When I first started covering Baylor basketball a few years back, I never imagined I'd be writing about them as legitimate national championship contenders this season. But here we are, midway through the conference schedule, and the Bears have transformed into something truly special. What's fascinating about this transformation isn't just that they're winning games – it's how they're winning them. The team has developed an identity that reminds me of some of the great championship teams I've covered throughout my career, particularly in how they've embraced balanced scoring and developed what I like to call "positionless basketball" where every player contributes across multiple statistical categories.
I was watching their recent game against Connecticut last week, and something clicked for me about this team's evolution. They had five players scoring in double figures that night, with Justin Arana leading the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds. That kind of balanced offensive production isn't just impressive – it's championship-caliber basketball. Throughout my twenty years covering college basketball, I've noticed that teams with multiple scoring threats tend to perform better in tournament settings because opponents can't just focus their defensive efforts on one or two players. Baylor now has that dangerous quality where any player can step up on any given night, which makes them incredibly difficult to game plan against.
The development of Justin Arana has been particularly remarkable to witness. Last season, he was averaging around 8 points and 6 rebounds per game – solid numbers, but nothing that would make you think he'd become the cornerstone of a championship-caliber team. This season, he's transformed into a double-double machine, and his 19-point, 11-rebound performance last week was his sixth double-double in the last eight games. What impresses me most about Arana isn't just his statistical production – it's his basketball IQ and understanding of spacing. He consistently positions himself in optimal spots on both ends of the floor, something that can't be taught through drills alone. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who've started regularly attending Baylor games specifically to watch Arana's development, and the consensus is that he's improved more in one offseason than any player they've evaluated in recent years.
What makes Baylor particularly dangerous, in my opinion, is their depth. Having five players consistently scoring in double figures means they don't rely on any single player having a spectacular night to win games. This depth was evident in their recent stretch where they went 7-2 against ranked opponents, with their bench contributing an average of 28.3 points during that span. The FiberXers, as they're sometimes called by fans, have developed this incredible chemistry where players genuinely seem to enjoy each other's success. I've been in their locker room after games, and the atmosphere is unlike anything I've seen at Baylor before – there's no jealousy about who scores the most points, only excitement about winning as a team.
Their defensive transformation has been equally impressive. Last season, Baylor ranked 45th nationally in defensive efficiency, allowing approximately 68.9 points per game. This season, they've jumped to 12th in defensive efficiency, giving up just 64.1 points per contest. That improvement might not seem dramatic on paper, but when you watch them play, you can see how their defensive communication and rotations have become significantly more sophisticated. They're switching seamlessly on screens, helping effectively in the paint, and closing out on shooters with tremendous discipline. Defensive improvements like this typically take years to develop, yet Baylor's coaching staff has managed to implement this system in just one offseason.
I've had the privilege of speaking with head coach Scott Drew several times this season, and what strikes me about his approach is his emphasis on building what he calls "a program rather than just a team." He's focused on creating sustainable success through player development and strategic recruiting rather than relying on one-and-done talent. This philosophy has paid dividends this season, as Baylor's roster features several players who've been in the program for three or four years, understanding the system inside and out. That institutional knowledge becomes incredibly valuable during close games and high-pressure situations, which Baylor has navigated remarkably well this season.
The Bears' schedule down the stretch will test their championship mettle, with games against Kansas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State looming. But based on what I've seen, this team has the resilience and versatility to handle whatever challenges come their way. They've already shown they can win in different ways – grinding out low-scoring defensive battles as well as engaging in high-octane shootouts. That adaptability is crucial for tournament success, where you might face completely different styles of play from game to game.
Looking at Baylor's statistical profile, what stands out to me is their efficiency on both ends of the floor. They rank in the top 20 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, a characteristic shared by most recent national champions. Their effective field goal percentage of 56.7% places them 15th in the country, while their defensive effective field goal percentage of 45.2% ranks 18th. This balance is rare and suggests they're not relying on any single strength to win games. Instead, they're executing at a high level in all phases of the game, which is exactly what you want to see from a championship contender.
As we approach tournament season, I find myself increasingly convinced that Baylor has what it takes to cut down the nets in April. Their combination of experienced coaching, player development, balanced scoring, and defensive intensity creates a profile that historically translates well to postseason success. While other teams might have more individual talent or higher-profile recruits, Baylor has built something more valuable – a complete team that understands how to win. Having covered multiple national championship teams throughout my career, I recognize the signs when a program is ready to take that final step, and everything about Baylor basketball this season suggests they're prepared to do exactly that.