NOTE: The early basketball signing period starts this coming Wednesday (Nov. 12). The Bears are expected to have four signees including Dallas Triple A Academy guard King McClure, the No. 76 player in the Rivals 2015 150, Rockdale guard Wendell Mitchell, Salt Lake City Olympus guard Jake Lindsey and Neosho (KS) Community College 7-0 forward Joseph Acuil. The Bears are probably looking for one more for the 2015 class. Unless there is anything last minute that last signing would come in the spring signing period which is in April.
Darrion Daniels visit could change
Dallas Bishop Dunne defensive tackle Darrion Daniels has scheduled his official visit to Baylor for Nov. 22 when the Bears play Oklahoma State.
Of course, the date is a fluid depending on what happens with Dunne's playoff run and if a game is scheduled on the same day Baylor plays. Of course, if Dunne is playing on that date, it probably would force the visit to be re-scheduled.
In August, Daniels, the No. 155 prospect in the Rivals 250, named Baylor to his Top 10 and said the Bears would likely be in his Top 3.
At the time, Baylor's view of defensive tackles appeared to be limited. With the glut of defensive tackles on the roster, it seemed like Baylor would have no room. We learned then that any official visit would come in January. This apparent change in date reflects a softening of Baylor's position.
But all of that is on hold as Dunne pushes toward a TAPPS state title.
"Recruiting isn't my main focus right now,'' Daniels said. "Winning a TAPPS title is.''
Dunne took an official visit to Texas Tech last week. His father played there.
-Kevin Lonnquist
January will matter
With 12 commits to the 2015 class, it figures that Baylor is going to have a busy January - finally. That's a shift in the previous couple of years because Baylor is now contending for some of the state's top uncommitted prospects. There are also a couple of other prospects committed to other schools where Baylor is in pursuit.
In this analysis, we rank Baylor's chances on a scale from 1-5.
>Richard Moore, LB, Cedar Hill (Status: Committed to Texas A&M) - Baylor was the first to offer him around Thanksgiving of 2013. It appeared Baylor had a good line with Moore until things changed during the spring football season. Then Moore committed to Texas A&M in the summer. However, Baylor hasn't given up here. And the fact that Moore came to McLane Stadium for the Kansas game reveals he's listening. His recruitment enters an interesting time. But if he's thinking about de-committing, chances are he will. Baylor has to be the choice if he leaves the Aggies.
Baylor's chances: 4
>Holton Hill, DB, Houston Lamar (Status: Uncommitted) - He's still in a position where he is playing the field. This weekend, he is scheduled to be at Texas' home game against West Virginia. He doesn't mind using social media to reveal a lot of things not related to recruiting. Still, the important thing is that he has been to McLane Stadium (SMU game) and has shown some genuine interest. It's likely that an official visit will figure into this.
Baylor's chances: 3
Kris Boyd, DB, Gilmer (Status: Uncommitted) - In the spring, it really appeared Baylor was on the outside looking in with Boyd. In fact, when he came for an unofficial visit for the July 18 camp, there didn't appear to be a good vibe coming from it. And then there was a tweet about 3-4 weeks ago when Boyd volunteered he "could see himself playing at Baylor.'' That sparked a storm of interest. Baylor has been in contact with Boyd. But the other school to watch here is Florida State. Baylor's program is at a point where it no longer looks like it's the underdog against these types of programs. Like Hill, this could necessitate an official visit with the likelihood that Boyd doesn't announce until sometime near National Signing Day.
Baylor's chances: 3.5
Malik Jefferson, LB, Mesquite Poteet (Status: uncommitted) - He's taking official visits to LSU this weekend and Texas A&M on Nov. 14. Baylor LB coach Jim Gush came to see him two weeks ago during Baylor's bye week. That's the only time he can see Jefferson during the season. Baylor still has serious ground to make up here. But the good news is that Jefferson has been on the campus several times. Jefferson remains interested in Baylor, but he has said he wants to take most of his official visits outside of the state of Texas. There have been whispers that Jefferson is really debating between Texas and Texas A&M.
