The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from Baylor's Week of Sports
There was good and bad in Sunday's Dallas hoops doubleheader, closing a seven-day stretch that saw the football world suffer an unexpected colossal loss. Meanwhile, Baylor Football's future is coming more into focus ahead of National Signing Day.
Here's a look at The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from the past week in Baylor Athletics.
The Good
MBB — The No. 11 Bears closed out a tough win against Washington State in the nightcap of the Pac 12 Coast-to-Coast Challenge in Dallas. And in doing so, prevented an 0-2 showing at the AAC. Keyonte George and Adam Flagler proved a crucial duo and helped seal the win in crunch time. The Bears get only a brief pause before hosting Northwestern State on Tuesday and then heading into Christmas break.
Aranda Speaks — Thanks to the Rudy's Coaches Show, we heard Dave Aranda talk for the first time since the Texas loss. It's disappointing that we didn't get any access during bowl prep, but I can see reasons why due to timing. Since that presser in Austin, DC Ron Roberts and ST coach Ronnie Wheat are both gone, and Roberts has already landed the same role at Auburn. The transfer portal floodgates have opened, plus there have been bowl practices. During this, Aranda's plate now includes DC duties in preparation for a challenging Air Force offensive scheme. There are also recruiting visits, and further evaluations as the staff put a closing press on the 2023 class (part one) before Wednesday's National Signing Day. I'm tired from typing all that, much less having to execute on all those fronts. So, it's understandable that Aranda hasn't had much time to talk. Still, it was nice to read or hear him discuss difficult but necessary staff changes, bowl preparations, etc. But most of all, it was cool to listen to him reflect fondly and humorously about his late friend and former boss, Mike Leach.
Aranda has returned to the role of DC following Roberts' exit.
No More Waiting — For many of the reasons mentioned above, this is a pivotal week upcoming for Baylor Football. By Wednesday's end, we'll have many recruiting and roster questions answered. By Thursday's end, the team will have closed out a long season -- against a formidable opponent in Air Force -- celebrating a win above .500 or with a fourth consecutive loss on the way to 6-7. In the fallout of either scenario, there will be further transfer activity, roster decisions, recruiting storylines, and, eventually, some staff moves, but it will be nice to have some clarity for 2023 as an unintended Christmas present. We'll hear more from Aranda too, which will likely be some of the final opportunities for the foreseeable future.
OL Transfer Addition — Speaking of the future, the Bears landed BYU offensive line transfer Campbell Barrington. He brings experience, maturity, and more than one year of eligibility. The Bears haven't seen a flood of departures so far, but it was good to see an addition, one at an area of need, and a dose of positive news.
Blackwell's Return — Veteran WBB transfer Aijha Blackwell returned to the court on Thursday, weeks after suffering an undisclosed lower leg injury. Specific details about the severity remained private, but speculation was she could be out for the season. So, her return to the court was a sight for sore eyes on Thursday as she racked up 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in just ten minutes of first-half action against Tennessee State. To be continued below.
Softball — Glenn Moore added RHP transfer, Ava Knoll from Iowa Western Community College. She's a sophomore with three years to play.
Kara McGhee — The senior volleyball standout was named an AVCA honorable mention All-American.
The Bad
WBB — The Bears got outmuscled and outperformed by No. 20 Arizona on Sunday in Dallas. It was a lopsided loss without a ton of positives, as they neither shot nor held onto the ball well, in another Top 25 loss that leaves them reeling in the rankings and perhaps falling out altogether — for the first time in a decade. Still, the response will be vital as they host Long Beach State on Wednesday in the final tuneup before Christmas break and eventually their December 31st conference opener against TCU.
Micah Mazzccua — For whatever reason, Mazzccua is done in Baylor green and gold after entering the transfer portal on Sunday. From a talent standpoint, it's unfortunate that his tremendous upside won't be fully realized in Waco, but it cleared another scholarship, which is needed. And for example, went to Barrington earlier in the week. Still, there's more experience to replace as soon as this Thursday vs. Air Force and, of course, on next year's inexperienced offensive line. It's also possible that despite the talent and experience, this loss is ultimately a gain for next year's team in some fashion(s). Time will tell.
Aijha Blackwell Part 2 — After returning earlier in the week vs. Tennessee State, Blackwell played only eight minutes in the first half against Arizona — notching two points and two rebounds — before eventually receiving medical attention and sitting out the entire second half. Details will likely remain foggy, so let's hope she can build up continued health, and this weekend was simply a bump in the road for her sake, first and foremost. But her status, or lack thereof, will be a concern throughout this team's remaining run, which is about to ramp up.
The Ugly
The Passing of Mike Leach — This was a likely outcome at publishing time last week, but the finality still hit many people hard in the college football universe and beyond. His unexpected passing resulted in plenty of sadness and surprise but ultimately led to hundreds of beautiful tributes and anecdotes across the country—still, a sad deal and a harsh reminder about the fragile nature of life.
Chris Beard — The police report and allegations are ugly, and I don't doubt them. I'm fascinated to see how Texas proceeds soon and what side effects that creates based on the said decision. Most likely, Beard's dismissal.
