam Flagler:  I'll echo the same sentiments that James Akinjo did.  Thank you to James Perry, Bill Rosenberry and thank you to SicEm365.  I know God has an awesome plan for my life and for Baylor basketball.  We will see what the next month holds but right now, my focus is on improving each day and learning as much as I can.