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Big 12 basketball: 5 bold predictions for 2020-2021 NCAA basketball season

By Cody Williams

Jan 11, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) drives against Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2020; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) drives against Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big 12 basketball
Baylor Bears. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

Big 12 basketball Coach of the Year: Scott Drew, Baylor

Scott Drew has drawn plenty of criticism as the head coach at Baylor over the years as his Bears teams have somewhat often under-delivered on the talent of the roster, especially in the NCAA Tournament. But on the heels of a 26-4 season in which the program looked in-line to earn a No. 1 seed for March Madness, the narrative is starting to turn and Drew should get his due.

The Bears are, at minimum, co-favorites to win the Big 12 this season and it’s a testament to the job that Drew has done as to why that’s the case, especially considering he has his team in that position with Freddie Gillespie now gone. He has star power but he also has a roster and team that should simply have few holes.

Butler should lead a strong offensive attack for Baylor this season while the team may also sneakily be one of the better defensive groups in the country as well. With that type of balance in addition to the talent on the roster, the Bears might not just win the conference — they might actually dominate it.

Even just winning the Big 12 instead of Kansas claiming another crown would be cause enough to give Drew Coach of the Year honors. But if he can manage that and do so in a convincing fashion, the Bears head coach will earn the award relatively easily.