You know how sometimes you watch a player and just know they’re going to be good, but for some reason, the national media sleeps on them? That’s Baylor Scheierman.
I’ve been watching college hoops for a while now, and honestly, most casual fans overlook him because he doesn’t put up Steph Curry numbers.
But if you look past the highlights and actually watch the tape, you see a guy who is just relentless.
From what I’ve seen this season, he’s arguably the most consistent power forward in the country right now.
We’re going to break down his stats, his journey from Brookings to Omaha, and why NBA scouts need to take a closer look.
The Journey: From Brookings to Omaha
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Baylor. Oddly enough,
He started his career at South Dakota State.
Most people don’t remember that now, but he was the engine that drove the Bison.
He was putting up numbers that would make your head spin even back then.
But then he made the jump to Creighton.
The Big East is a beast, and moving there is tough. And this is where things get interesting.
A lot of players fold under the pressure.
But not him.
And you know, he talks about it in interviews a little bit.
He just wanted to win.
And he found that in Omaha.
The transition was seamless, which honestly says a lot about his basketball IQ. Here’s the interesting part.
He didn’t come in as a rookie and try to force his way into the starting lineup; he earned it by doing the dirty work. Oddly enough,
If you want to read more about his roots, you can check out , but let’s get back to why he’s actually playing at this level.
The Art of Rebounding (It’s Not Just Height)
Okay, so if you’re looking at the box score, you see a player who averages like 14 points and 9 rebounds. And this is where things get interesting.
That’s good, right? Yeah, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Most people think being a good rebounder is about being tall.
It’s not. Now think about that for a second.
It’s about being in the right place at the right time and having a motor that doesn’t turn off.
Scheierman is a monster on the boards.
I think most people overlook the nuances of his rebounding. Now think about that for a second.
He doesn’t just go up and grab it; he positions himself.
He boxes out.
He fights for position against guys who are often taller than him.
It’s honestly annoying to play against him because he just won’t go away.
If you want to see how he stacks up against other returning players, does a great job of breaking down the returning stats for the league.
- High Motor: He plays 40 minutes a night.
- Positioning: He knows where the ball is going to come off the rim.
- Versatility: He can grab boards and push the break.
Why the NBA Draft is Misunderstanding Him
So, here’s the controversial part.
I keep seeing mock drafts where he’s not even in the first round.
And I’m like, wait a minute.
What are we watching? NBA scouts love players who are efficient.
They love players who can score from anywhere. But there’s a catch.
But they often ignore the glue guys.
The guys who make everyone else around them better.
Baylor isn’t going to blow by you for a layup.
He’s going to pull up for a mid-range jumper or crash the offensive glass.
It’s the same kind of game that guys like Draymond Green play. And this is where things get interesting.
And we all know how that turned out.
But because he’s not a flashy guard or a 7-footer, he gets slept on.
I think if he goes to the combine, he’s going to surprise a lot of people.
You can track his progress there by checking out .
Creighton’s Offensive System
He fits perfectly into Greg McDermott’s system.
It’s a system built on spacing and movement.
He’s not just a spot-up shooter. And this is where things get interesting.
He creates his own shot by driving and kicking, or by posting up smaller players.
It’s a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
And when you couple that with , you see a team that is extremely hard to guard.
His ability to knock down the three-pointer has actually opened up the lane for the guards.
Defenders have to respect him from deep, which means they’re closer to the paint, making it easier for Creighton’s guards to attack the rim.
It’s the kind of unselfish play that wins championships, even if it doesn’t always get the stat sheet filled up the way a stat-geek wants it to.
Key Metrics You Need to Know
If you’re trying to figure out if he’s a pro, look at these numbers.
It’s not just about points.
- True Shooting Percentage: Usually sits right around 60%.
- Rebound Rate: Top 25 in the nation for forwards.
- Assists: He’s a great passer for a big man.
See? He does a little bit of everything.
Most guys at his position are either good scorers or good rebounders.
He’s both.
It’s rare.
What to Expect in the Big East Tournament
When the tournament comes around, that’s when Scheierman shines.
He hates losing.
I mean, he truly hates it.
The pressure doesn’t bother him; it fuels him.
If you’re looking to place a bet on the Big East tournament, you should probably keep an eye on Creighton’s games where he plays 40 minutes.
It’s a safe bet that he’ll give you solid production.
But if you’re just a fan, you just get to enjoy watching a really good player do really good things.
And honestly, that’s the best part.
You can see more of the schedule and matchups here: .
And this is where things get interesting.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not saying he’s going to be an All-Star in the NBA, but he’s going to have a long career.
Probably a role player, but a really good one. Oddly enough,
He’s the kind of guy you want on your team.
I’ve watched him play since he was at SDSU, and his dedication to the game is unmatched.
He just plays.
If you’re looking to support him, grabbing some official gear is always a nice touch.
You can grab some great Creighton stuff at .
But mostly, just keep your eye on him next season.
I have a feeling he’s going to be the unsung hero of the Big East.
And hey, if he keeps playing this way, he might just change the narrative on who gets drafted.
FAQs
- What position does Baylor Scheierman play?
He primarily plays Power Forward, but he can handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter like a stretch four. - Where did Baylor Scheierman go to college before Creighton?
He played at South Dakota State University. - Is Baylor Scheierman in the NBA Draft 2024?
Yes, he declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com