LJ Cryer
FILE - Arizona guard James Akinjo (13) plays during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State in Tucson, Ariz., Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in Tucson, Ariz. Baylor coach Scott Drew has talked to his team about the unique opportunity as the defending national champion, even with a roster that has changed drastically since the Bears cut down the nets last April. Graduate transfer guard James Akinjo was Arizona's leading scorer last season, and freshman guard Kendall Brown, a five-star recruit, could make an immediate impact. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Very different No. 8 Baylor sees chance to repeat as champs

By Stephen Hawkins Oct. 22, 2021 03:10 AM EDT

Baylor guard Jared Butler cuts down the net after the championship game against Gonzaga in the men's Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 5, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Baylor won 86-70. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Guards stayed at Baylor, paving way for Drew's dream title

By Stephen Hawkins Apr. 06, 2021 05:59 PM EDT

Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger talks with his team during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Ray Carlin)
No. 2 Baylor is 10-0 after 76-61 win over Oklahoma

By Stephen Hawkins Jan. 06, 2021 11:14 PM EST

Baylor guard Jordan Turner, left, and teammate forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, right, battle Arkansas-Pine Bluff forward Markedric Bell for the ball in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Dec. 21 2020, in Waco Texas. (Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune Herald, via AP)
No. 2 Baylor cruises to 99-42 victory over Ark-Pine Bluff

Dec. 21, 2020 10:10 PM EST

Baylor's Jared Butler (12) passes around Louisiana-Lafayette's Brayan Au (41) and Theo Akwuba (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
No. 2 Baylor wins delayed opener 112-82 over La-Lafayette

By W.g. Ramirez Nov. 28, 2020 10:25 PM EST

Baylor head coach Scott Drew directs his team against Texas Tech during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Waco, Texas, Monday, March 2, 2020. Baylor's prospects for this season improved exponentially when top scorers Jared Butler (16.0 points per game) and senior guard MaCio Teague (13.9 ppg) both decided to return after considering early entry in the NBA draft. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
No. 2 Baylor, AP All-American Butler get another shot at top

By Stephen Hawkins Nov. 12, 2020 01:51 PM EST