Story Poster
Baylor Basketball

Gameday Thread: No. 25 Baylor Travels to Face No. 2 Iowa State

January 2, 2025
39,301

No. 25 Baylor (9-3, 1-0) travels to take on No. 2 Iowa State (11-1, 1-0) on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. CST. The game will be televised on CBS.  

Predictions

KenPom:  Iowa State 83, Baylor 74

Torvik:  Iowa State 81, Baylor 74

Evan Miyakawa:  Iowa State 81, Baylor 72

Haslemetrics:  Iowa State 80, Baylor 74

Coaches

Iowa State:  TJ Otzleberger (47) 180-99 (81-36 at ISU); 4 NCAAs; 2 Sweet 16s

Baylor:  Scott Drew (54); 475-258 overall (455-247 at Baylor); 12 NCAAs; 5 Sweet 16s; 3 Elite 8s; FF; 1 National Championship

Head to Head: 4-3 Otzleberger

Iowa State Starters

  • Guard: Tamin Lipsey (Jr.) 6-1 200 lbs; 10 ppg; 2 reb; 4 asst; 2 st; 48% FG; 28% 3pt; 72% FT
  • Guard: Keshon Gilbert (Sr.) 6-4 200 lbs; 16 ppg; 3 reb; 5 asst; 55% FG; 29% 3pt; 77% FT
  • Forward: Joshua Jefferson (Jr.) 6-9 240 lbs; 12 ppg; 8 reb; 54% FG; 22% 3pt; 81% FT
  • Forward: Milan Momcilovic (So.) 6-8 220 lbs; 11 ppg; 4 reb; 47% FG; 44% 3pt; 79% FT
  • Forward: Dishon Jackson (Sr.) 6-11 275 lbs; 11 ppg; 5 reb; 65% FG; 78% FT

Iowa State Bench

  • Guard: Curtis Jones (Sr.) 6-4 190 lbs; 16 ppg; 4 reb; 3 asst; 44% FG; 38% pt; 83% FT
  • Forward: Brandton Chatfield (Sr.) 6-10 260 lbs; 4 ppg; 4 reb; 63% FG; 58% FT
  • Forward: Nate Heise (Sr.) 6-5 215 lbs; 5 ppg; 50% FG; 37% 3pt; 100% FT

Baylor Starters

  • Guard: Jeremy Roach (Sr.) 6-2 180 lbs; 13 ppg; 4 asst; 45% FG; 36% 3pt; 72% FT
  • Guard: Jayden Nunn (Sr.) 6-4 190 lbs; 12 ppg; 3 reb; 43% FG; 49% 3pt; 58% FT
  • Guard: VJ Edgecombe (Fr.) 6-5 190 lbs; 12 ppg; 6 reb; 3 asst; 3 st; 42% FG; 30% 3pt 69% FT
  • Forward: Norchad Omier (Sr.) 6-7 245 lbs; 16 ppg; 11 reb; 2 steals; 62% FG; 24% 3pt; 73% FT
  • Forward: Josh Ojianwuna (Jr.) 6-10 255 lbs; 8 ppg; 6 reb; 76% FG; 64% FT

Baylor Bench

  • Guard: Langston Love (Jr.) 6-5 215 lbs; 7 ppg; 3 reb; 36% FG; 29% 3pt; 75% FT 
  • Forward: Jalen Celestine (Sr.) 6-7 215 lbs; 8 ppg; 3 reb; 39% FG; 38% 3pt; 100% FT
  • Guard: Rob Wright (Fr.) 6-1 180 lbs; 13 ppg; 5 asst; 51% FG; 46% 3pt; 79% FT
Discussion from...

Gameday Thread: No. 25 Baylor Travels to Face No. 2 Iowa State

14,111 Views | 178 Replies | Last: 1 day ago by TWD 1974
IowaBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to vanillabryce • 1:41p, 1/4/25
Bingo. I'm probably the biggest LL fan on here. But saving a roster spot yearly for him is hurting big time. LL needs to move on at seasons end
Reply Quote
Crawfoso1973
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:44p, 1/4/25
Edge an underrated passer. Keeps getting better every game.
Reply Quote
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Johnny Bear • 1:44p, 1/4/25
Johnny Bear said:
bear2be2 said:
I've been saying this a lot the last three years, but I hate our defensive philosophy in man. This defense is sieve. We just switch into one mismatch after another and every good offense exploits the hell out of us.