Baylor's chances: 1
Soso Jamabo, RB, Plano West (Status: uncommitted) - Jamabo has taken official visits to UCLA and Notre Dame. Baylor LB coach Jim Gush was at Plano West back in September to watch Jamabo play. Baylor really covets one more running back for this class. With the Corey Dauphine recruitment pretty much in the past, it would appear that Baylor is going to do what it can to get Jamabo on campus for an official visit. But given his laid back personality, it would seem that fits at UCLA than anywhere else. But as has been said, "Recruiting is weird.''
Baylor's chances: 2
MBB Recruiting: Morris watching Baylor
One of the better big men to watch in the 2014-15 high school basketball season is Lancaster 2016 power forward Nate Morris.
With a great frame (6-10, 225), Morris has the athleticism to run the floor. That's what Baylor likes with its big men and why Morris has some early interest in the Bears. Ranked No. 99 in the Rivals 2016 150, Morris has a Baylor offer along with about a dozen more.
He continues to develop his offensive game, but his strength is on the defensive end of the floor. Blessed with a 7-1 wingspan, he will block his share of shots and alter many more.
"Baylor really fits my game because I like the way they run the floor,'' Morris said. "That's kind of how we do it with Lancaster and my AAU team [Dallas Mustangs]. I like the way Baylor plays. They're really scrappy.''
Like many Baylor basketball fans, Morris is watching how Baylor will fare with a pretty inexperienced front court after Isaiah Austin declared for the NBA draft [later to have his career cut short because of being diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome] and forward Cory Jefferson graduating.
Morris has attended one Baylor home game in each of the last two years. He wants to make it three years in a row something this season.
"I talked with coach Tang quite a bit but not since the season has been getting started,'' Morris said. "I saw them a lot during the summer.''
For now, the focus is trying to lead Lancaster to the Class 5A state championship. He's teamed with 2015 big man Elijah Thomas (committed to Texas A&M) that could make the Tigers the team to beat in that classification. In 2013-14, the Tigers went 30-5 advanced to the then-Class 4A Region II tournament before falling to Dallas Kimball in the semifinals.
"There's always room for improvement,'' Morris said. "I still work have to work on my handles and keep doing things better on offense. But I love to run the floor and play defense.''
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams based on expectations and performance. Ratings always vary. Agree or disagree, there's nothing like finding out who is ranked where.
1. Kansas State - Never expect flash from a Bill Snyder coached team; just wins
2. TCU - Saturday against Kansas State is Horned Frogs last challenge
3. Baylor - If there ever is a year to win in Norman, this is the year
4. Oklahoma - Sooners need health to return to key skill players
5. West Virginia - Mountaineer offense mistake prone lately
6. Oklahoma State - Need one more to win bowl eligible
7. Texas - Give the Longhorns a chance to knock off West Virginia Saturday
8. Texas Tech - A bye week to resolve major internal issues
9. Iowa State - MLB Javohn Miller's loss (knee) crushes a limping defense
10. Kansas - QB Michael Cummings plays hard; not a lot of help elsewhere
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday's action. All times are central. This is a defining day for the second Saturday in November. The order runs according to game times. With the College Football rankings released, we are now using those. Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have byes.
No. 12 Baylor (7-1, 4-1) at No. 15 Oklahoma (6-2, 3-2)
11:00 a.m. Gaylord Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: For once, Oklahoma fans are looking forward to Baylor coming to Norman. That reveals how this series has changed. What hasn't changed is Baylor's record in Norman. The Bears are 0-11 lifetime. RB health is a key. Oklahoma RB Keith Ford (leg) could be back. Baylor RB Johnny Jefferson (hamstring) is still slowed by his issue. Baylor needs this win to keep playoff hopes alive. A loss all but ends them.
No. 23 West Virginia (6-3, 3-2) at Texas (4-5, 3-3)
2:30 p.m. Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: The Mountaineers did themselves in with five turnovers in a home 31-30 loss to TCU. Texas is coming off important win at Texas Tech to keep it in the hunt for a bowl. In the first two Big 12 meetings, the visiting team has won. Texas can win this if can shut down West Virginia WR Kevin White. Oklahoma State and TCU showed it can be done.
Iowa State (2-6, 0-5) at Kansas (2-6, 0-5)
2:30 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS (FSN)
The skinny: There really is no hiding the fact that these are the two worst teams in the conference. Kansas' offense just can't score. Iowa State's defense can't stop anybody. So could we have a shootout? Although this could be a game Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads needs for job security, it would appear his job is safe for now.
