Baylor Basketball 2009-10: Scott Drew's Bears Ready to Hit the Hardwood

Baylor head coach Scott Drew is facing a challenge this basketball season after losing three superstar seniors.

But Drew knows all about challenges, as he has resurrected the Bears basketball program from a disastrous dungeon to a championship-caliber NCAA hoops team.

The 2009-10 season may very well be a major turning point in Baylor men’s basketball, as well as Drew’s career.

With only a duo of seniors returning in sharpshooter Tweety Carter and big man Josh Lomers, Drew will be courting a very young team when the Bears hit the hardwood for their exhibition game on Nov. 5 at the Ferrell Center.

However, “young” may be just what the doctor ordered for this Baylor hoops team.

Rising sophomore sensation Quincy Acy is bound to make a splash this season after posting remarkable numbers last year as a freshman.

Joining Acy’s sophomore class are forwards Fred Ellis and Anthony Jones, as all three of those second-year players should see extended playing time this season.

The Bears' junior department is beyond impressive, with fan favorite and three-point master LaceDarius Dunn returning for his third year under Drew along with highly-touted newcomer Ekpe Udoh (a 6'10" forward/center that had to sit out last season after transferring to Baylor).

Drew’s freshman core makes up a majority of the 2009-10 Baylor roster, with six new faces joining the Bears this season: guards Nolan Dennis, Oscar Griffin, and A.J. Walton, forwards Givon Crump and Cory Jefferson, along with Croatia center Dragan Sekelja.

That’s a lot of new names for Drew and the coaching staff to put under their wings this year, but I believe the Bears are going to excel.

Keep in mind that many are predicting Baylor to be in the Big 12 cellar this season.

Keep thinking that way; the Bears tend to shine in these moments.

In less than a week, Baylor’s hoops team will be donning their green and gold uniforms in a quest to bring the Bears the attention they deserve.

With Drew at the helm (along with his extremely smart staff of assistants), it’s only a matter of time before the Baylor men’s basketball team is back on the map in NCAA March Madness discussions.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]

[PHOTO CREDIT: David Fuller/LSCSN.com]