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The Baylor Bears men's basketball team has had a long and eventful history since its inception in 1907. The team has experienced both triumphs and tragedies, from winning its first SWC Championship in 1932 to the murder of one of its players, Patrick Dennehy, in 2003. In recent years, Baylor has faced challenges with the transition to a pay-for-play model in college basketball and the loss of its players. Despite this, the team has a rich history, playing its home games in the Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas, and competing in the Big 12 Conference. With a new coach and a bright future ahead, the Baylor Bears are looking to write a new chapter in their historic journey.
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What You'll Learn
The Baylor Bears men's basketball team
The first Baylor basketball team was coached by Luther Burleson in 1907, who also doubled as the football coach. In only the team's second season, they defeated cross-town rival TCU twice. Ralph Glaze, coaching from 1911 to 1914, achieved a winning percentage of .788, the best in the school's history. Bill Menefee led the team from 1961 to 1973, achieving a national ranking in 1969. However, he failed to make the postseason that year and would be the only coach in the next 50 years with a career record of over .500. Gene Iba's 1988 team made the school's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 38 years.
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Tragedy strikes in 1927
The incident, which occurred nearly a century ago, serves as a reminder of the risks associated with travel, especially in adverse weather conditions. The high death toll, with ten lives lost out of the 21 passengers on the bus, underscores the severity of the accident. The tragedy also highlights the importance of safe transportation for athletic teams and the potential consequences when safety measures fail.
The Immortal Ten have become a symbol of resilience and community for Baylor University, with their story serving as a reminder of the fragility of life and the value of those who are a part of the Baylor Family. The annual remembrance, including the memorial service and the Freshman Mass Meeting, ensures that the legacy of the Immortal Ten is kept alive and that their sacrifice is not forgotten.
The tragedy of the Immortal Ten is a sombre chapter in the history of Baylor University, one that is marked by both sadness and a sense of unity in the face of adversity. The story's enduring resonance is a testament to the power of collective memory and the ability of a community to come together and find solace in shared grief. As the years pass, the Immortal Ten continue to be remembered and honoured, their story interwoven into the fabric of Baylor's traditions and values.
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The team's head coaches
Scott Homer Drew, born on October 23, 1970, is the head coach of the Baylor Bears basketball team, a position he has held since 2003. Drew's journey with basketball began at Butler University, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity. Notably, he did not play college basketball at the varsity level but served as a student assistant for the men's basketball team for two years and played on the men's tennis team.
Drew commenced his coaching career as an assistant coach for Valparaiso under his father, Homer Drew. He spent nine years in this role, during which he obtained a master's degree and established himself as one of the nation's top recruiters. After his father's retirement in 2002, Scott Drew served as the head coach of Valparaiso for one season.
In 2003, Drew accepted the head coaching position at Baylor University, taking over a program marred by scandal and poor performance. The team was in a state of disarray, with nearly all top players from the previous season having transferred. Drew faced the challenge of rebuilding the program, and after four seasons, he transformed Baylor into a consistent tournament contender. Under his leadership, Baylor achieved remarkable successes, including their first Big 12 regular-season championship in 2021 and their first-ever NCAA championship, marking the culmination of what is considered one of the greatest turnarounds in college sports history.
Drew's impact extended beyond the court, as he guided the team through a period of sanctions and probation, reshaping the culture and reputation of the program. His strategic acumen and recruiting prowess played a pivotal role in elevating the team's performance and establishing a new era of success for Baylor Bears basketball.
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The team's home grounds
Baylor University's basketball teams have had several homes over the years. The Marrs McLean Gymnasium was built in 1938 and was the original home of Baylor basketball, as well as the site of many physical education classes. The Heart O' Texas Fair Complex, now the Extraco Events Center, was the primary basketball facility for Baylor from 1953 to 1988. The H.O.T Coliseum was constructed with funds from a bond issue of $1.2 million authorised by McLennan County voters.
In 1988, the men's basketball team began playing their home games at the Ferrell Center, adjacent to the Brazos River. The main arena, the Paul J. Meyer Arena, has a capacity of 10,284. The Ferrell Center will remain the home of the acrobatics and tumbling team and the women's volleyball squad. The basketball teams will also continue to use their practice gyms there.
In 2022, Baylor began construction on a new home for its basketball teams: the Foster Pavilion. The new arena is located on the bank of the Brazos River and is named for Paul and Alejandra Foster, whose $100 million gift helped launch the project. The Pavilion has a capacity of 7,000, offering a more intimate environment for basketball games. The facility also includes practice courts, office space, and shared spaces for strength and conditioning.
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The team's future
The Baylor Bears men's basketball team has a rich history, but its future remains uncertain. The team has faced several challenges recently, including the loss of all its players and a limited NIL budget. This exodus of talent has left the team in a state of flux, and it is unclear how they will rebuild their roster.
However, there are some positive signs for the team. The Baylor Bears have a talented coach in Scott Drew, who runs one of the top programs and has won a national championship. Athletic director Rhoades is confident in Drew's ability to lead the team through this difficult period and believes that elite players will want to come and play for him. The team also has a strong foundation, with a history of success, including advancing to the NCAA Final Four in 1950 and achieving a national ranking in 1969.
The Baylor Bears are also in the process of constructing a new permanent home for the team, the Foster Pavilion, which will replace the Ferrell Center. This new facility could be a significant draw for prospective players and help the team attract top talent. While the team's future is uncertain, there are reasons to be optimistic about their prospects.
Additionally, the broader landscape of college basketball is rapidly changing. The sport is transitioning to a pay-for-play model, and schools are front-loading their NIL payments before new rules and a salary cap are expected to be implemented. This could level the playing field for the Baylor Bears, as schools will have more defined parameters for NIL contracts and spending. This may benefit the team, especially if they can effectively rebuild their roster and utilize their talented coach and new facilities to attract elite players.
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Frequently asked questions
The Baylor Bears men's basketball team has been going through a tumultuous period, losing all its players due to various reasons such as a limited NIL budget and the transition to a pay-for-play model in college basketball. However, the team's coach, Scott Drew, is optimistic about the future and believes that there are many elite players who want to join the program.
The Baylor basketball team's current home ground is the Foster Pavilion, which was constructed in 2022 to replace the Ferrell Center. The team played its home games at the Ferrell Center from 1988 until 2023, and prior to that, their home was the Heart O' Texas Fair Complex (now known as the Extraco Events Center) from 1953 to 1988.
Yes, the Baylor basketball program has experienced both triumphs and scandals throughout its history. In 1927, a tragic accident resulted in the deaths of ten Baylor students and basketball players when their bus collided with a train. The team also faced a scandal in 2003 when a player, Patrick Dennehy, was murdered by his former teammate, and the coach at the time, Dave Bliss, resigned amid allegations of violating NCAA rules and making improper statements to the media.