No. 7 Kansas State (7-1, 5-0) at No. 6 TCU (7-1, 4-1)
6:30 p.m. Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FOX)
The skinny: The loser's playoff hopes are pretty much dashed. TCU QB Trevone Boykin has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in his career. He's thrown 2,472 yards and 22 TDs. That's more than what anyone expected. Kansas State begins a grind to end its season. After this one, the Wildcats go to West Virginia next week and have a Dec. 6 meeting with Baylor in Waco. Kansas State leads the Big 12 in total defense at 321.1 ypg. TCU is second in the Big 12 in total offense at 550.0.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Emptying the Notebook
>There is still no change regarding 2014 late basketball signee Kobie Eubanks' situation. In August, Eubanks did not get through the NCAA Clearinghouse and was ruled in eligible. He and his father Clayton, filed a $75,000 lawsuit against Plantation (Fl.) American Heritage School on Sept. 19 on accusations of grade tampering. There was some hope that Eubanks could be on campus by the spring semester that starts in January. However, those hopes appear to be fading. Recruited out of Centereach (N.Y.) Our Savior New American School, Eubanks is spending the 2014-15 season at Delray Beach (Fl.) ELEV8 Sports Institute trying to gain the credits necessary to play college basketball for the 2015-16 season.
>Despite his de-commitment from Texas Thursday, we've learned Baylor is not pursuing Converse Judson DB Keivon Ramsey. Baylor offered and had some interest in Ramsey earlier this spring.
>Even though Baylor landed the commitment of Houston Lamar athlete J.W. Ketchum, there doesn't appear to be a serious push toward Ketchum's teammate, RB Tyriek Gray, at this time. Gray has a Baylor offer. However, the interaction between Gray and the coaching staff has been very limited from what we understand.
>We wrote this last week but remember Dallas Skyline LB Anthony Wheeler is going to be a guest of Oklahoma at Saturday's game against Baylor. Wheeler told us he remains interested in Baylor and that he will watch the Bears as closely as he watches the Sooners.
>Nacogdoches 2016 DB Brandon Jones, Ranked No. 32 in the Rivals 2016 100, said he will name his Top 10 after Nacogdoches finishes its playoff run. He said Texas A&M and Alabama will be on it. Baylor should have a pretty good chance to land there. Jones told us he plans to attend Baylor's Nov. 22 game against Oklahoma State.
-SicEmSports
Darrion Daniels visit could change
Dallas Bishop Dunne defensive tackle Darrion Daniels has scheduled his official visit to Baylor for Nov. 22 when the Bears play Oklahoma State.
Of course, the date is a fluid depending on what happens with Dunne's playoff run and if a game is scheduled on the same day Baylor plays. Of course, if Dunne is playing on that date, it probably would force the visit to be re-scheduled.
In August, Daniels, the No. 155 prospect in the Rivals 250, named Baylor to his Top 10 and said the Bears would likely be in his Top 3.
At the time, Baylor's view of defensive tackles appeared to be limited. With the glut of defensive tackles on the roster, it seemed like Baylor would have no room. We learned then that any official visit would come in January. This apparent change in date reflects a softening of Baylor's position.
But all of that is on hold as Dunne pushes toward a TAPPS state title.
"Recruiting isn't my main focus right now,'' Daniels said. "Winning a TAPPS title is.''
Dunne took an official visit to Texas Tech last week. His father played there.
-Kevin Lonnquist
January will matter
With 12 commits to the 2015 class, it figures that Baylor is going to have a busy January - finally. That's a shift in the previous couple of years because Baylor is now contending for some of the state's top uncommitted prospects. There are also a couple of other prospects committed to other schools where Baylor is in pursuit.
In this analysis, we rank Baylor's chances on a scale from 1-5.
>Richard Moore, LB, Cedar Hill (Status: Committed to Texas A&M) - Baylor was the first to offer him around Thanksgiving of 2013. It appeared Baylor had a good line with Moore until things changed during the spring football season. Then Moore committed to Texas A&M in the summer. However, Baylor hasn't given up here. And the fact that Moore came to McLane Stadium for the Kansas game reveals he's listening. His recruitment enters an interesting time. But if he's thinking about de-committing, chances are he will. Baylor has to be the choice if he leaves the Aggies.
