2006 Baylor Bears Basketball Preview

2006 Baylor Bears Basketball Predictions

Last season, the Bears were banned from non-conference play due to violations of NCAA rules under former coach Dave Bliss. After three years with coach Scott Drew (21- 52 with Baylor), the Bears have reloaded. They are talented but also young with nine sophomore and freshmen on board. How far can they go?

There’s depth in this youthful backcourt. Junior Aaron Bruce (13.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 37.3 FG%, 80.6 FT%), who was a Freshman All-American, had an off year last season due to leg problems. But he’s healthy now, expect him to have a resurgence. Sophomore Curtis Jerrells (13.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 43.9 FG%, 72.5 FT%) was the team’s high scorer last season and proved to be a fine defender also. Henry Dugat (7.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 34.8 FG%, 58.3 FT%) has an accurate three-pointer and freshman Tweety Carter is the best downtown shooter coming out of high school.

In the frontcourt, Mamadou Diene (3.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 52.2 FG%, 33.3 FT%) led the conference in blocked shots with 2.24 BPG. Now entering his second year, look for this dominant defender to also develop an offensive game. Senior Tim Bush (3.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 29.2 FG%, 75.0 FT%), who saw his stats drop last year, had averaged 12.7 PPG and 5.4 RPG. Look for him to regain his old form. Inside, sophomore forward Kevin Rogers (6.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.4 APG, 38.5 FG%, 76.9 FT%) needs to fulfill his potential.

During his first three years, coach Drew has done a fine job recruiting. The Bears should improve over their 4- 12 Big 12 record. Also, the chance to play out of conference teams will certainly help these guys hone their skills. Drew knows he has a young team, but he’s also used their recent adversity to create a bond amongst his players.

Baylor may not make it to the post-season, but they will show improved play and may have a shot next year. The Bears are no longer an automatic “W” on opponent schedules. This is an up-and-coming team.

If you want more info on the 2006 Baylor Bears College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Oklahoma Sooners and Colorado Buffaloes.