In man D, we must end up with 6'2" guards on 6'9" or taller forward/post players more often than just about anybody out there.
Josh O spends more time guarding guards on the perimeter than he does defending bigs. He's a really solid switch defender for a big man, but every time he's out there, we end up with Wright or Nunn on a big.
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
Big12Fan2024
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Crawfoso1973 • 1:44p, 1/4/25
Crawfoso1973 said:
We are playing on the road vs. #2 team in the nation and down 2 rotation players. We are very good relative to the rest if the big 12. Let's not overreact to this outcome which will likely be ugly.
No one has said we're losing every game the rest of the year. We just have a lot more holes than the experts (or I) said when they ranked our talent anywhere from #4 to #8 in the country to start the season.
Reply Quote
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Crawfoso1973 • 1:45p, 1/4/25
Crawfoso1973 said:
We are playing on the road vs. #2 team in the nation and down 2 rotation players. We are very good relative to the rest if the big 12. Let's not overreact to this outcome which will likely be ugly.
These are season-long observations. This is a solid Baylor team, but it is not anything remotely special. And compared to what we've been putting on the floor for most of the past decade, it's a sub-standard group with a horribly flawed and frustrating roster.

We're not bad. And like all Scott Drew teams, we play really hard and battle. This team just isn't that good. It is what it is.
Reply Quote
2 edits
Quinton
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Crawfoso1973 • 1:46p, 1/4/25
Crawfoso1973 said:
Edge an underrated passer. Keeps getting better every game.
He's also the only plus defender on the team and a very underrated rebounder.
Reply Quote
vanillabryce
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to bear2be2 • 1:46p, 1/4/25
Agreed- he's doing an admirable job of staying down and keeping guards out of the paint. But we pay the price on the inside
Reply Quote
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:47p, 1/4/25
That was a ridiculous shot by Jones. That was an NBA end-of-shot clock shot.
Reply Quote
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:48p, 1/4/25
Omier needs to stop chucking 3s. That's what Iowa State wants.
Reply Quote
2
Big12Fan2024
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to IowaBear • 1:48p, 1/4/25
IowaBear said:
They've been better the last 3 years. Otz constructs good college rosters. Not sure what Drew's constructing anymore. He needs to get a defensive coach. The clone fans I'm surrounded by have commented on the lack of defense from BU multiple times.

I think TJ has adapted to NIL and found his niche with the budget he has to work with as well as anyone in the country.
Reply Quote
1
Dia-del-oso
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:48p, 1/4/25
When will our shooting turn around??
Reply Quote
IowaBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Dia-del-oso • 1:49p, 1/4/25
We don't have good shooters. So expect a lot of brick laying this year.
Reply Quote
1
Guitarbiscuit
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:49p, 1/4/25
I'm not sure Edgecombe should be starting for Baylor at this point in his development. Just too much of a liability offensively. If you can't make jump shots from the free throw line, that's not good.
Reply Quote
Guitarbiscuit
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Dia-del-oso • 1:50p, 1/4/25

I'm guessing around 2027.
Reply Quote
ImABearToo
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:50p, 1/4/25
Our guys look so disinterested. Being behind shouldn't be a surprise.
Reply Quote
IowaBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:50p, 1/4/25
Broken record but I'll keep harping on it. Hopefully Drew starts constructing his rosters like Otz does. The ceiling on a Drew team built like that is much much higher than how he's currently constructing rosters
Reply Quote
2
Guitarbiscuit
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to bear2be2 • 1:50p, 1/4/25
bear2be2 said:
Omier needs to stop chucking 3s. That's what Iowa State wants.

I didn't know if he was a good 3 point shooter ot not. Looks like I know now.
Reply Quote
vanillabryce
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:51p, 1/4/25
What makes me mad… we have guys busting their ass to guard the PNR up top…. Roach just stands there and lets his man go back door

Senior guard making good NIL. SMH
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Guitarbiscuit • 1:51p, 1/4/25
Guitarbiscuit said:
I'm not sure Edgecombe should be starting for Baylor at this point in his development. Just too much of a liability offensively. If you can't make jump shots from the free throw line, that's not good.
Edgecombe is a guy who will look great against teams he can overwhelm athletically and disappear into the background against really good teams.