Baylor's chances: 4
>Holton Hill, DB, Houston Lamar (Status: Uncommitted) - He's still in a position where he is playing the field. This weekend, he is scheduled to be at Texas' home game against West Virginia. He doesn't mind using social media to reveal a lot of things not related to recruiting. Still, the important thing is that he has been to McLane Stadium (SMU game) and has shown some genuine interest. It's likely that an official visit will figure into this.
Baylor's chances: 3
Kris Boyd, DB, Gilmer (Status: Uncommitted) - In the spring, it really appeared Baylor was on the outside looking in with Boyd. In fact, when he came for an unofficial visit for the July 18 camp, there didn't appear to be a good vibe coming from it. And then there was a tweet about 3-4 weeks ago when Boyd volunteered he "could see himself playing at Baylor.'' That sparked a storm of interest. Baylor has been in contact with Boyd. But the other school to watch here is Florida State. Baylor's program is at a point where it no longer looks like it's the underdog against these types of programs. Like Hill, this could necessitate an official visit with the likelihood that Boyd doesn't announce until sometime near National Signing Day.
Baylor's chances: 3.5
Malik Jefferson, LB, Mesquite Poteet (Status: uncommitted) - He's taking official visits to LSU this weekend and Texas A&M on Nov. 14. Baylor LB coach Jim Gush came to see him two weeks ago during Baylor's bye week. That's the only time he can see Jefferson during the season. Baylor still has serious ground to make up here. But the good news is that Jefferson has been on the campus several times. Jefferson remains interested in Baylor, but he has said he wants to take most of his official visits outside of the state of Texas. There have been whispers that Jefferson is really debating between Texas and Texas A&M.
Baylor's chances: 1
Soso Jamabo, RB, Plano West (Status: uncommitted) - Jamabo has taken official visits to UCLA and Notre Dame. Baylor LB coach Jim Gush was at Plano West back in September to watch Jamabo play. Baylor really covets one more running back for this class. With the Corey Dauphine recruitment pretty much in the past, it would appear that Baylor is going to do what it can to get Jamabo on campus for an official visit. But given his laid back personality, it would seem that fits at UCLA than anywhere else. But as has been said, "Recruiting is weird.''
Baylor's chances: 2
MBB Recruiting: Morris watching Baylor
One of the better big men to watch in the 2014-15 high school basketball season is Lancaster 2016 power forward Nate Morris.
With a great frame (6-10, 225), Morris has the athleticism to run the floor. That's what Baylor likes with its big men and why Morris has some early interest in the Bears. Ranked No. 99 in the Rivals 2016 150, Morris has a Baylor offer along with about a dozen more.
He continues to develop his offensive game, but his strength is on the defensive end of the floor. Blessed with a 7-1 wingspan, he will block his share of shots and alter many more.
"Baylor really fits my game because I like the way they run the floor,'' Morris said. "That's kind of how we do it with Lancaster and my AAU team [Dallas Mustangs]. I like the way Baylor plays. They're really scrappy.''
Like many Baylor basketball fans, Morris is watching how Baylor will fare with a pretty inexperienced front court after Isaiah Austin declared for the NBA draft [later to have his career cut short because of being diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome] and forward Cory Jefferson graduating.
Morris has attended one Baylor home game in each of the last two years. He wants to make it three years in a row something this season.
"I talked with coach Tang quite a bit but not since the season has been getting started,'' Morris said. "I saw them a lot during the summer.''
For now, the focus is trying to lead Lancaster to the Class 5A state championship. He's teamed with 2015 big man Elijah Thomas (committed to Texas A&M) that could make the Tigers the team to beat in that classification. In 2013-14, the Tigers went 30-5 advanced to the then-Class 4A Region II tournament before falling to Dallas Kimball in the semifinals.
"There's always room for improvement,'' Morris said. "I still work have to work on my handles and keep doing things better on offense. But I love to run the floor and play defense.''
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Power Rankings
Each week, SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams based on expectations and performance. Ratings always vary. Agree or disagree, there's nothing like finding out who is ranked where.
