Why Jerome Tang’s Return Matters for Baylor Basketball’s Upcoming Season

SicEm365’s Ashley Hodge and Grayson Grundhoefer discuss the impact Jerome Tang could have on the Baylor men’s basketball 2026-2027 roster.

With former Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang returning to Waco, what aspect or area do you think he will excel in this season on Scott Drew’s staff?

Ashley: I’ve mentioned this consistently, but I think Jerome Tang’s value is in a long-term relationship with Scott Drew and knowing how to help bring out the best in him as a coach. Drew is relentlessly positive, which most of his players appreciate and value. But human nature is human nature, and sometimes 18-24 year olds need a kick in the butt, so to speak. Tang can take on the “bad cop” role within the coaching staff and help create a high-accountability atmosphere.

Tang usually worked with the bigs during his time at Baylor, and I think he did a great job. In addition, his focus was on the defense. If that continues, he and Ron Sanchez should be a great duo to try and get back to the 2020-2022 defensive prowess. Having Kayden Mingo at the point of attack defensively will help a lot, along with a healthy 7-foot-8 wingspan shot blocker in Juslin Bodo Bodo (prayers for his health).

In summary, I expect Tang to help Drew manage the team more effectively, support the development of the bigs, and leave his imprint on the defensive side of the ball, where Baylor needs to improve dramatically to be a Big 12 contender.

Grayson: My high school basketball coach is the winningest in San Antonio history, and he used to always preach “Mental Toughness, Extra Effort” or “MTXE,” which was written on our practice jerseys. We thought it was corny, but it is certainly an example of someone instilling a culture that lasted throughout a nearly 40-year coaching career. It led to a lot of wins, so it’s hard for me to knock it, which means it worked without me even knowing it.

My point in this is that Jerome Tang was Scott Drew’s right-hand man, but not necessarily for the X’s and O’s, more so for the culture-building, relationships and of course recruiting. His relationship with the players and ability to coach them very hard helped build the success the Bears had for many years they were together. The culture they shared created a unique recipe for success and program momentum. It only makes sense to bring them back together so the two can work together again to rebuild the program from very good to great.

There is a toughness and physicality that Tang will be able to draw out of the Baylor players, which will help build on Drew’s coaching and program. Hopefully, this move is just another smart move by Drew to get this program back into the top 10 in the nation, consistently year after year.