He just doesn't have the skill set yet to be an impact player in games where skill is needed to succeed.
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to vanillabryce • 1:52p, 1/4/25
vanillabryce said:
What makes me mad… we have guys busting their ass to guard the PNR up top…. Roach just stands there and lets his man go back door

Senior guard making good NIL. SMH
That was really bad, lazy defense.
Reply Quote
vanillabryce
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:53p, 1/4/25
Free throws…
Reply Quote
Guitarbiscuit
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to bear2be2 • 1:53p, 1/4/25
bear2be2 said:
Guitarbiscuit said:
I'm not sure Edgecombe should be starting for Baylor at this point in his development. Just too much of a liability offensively. If you can't make jump shots from the free throw line, that's not good.
Edgecombe is a guy who will look great against teams he can overwhelm athletically and disappear into the background against really good teams.

He just doesn't have the skill set yet to be an impact player in games where skill is needed to succeed.

So is there any reason we are starting him at this time? Do we not have players that can make a more positive impact? Because if we don't, I just don't see much happening for the team this year. I can't recall a time that we were so inept shooting.
Reply Quote
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to IowaBear • 1:54p, 1/4/25
IowaBear said:
Broken record but I'll keep harping on it. Hopefully Drew starts constructing his rosters like Otz does. The ceiling on a Drew team built like that is much much higher than how he's currently constructing rosters
You and I have been banging that drum for a while now.

But what we're doing isn't working. Our teams are objectively worse in the one-and-done (freshmen and transfers) era than they were before.
Reply Quote
1 edit
IowaBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:54p, 1/4/25
Roach was essentially ask to leave by Duke. His skill level was greatly exaggerated by some posters on here. He's a decent player who's going to have a big game here and there. But overall he's just an ok player. That's played out so far this season imo.
Reply Quote
Johnny Bear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:54p, 1/4/25
Johnny Bear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:55p, 1/4/25
Getting open and looks and just can't buy one.
Reply Quote
Quinton
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:55p, 1/4/25
Asemota and VJ bringing the energy and defense.. hopefully somone can join them.
Reply Quote
1
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to IowaBear • 1:57p, 1/4/25
IowaBear said:
Roach was essentially ask to leave by Duke. His skill level was greatly exaggerated by some posters on here. He's a decent player who's going to have a big game here and there. But overall he's just an ok player. That's played out so far this season imo.
Roach is a good two guard. We need to stop taking transfers who want to be something they're not.

We did the same thing with Nunn last year. Guys are either point guards or they're not. I'm tired of being a Make a Wish program for small shooting guards who are trying to prove to NBA scouts they can run point (when everyone knows they can't).

Nunn has flourished playing in position this year. Roach likely would, too. But he has to play point because he's one of only two players on the roster capable of bringing the ball up.
Reply Quote
1
2 edits
Big12Fan2024
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:58p, 1/4/25
I know Love's issue was the ankle again. I missed what was up with Celestine. Did anyone catch why he's not playing?
Reply Quote
vanillabryce
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:58p, 1/4/25
Asemota bringing some energy
Reply Quote
vanillabryce
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Big12Fan2024 • 1:58p, 1/4/25
Also ankle
Reply Quote
1
IowaBear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to bear2be2 • 1:58p, 1/4/25
We have a true PG on the roster. Arguably aside from Omier our best player. Why Rob Wright doesn't start and play 35 plus is an absolute mystery and makes zero sense. Move VJ to the bench and slide Roach to the 2. Bet we look worlds better offensively. We're going to regardless on defense
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
vanillabryce
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to bear2be2 • 1:59p, 1/4/25
Exactly. Roach wanted to prove he's a PG. sorry if you couldn't do that for three years - you won't be doing that here.
Reply Quote
Crawfoso1973
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:59p, 1/4/25
Edge has been our best player today, not sure what game a couple of you are watching.
Reply Quote
bear2be2
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Big12Fan2024 • 1:59p, 1/4/25
Big12Fan2024 said:
I know Love's issue was the ankle again. I missed what was up with Celestine. Did anyone catch why he's not playing?
They said it was his ankle, too.
Reply Quote
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.