1. Kansas State - Never expect flash from a Bill Snyder coached team; just wins
2. TCU - Saturday against Kansas State is Horned Frogs last challenge
3. Baylor - If there ever is a year to win in Norman, this is the year
4. Oklahoma - Sooners need health to return to key skill players
5. West Virginia - Mountaineer offense mistake prone lately
6. Oklahoma State - Need one more to win bowl eligible
7. Texas - Give the Longhorns a chance to knock off West Virginia Saturday
8. Texas Tech - A bye week to resolve major internal issues
9. Iowa State - MLB Javohn Miller's loss (knee) crushes a limping defense
10. Kansas - QB Michael Cummings plays hard; not a lot of help elsewhere
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Weekend
A look at Saturday's action. All times are central. This is a defining day for the second Saturday in November. The order runs according to game times. With the College Football rankings released, we are now using those. Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have byes.
No. 12 Baylor (7-1, 4-1) at No. 15 Oklahoma (6-2, 3-2)
11:00 a.m. Gaylord Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: For once, Oklahoma fans are looking forward to Baylor coming to Norman. That reveals how this series has changed. What hasn't changed is Baylor's record in Norman. The Bears are 0-11 lifetime. RB health is a key. Oklahoma RB Keith Ford (leg) could be back. Baylor RB Johnny Jefferson (hamstring) is still slowed by his issue. Baylor needs this win to keep playoff hopes alive. A loss all but ends them.
No. 23 West Virginia (6-3, 3-2) at Texas (4-5, 3-3)
2:30 p.m. Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin (FOX Sports 1)
The skinny: The Mountaineers did themselves in with five turnovers in a home 31-30 loss to TCU. Texas is coming off important win at Texas Tech to keep it in the hunt for a bowl. In the first two Big 12 meetings, the visiting team has won. Texas can win this if can shut down West Virginia WR Kevin White. Oklahoma State and TCU showed it can be done.
Iowa State (2-6, 0-5) at Kansas (2-6, 0-5)
2:30 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS (FSN)
The skinny: There really is no hiding the fact that these are the two worst teams in the conference. Kansas' offense just can't score. Iowa State's defense can't stop anybody. So could we have a shootout? Although this could be a game Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads needs for job security, it would appear his job is safe for now.
No. 7 Kansas State (7-1, 5-0) at No. 6 TCU (7-1, 4-1)
6:30 p.m. Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth (FOX)
The skinny: The loser's playoff hopes are pretty much dashed. TCU QB Trevone Boykin has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in his career. He's thrown 2,472 yards and 22 TDs. That's more than what anyone expected. Kansas State begins a grind to end its season. After this one, the Wildcats go to West Virginia next week and have a Dec. 6 meeting with Baylor in Waco. Kansas State leads the Big 12 in total defense at 321.1 ypg. TCU is second in the Big 12 in total offense at 550.0.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Emptying the Notebook
>There is still no change regarding 2014 late basketball signee Kobie Eubanks' situation. In August, Eubanks did not get through the NCAA Clearinghouse and was ruled in eligible. He and his father Clayton, filed a $75,000 lawsuit against Plantation (Fl.) American Heritage School on Sept. 19 on accusations of grade tampering. There was some hope that Eubanks could be on campus by the spring semester that starts in January. However, those hopes appear to be fading. Recruited out of Centereach (N.Y.) Our Savior New American School, Eubanks is spending the 2014-15 season at Delray Beach (Fl.) ELEV8 Sports Institute trying to gain the credits necessary to play college basketball for the 2015-16 season.
>Despite his de-commitment from Texas Thursday, we've learned Baylor is not pursuing Converse Judson DB Keivon Ramsey. Baylor offered and had some interest in Ramsey earlier this spring.
>Even though Baylor landed the commitment of Houston Lamar athlete J.W. Ketchum, there doesn't appear to be a serious push toward Ketchum's teammate, RB Tyriek Gray, at this time. Gray has a Baylor offer. However, the interaction between Gray and the coaching staff has been very limited from what we understand.
>We wrote this last week but remember Dallas Skyline LB Anthony Wheeler is going to be a guest of Oklahoma at Saturday's game against Baylor. Wheeler told us he remains interested in Baylor and that he will watch the Bears as closely as he watches the Sooners.
>Nacogdoches 2016 DB Brandon Jones, Ranked No. 32 in the Rivals 2016 100, said he will name his Top 10 after Nacogdoches finishes its playoff run. He said Texas A&M and Alabama will be on it. Baylor should have a pretty good chance to land there. Jones told us he plans to attend Baylor's Nov. 22 game against Oklahoma State.
-SicEmSports
