For the first time in league history, Baylor Men's Basketball has been picked to win the Big 12, as voted by the league's head coaches.
The Bears received seven out of nine first-place votes. Previously, the team received one first-place vote in the 2013 preseason poll and the 2020 preseason poll.
The team was picked second in both of those poll, marking the highest previous projection in the league's 25-year history.
Kansas came in second, followed by West Virginia at third place. Texas and Texas Tech rounded out the top five.
The complete 2020-2021 Big 12 preseason poll rankings include:
1. Baylor – 79 (7)
2. Kansas – 73 (3)
3. West Virginia – 61
4. Texas – 58
5. Texas Tech – 53
6. Oklahoma – 39
7. Oklahoma State – 35
8. Iowa State – 19
9. TCU – 18
10. Kansas State – 15
Head coach Scott Drew is in his 18th year as a Division I coach. He currently holds a 362-224 career record, including a 342-213 mark at Baylor.
The team will see four starters and seven letterwinners from last season's team return, including five players who previously earned All-Big 12 honors.
Baylor not only gained a pair of experienced transfers but also added a strong 2020 signing class.
The team will start on the road for the 2020-2021 season, competing in a 14-day, five-game trip across the country.
Their first home opener is set for December 8 against Nicholls State. The team will open Big 12 play with a home game against Texas on December 13.
The Ferrell Center will be limited to 25% capacity. Renewed season ticket holders will have exclusive priority.
