30 Facts About Baylor Bears Basketball

Baylor Bears Basketball History

Baylor Bears Basketball has a rich history filled with triumphs, challenges, and memorable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about this storied program.

1. Founded in 1907: Baylor University's basketball program began over a century ago, making it one of the oldest in the country.

2. First NCAA Tournament Appearance in 1946: The Bears made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1946, reaching the Final Four.

3. First Conference Championship in 1932: Baylor won its first conference championship in 1932, setting the stage for future successes.

4. Home Court – Ferrell Center: The Bears play their home games at the Ferrell Center, which opened in 1988 and seats over 10,000 fans.

5. Green and Gold Colors: The team’s colors, green and gold, symbolize the university's commitment to excellence and tradition.

Legendary Coaches

Coaches have played a pivotal role in shaping Baylor Bears Basketball. Here are some key figures who have left an indelible mark on the program.

6. Bill Henderson: Coached from 1941 to 1956, leading the Bears to their first NCAA Final Four.

7. Gene Iba: Served as head coach from 1985 to 1992, bringing stability to the program during challenging times.

8. Scott Drew: Hired in 2003, Drew transformed Baylor into a national powerhouse, culminating in a national championship.

9. Harry Miller: Coached from 1961 to 1971, leading the team to multiple winning seasons.

10. Dave Bliss: Coached from 1999 to 2003, his tenure ended in controversy but also included notable achievements.

Memorable Seasons

Certain seasons stand out in Baylor Bears Basketball history due to their significance and impact. Here are a few highlights.

11. 1947-48 Season: The Bears reached the NCAA Championship game, finishing as runners-up.

12. 2009-10 Season: Baylor reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 1950, signaling a resurgence.

13. 2011-12 Season: Another Elite Eight appearance, solidifying Baylor's status as a top-tier program.

14. 2019-20 Season: The Bears were ranked No. 1 for the first time in school history, though the season was cut short due to the pandemic.

15. 2020-21 Season: Baylor won its first-ever national championship, defeating Gonzaga in the final.

Star Players

Baylor has produced numerous standout players who have made significant contributions to the program and beyond.

16. Vinnie Johnson: Known as "The Microwave," Johnson had a successful NBA career after playing for Baylor.

17. Terry Teagle: Baylor’s all-time leading scorer with 2,189 points, Teagle went on to play in the NBA.

18. David Wesley: Played for Baylor before enjoying a long NBA career, known for his defensive prowess.

19. Quincy Acy: Known for his energy and dunking ability, Acy played several seasons in the NBA.

20. Jared Butler: Key player in Baylor’s 2021 national championship run, Butler was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

Records and Achievements

Baylor Bears Basketball has set numerous records and achieved significant milestones over the years. Here are some notable ones.

21. Most Wins in a Season: The 2020-21 team set a school record with 28 wins.

22. Longest Winning Streak: Baylor’s longest winning streak is 23 games, achieved during the 2019-20 season.

23. Most Points in a Game: Baylor scored a record 132 points in a game against Texas Southern in 1994.

24. Most Three-Pointers in a Season: The 2019-20 team set a record with 319 three-pointers made.

25. First No. 1 Ranking: Baylor achieved its first No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll during the 2019-20 season.

Community and Culture

Baylor Bears Basketball is not just about the game; it’s also about the community and culture that surrounds it.

26. Bear Pit: The student section, known as the Bear Pit, is famous for its enthusiastic support and creative chants.

27. Baylor Line: A tradition where freshmen run onto the field before football games, showing the strong connection between sports at Baylor.

28. Sic 'Em Bears: The rallying cry for all Baylor sports teams, symbolizing unity and school spirit.

29. Community Service: The team is actively involved in community service, participating in various outreach programs.

30. Alumni Support: Baylor basketball alumni remain actively involved, often returning for games and events, fostering a strong sense of family and tradition.

Baylor Bears Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence

Baylor Bears Basketball has a rich history filled with triumphs and memorable moments. From their NCAA Championship win in 2021 to producing NBA talents like Davion Mitchell, the Bears have consistently proven their prowess on the court. Their dedicated fan base, known for their unwavering support, adds to the electric atmosphere at games. The team's commitment to excellence and sportsmanship is evident in their consistent performance and community involvement. Baylor's state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch coaching staff ensure that the players are always at their best. With a bright future ahead, the Baylor Bears continue to be a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, there's no denying the impact and legacy of Baylor Bears Basketball. Keep an eye on this team—they're just getting started!