Tipoff on the Brazos

Basketball season is coming soon and, with it, the chance for Baylor fans to once again cheer on two of the nation’s premier programs. Men’s basketball Head Coach Scott Drew’s squad boasts key returners like junior guard Isaac Williams IV alongside newcomers like brothers Kayden (a sophomore transfer from Penn State) and Dylan Mingo (freshman). Women’s basketball Head Coach Nicki Collen’s team will be led be key returners like junior Taliah Scott and senior Kyla Abraham, along with new additions like Trinity Thompson (a junior transfer from Georgia) and Reese Ross (senior transfer from Utah). Both coaches share their excitement for the season ahead:

How would you describe your team heading into the 2026-27 season?

Scott Drew: “What excites me most is the combination of experience and continuity alongside our newcomers. We have returning players who understand our culture, our expectations and how we do things every day. When you add that foundation to a talented group of newcomers, it creates a chance for this team to grow together quickly and build strong chemistry from the start.”

Nicki Collen: “One of the things that gives me confidence about this team is how much growth we’ve typically seen from players in their second year in our system. Our newcomers bring a lot of different strengths, but what stands out is their ability to impact winning. They give us more depth, more flexibility and more ways to compete, and we're excited about what they can help us accomplish together as a team.”

Foster Pavilion gives the Bears one of the nation’s top home court advantages. What role do fans play in that?

Drew: “Our fans have always played a major role in our success. We have the best basketball facility in the nation — there's nothing like a packed Foster Pavilion. Our players feed off that energy — it creates momentum, gives our players confidence and makes Baylor one of the toughest places to play in college basketball.”

Collen: “One of the things that makes Baylor special is the connection between our teams and our fans. We always want Foster Pavilion to be one of the toughest environments in the country. Our players feel that support, our opponents notice it, and in close games that atmosphere gives our team a lift and can absolutely make the difference.”

Listen to complete interviews with both coaches at baylorplus.com and find schedule and ticket information at BaylorBears.com.