The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from Baylor's Week of Sports
Some new commits in basketball and football, more details on the 2023-24 sports calendar, and NBA Draft decisions.
Here's a look at The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from the past week in Baylor Athletics.
THE GOOD
Massive MBB Commit — In need of guard help and some veteran savvy, Scott Drew and staff secured a top-tier roster addition in Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis. Notably, the Bears beat the likes of Michigan, Illinois, and Utah for the reigning MAC Player of the Year. It's an essential get, as outlined all over this site.
Further Clarity — The Bears' latest portal addition came quickly after Adam Flagler's final decision to remain in the NBA Draft, which was not unexpected — best of luck to Flagler, one of the program's all-time greats, on the next chapter. Based on what I've seen, he's likely a second-round selection later this month, but nothing is set in stone. On the bright side, Drew and the staff got some desired clarity and pounced quickly to replenish their roster with the addition of RayJ Dennis. After exiting the draft, we all await what Jalen Bridges decides. Will it be Baylor or Australian pro ball next season? Either way, Drew and the crew answered a huge roster question seamlessly.
Opening in Style — In other hoops headlines, Drew and the Bears will officially open next season against Auburn at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Last year's trip resulted in a win over Gonzaga and a rare reason to visit South Dakota for Baylor sports. So, if you felt like there was a missed opportunity, here's your second chance. It's a unique venue and a marquee matchup on paper, so it should be an excellent early experience for the program.
All in the Family — Dave Aranda and the Bears kept family close to home, adding a commitment of their own, from China Spring DE/TE Greydon Grimes. Pledge number six for the 2024 class, Grimes' positional future is flexible, but he'll arrive from a terrific program at China Spring, the back-to-back 4A State Champs.
Kickoff Times — We now know some essential details for football's first three games next season, all at home, and highlighted by the week two showdown with Utah, which will officially kick at 11 am on ESPN. These announcements mean we're inching closer to next season. Don't look now; media days are a little over a month away.
An Array of Accolades — Softball star Shaylon Govan was named an NFCA second-team All-American, the program's first AA selection in five years. The women's golf trio of Rosie Belsham, Sera Hasegawa, and Solje Ohma were each named All-Big 12 last week. Meanwhile, Luke Dossey won the 2023 David Toms Award for men's golf, which "recognizes men's collegiate golfers who have overcome obstacles to excel in the classroom, compete on the golf course and demonstrate high character."
THE BAD
Utah Kickoff? — This only applies to some, but 11 am kickoffs can be a bummer for certain fans. And frankly, the pickings are slim regarding negatives at the moment. Some might have thought Bears vs. Utes would bring a more high-profile or favorable slot. However, despite the early kick, there are positives here. For example, that slot will place the Bears on prime ESPN instead of ESPN+ streaming like their other two announced kickoffs against Texas State and Long Island. Winning cures everything.
Baseball Envy — It's hard to watch all the college baseball regional action and passion this past weekend and not feel a little envious of that excitement. Here's hoping Mitch Thompson and crew can find themselves in that position shortly.
THE UGLY
No Explanation Needed — Former baseball standout Tre Richardson hit three home runs, including two grand slams, and tied an NCAA tourney record with 11 RBI as TCU crushed Arkansas. To add insult and bring it back around, that 11 RBI postseason record was initially set by… Baylor great Shea Langeliers in 2019.
