Sports & Competition
Baylor Basketball Faces a Defining Season Under New Leadership
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 4:25 GMT by wacotrib🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The 2024-25 Baylor University men’s basketball season arrives steeped in uncertainty and brimming with potential, all under the watchful eye of new head coach Mark Gillespie. Following a disappointing campaign last year that saw the Bears miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years, the program is at a crossroads, seeking to reclaim its position among college basketball's elite. This season isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about rebuilding culture, establishing an identity, and proving that Baylor remains a force to be reckoned with.
Gillespie, previously the head coach at Vermont University where he built a consistent winner, inherits a team facing significant roster turnover. The departure of key players like Adam Flagler, Langston Love, and Jalen Smith leaves sizable holes in scoring and experience. While those losses are substantial, they also present an opportunity for younger players to step up and prove their worth.
The incoming freshman class is being touted as one of the program's strongest in recent years. Five-star recruit Micah Sheree, a dominant forward with impressive athleticism and rebounding ability, immediately becomes a focal point. Alongside him are other promising newcomers like Terry Thompson Jr., a skilled guard, and Luke Millican, a sharp shooter who could provide valuable spacing for the offense. These freshmen aren't just expected to contribute; they’re expected to be catalysts in Gillespie’s system.
Beyond the new faces, several returning players will be crucial to Baylor’s success. Senior point guard RayJ Dennis returns as the team’s floor general, tasked with leading a relatively inexperienced group. His leadership and ball-handling skills are vital for stabilizing the offense and controlling the tempo of games. Sophomore Simeon Woods-Smith, a versatile wing player, is also expected to take on a larger role after showing flashes of potential last season. His defensive prowess and developing offensive game will be essential in both protecting the paint and creating scoring opportunities.
Gillespie’s coaching philosophy emphasizes toughness, relentless defense, and unselfish team play – a stark contrast to some previous iterations of Baylor basketball. He's instilled a culture of accountability and hard work, demanding consistent effort and commitment from his players. The transition hasn't been seamless; adapting to new systems and expectations takes time. However, early reports suggest the team is embracing Gillespie’s vision and responding positively to his leadership.
The non-conference schedule presents a challenging gauntlet designed to prepare the Bears for Big 12 Conference play. Games against quality opponents like St. Mary's, Creighton, and Texas A&M will test their mettle early on and provide valuable experience. The Big 12 itself remains one of the nation’s toughest conferences, boasting perennial powerhouses like Kansas, Houston, and Iowa State. Navigating that landscape will require resilience, strategic adjustments, and a collective effort from every player on the roster.
While expectations might be tempered compared to recent championship runs, there's an undeniable sense of optimism surrounding Baylor basketball this season. The arrival of Gillespie has injected new energy into the program, and the influx of talented freshmen provides a glimpse of what the future holds. The team’s success won’t be measured solely by wins; it will also be judged on their progress in embracing Gillespie's culture and establishing a clear identity.
The challenges are significant, but so is the opportunity. This season represents more than just another year of basketball for Baylor; it's a chance to rebuild, re-establish, and remind everyone that the Bears are still a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. Whether they can reach their full potential remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2024-25 season will be a defining chapter in Baylor basketball’s history.