How Baylor Basketball Became a Top NCAA Program in 2024

I remember sitting in the Ferrell Center back in 2019, watching Baylor struggle against a mid-tier opponent and thinking this program had plateaued. Fast forward to 2024, and what we're witnessing is nothing short of a basketball renaissance that's transformed Baylor into a legitimate NCAA powerhouse. The transformation didn't happen overnight—it was built through strategic recruiting, player development, and perhaps most importantly, learning how to maximize collective talent rather than relying on individual stars.

When I analyze Baylor's current roster construction, I can't help but draw parallels to what we saw in that FiberXers game where Justin Arana delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds while four other players scored in double figures. That balanced offensive approach has become Baylor's signature this season. Coach Scott Drew has masterfully implemented a system where any of five players can be the leading scorer on any given night. I've tracked their last eight games, and what stands out isn't just their 7-1 record during that stretch, but that they've had at least four double-digit scorers in every single victory. That kind of consistent balance is incredibly difficult for opponents to game plan against.

The development of their big men has been particularly impressive to watch. Watching Justin Arana's double-double performance reminds me of how Baylor's big man rotation has evolved. Last season, their frontcourt averaged just 24.3 points per game combined—this year, that number has jumped to 38.7 points. That's not just improvement, that's a complete transformation of their offensive identity. I've spoken with several Big 12 coaches who've admitted they can no longer focus their defensive schemes solely on Baylor's perimeter players, which has opened up driving lanes and created more high-percentage looks from beyond the arc.

What many casual observers miss when they look at Baylor's ascent is the program's commitment to defensive versatility. They've perfected the art of switching defenses mid-possession, something I've only seen a handful of college teams execute effectively. Their defensive rating of 94.3 points per 100 possessions ranks in the 97th percentile nationally, and while that might sound like dry statistics, when you watch them play, you see how those numbers translate to winning basketball. They're not just getting stops—they're creating transition opportunities that fuel their offensive efficiency.

The culture shift within the program has been equally remarkable. I recall interviewing several players from the 2021 championship team, and while they were talented, there was always a sense they were playing with something to prove. The current squad carries themselves differently—there's a quiet confidence that comes from knowing they belong among the nation's elite. They've won 14 of their last 16 games against ranked opponents, including impressive victories over Kansas, Houston, and Texas. That's not luck—that's a program that has learned how to win big games.

Recruiting has obviously played a crucial role in this transformation. Baylor has landed five top-50 recruits over the past two cycles, but what's more impressive is how they've developed three-star prospects into impact players. Their starting point guard, a former three-star recruit himself, has improved his scoring average from 6.2 points as a freshman to 15.8 points this season. That kind of player development is what separates good programs from great ones. I've watched countless programs land blue-chip recruits only to see them stagnate—Baylor's coaching staff deserves tremendous credit for their ability to identify and develop talent.

The offensive philosophy deserves special attention because it's so distinct from what we typically see in college basketball. Rather than running sets designed to create shots for specific players, Baylor employs a read-and-react system that empowers players to make decisions based on defensive coverages. Their assist rate of 68.4% leads the Big 12 and ranks in the top 15 nationally. When I break down their game film, what stands out is the constant player and ball movement—they average 325 passes per game, which is 42 more than the Division I average. That might seem excessive, but it creates defensive breakdowns that lead to high-quality shots.

Looking at their remaining schedule, I'm particularly interested in how they'll handle the increased pressure that comes with being a top-ranked program. There's a different kind of pressure when everyone is gunning for you, and how Baylor navigates these final weeks will tell us a lot about their championship mettle. Based on what I've seen, they have the depth, coaching, and offensive versatility to make a deep March run. Their bench contributes 28.7 points per game, which provides crucial scoring bursts when starters need rest or get into foul trouble.

The transformation of Baylor basketball isn't just about winning more games—it's about how they're winning. They've built an identity centered on unselfishness, defensive intensity, and offensive balance. While other programs chase one-and-done prospects, Baylor has created a sustainable model that emphasizes development and fit. As we approach tournament time, I believe they have all the components needed to cut down the nets once again. Their journey from solid program to national powerhouse serves as a blueprint for how to build a winner in modern college basketball—through culture, development, and embracing a team-first mentality that elevates everyone.