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    The Baylor Lariat
    Home»Featured

    Drew reloads: Get to know Baylor men’s basketball newcomers

    Michael HaagBy Michael HaagOctober 4, 2022Updated:October 4, 2022 Featured No Comments6 Mins Read
    The Baylor men's basketball team huddles as a group before its practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
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    By Michael Haag | Sports Editor

    Baylor men’s basketball had its 2021 run cut short by the University of North Carolina, who fell three points shy of a national championship. Following the unexpected, shortened finish, the Bears saw standouts Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan get drafted into the NBA, while James Akinjo (seeking an NBA career) and Matthew Mayer (transferred to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) also departed.

    A new season looms for Baylor, and head coach Scott Drew made sure to reload his roster in order to provide similar, if not better, firepower on the hardwood. For those who may not be familiar with the newcomers, here is everything you need to know:

    Freshman guard Keyonte George squares up to shoot a three-pointer at practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
    Freshman guard Keyonte George squares up to shoot a three-pointer at practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper

    Keyonte George

    Freshman guard | 6’4”, 185 pounds

    Previous school: IMG Academy

    2021-22 stats: At IMG Academy, played in 14 games, averaged 17.8 points per game; Shot 41% from three-point range

    Breakdown: George, a five-star recruit, was the No. 3-ranked player in the 2022 class by ESPN, making him the highest-ranked recruit in program history. The Lewisville native showcased some of his ability in June, when the Bears participated in the GLOBL JAM Tournament in Canada. George averaged 22.8 points per game to lead Baylor to the championship game, highlighted by 37 points in a semi-final win over Canada.

    What this means: This kid is about to turn a lot of heads this season. Everyone loved what Sochan and Brown offered in their one-and-done year with Baylor, but George is on another level. He will be a day one starter that is an easy favorite for Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Enjoy the NBA-bound standout while he’s here.

    Junior guard Jake Younkin participates in a shooting drill at practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
    Junior guard Jake Younkin participates in a shooting drill at practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper

    Jake Younkin

    Junior guard | 6’3”, 195 pounds

    Previous schools: Archbishop Moeller High School and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

    2021-22 stats: N/A

    Breakdown: There isn’t a whole lot known about Younkin, outside of the fact that he’s a proven high school athlete. The Loveland, Ohio native won a state championship at Archbishop Moeller, a private all-male, college-preparatory high school.

    What this means: Younkin most likely won’t be seeing much action, but keep an eye on games that end up as blowouts, as he may see the floor then. An underrated part of Younkin that won’t see the public eye is the fact that he does the same things everyone else on the roster does. To be on the Baylor men’s basketball team is no small feat.

    Junior forward Jalen Bridges slices through the lane and fights off contact, finishing a layup at practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
    Junior forward Jalen Bridges slices through the lane and fights off contact, finishing a layup at practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper

    Jalen Bridges

    Junior forward | 6’7”, 225 pounds

    Previous school: West Virginia University (2020-22)

    2021-22 stats: Only player to start all 33 games for the Mountaineers, averaged 8.4 ppg, 4.6 rebounds per game, shot 45% from the floor

    Breakdown: Bridges, a former four-star recruit per 247 Sports, led Fairmont Senior High School to four-straight state championship games, winning two. At WVU, Bridges played his role effectively, being an elite perimeter defender while spacing the floor with his ability to knock down shots. Bridges was the Bears’ third leading scorer in the GLOBL JAM Tournament at 9.8 ppg.

    What this means: Snagging Bridges from the transfer portal was a huge addition for Drew and his staff. The Fairmont, W.Va. native is expected to be a starter and play a significant role due to his proven ability to defend at a high level and stretch the floor. Expect Bridges to be capable of guarding all positions while hitting three pointers at a high clip.

    Junior guard Dantwan Grimes follows through on his shot attempt at a team practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
    Junior guard Dantwan Grimes follows through on his shot attempt at a team practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper

    Dantwan Grimes

    Junior guard | 6’2”, 190 pounds

    Previous school: Kilgore College (JUCO, 2020-22)

    2021-22 stats: 14.1 ppg, 3.2 assists per game, 4.1 boards per game,

    Breakdown: Grimes, a Second-Team NJCAA All American, played two seasons at the JUCO level before transferring to Baylor during the offseason. He led Kilgore to a pair of appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament.

    What this means: This is an interesting situation, as Grimes joins a Baylor squad that is loaded with talented guards. Regardless, last season proved that JUCO transfers can make an immediate impact, with redshirt senior guard Dale Bonner having been thrusted in a big-time role following injuries to multiple guards on the roster. If the group stays healthy at that position this season, Grimes will struggle to crack into the rotation, and he may even get redshirted.

    Freshman forward Josh Ojianwuna gets in a stance before progressing through a team practice drill on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
    Freshman forward Josh Ojianwuna gets in a stance before progressing through a team practice drill on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper

    Josh Ojianwuna

    Freshman forward | 6’10”, 230 pounds

    Previous school: NBA Global Academy

    2021-22 stats: At GLOBL JAM, averaged 6.6 rebounds per game, scored six points and four boards in his debut

    Breakdown: Ojianwuna, a four-star prospect according to 247 Sports, started playing basketball when he was 12 years old. At the time of the GLOBL JAM Tournament, he joined the team hours before its tip-off against Canada and still managed to post quality numbers.

    What this means: One thing Ojianwuna has is experience, proven by the fact that he’s played with NBA academy’s since 2017. With redshirt senior forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua still recovering from an ACL tear suffered in February, Ojianwuna may be relied upon for minutes. The Asaba, Nigeria native will play behind fifth-year senior forward Flo Thamba and will get lots of experience playing in a talented forward room.

    Junior forward Caleb Lohner steps into a dunk at a team practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper
    Junior forward Caleb Lohner steps into a dunk at a team practice on Sept. 27 at the Ferrell Center. Assoah Ndomo | Photograper

    Caleb Lohner

    Junior forward | 6’8”, 235 pounds

    Previous school: BYU (2020-22)

    2021-22 stats: Averaged 7.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game

    Breakdown: Lohner led Baylor with 6.6 rebounds per game at the GLOBL Jam Tournament. He also helped BYU to a 44-18 record in his two years there. In 2021, Lohner played in 35 games with 31 starts.

    What this means: Lohner brings some much-needed forward depth to a Bears squad that lost Mayer, Brown and Sochan. Bridges will most likely get the nod for a starting role, but the Flower Mound native will provide important minutes off the bench, making for little drop-off in that regard.

    basketball Baylor Baylor bears Bears Ferrell Center keyonte george men's basketball NBA NBA Draft North Carolina North Carolina Tar Heels Scott Drew
    Michael Haag

    Michael Haag is a third year Journalism student from Floresville, a small town about 30 miles south of San Antonio. Haag is entering his third year at the Lariat and is hoping to continue developing his sports reporting skill set. After graduation, he plans to work on a Master’s degree in Journalism in order to one day teach at the college level. He does, however, plan on becoming a sports reporter for a publication after grad school.

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