In the storied halls of college basketball history, April 5, 2021, stands as a monumental date for Baylor University. On this day, the Bears secured their first-ever NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, crushing the previously undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70 in Indianapolis, etching their names into March Madness folklore.
The victory represented the culmination of an 18-year rebuilding journey under Coach Scott Drew, who had taken over a program in shambles following a devastating scandal in 2003. From NCAA sanctions and program disarray to national champions, Baylor’s rise symbolizes one of college basketball’s most impressive program transformations.
The Historic Championship Run
Baylor’s path to glory began with their impressive 2020-21 regular season, during which they posted a stellar 21-1 record and captured the Big 12 regular season title. Despite a three-week COVID-19 pause in February that threatened their momentum, the Bears secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Region.
The Bears demonstrated their dominance throughout the tournament, dispatching Hartford (79-55), Wisconsin (76-63), Villanova (62-51), and Arkansas (81-72) before overwhelming Houston (78-59) in the Final Four. Their defensive intensity and three-point shooting prowess established them as legitimate contenders for the championship.
What made this journey all the more remarkable was its starting point. In 2003, the program was devastated when player Carlton Dotson murdered teammate Patrick Dennehy, and then coach Dave Bliss attempted a cover-up.
Severe NCAA sanctions followed, including scholarship losses and a nonconference ban, resulting in a dismal 4-13 record in 2005-06. Drew’s vision to rebuild from these darkest depths seemed almost impossible.
Coach Drew reflected on the journey: “Coaching is like being a parent, and at Christmas time, you see the kids opening up presents. The guys that have sacrificed for 18 years leading up to this and these guys were able to take it home.”
The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges, forcing the team into a three-week pause in February after eight players tested positive. Players trained in parks wearing masks, with Butler recalling, “We were doing agility drills, anything to stay ready.”
A Championship Performance for the Ages
The highly anticipated final against undefeated Gonzaga who entered with a perfect 31-0 record was expected to be a close battle between the nation’s top two teams. Instead, Baylor delivered a statement performance jumping to a 9-0 lead and never relinquishing control.
Led by tournament Most Outstanding Player Jared Butler’s 22 points and 7 assists, the Bears showcased their elite guard play. MaCio Teague added 19 points while defensive stalwart Davion Mitchell contributed 15 points with lockdown defense that neutralized Gonzaga’s high powered offense.
The numbers told the story of Baylor’s dominance like 43.5% shooting from three point range and a commanding 38-22 rebounding advantage including 16 offensive boards and forcing 14 Gonzaga turnovers. Mark Vital’s 8 offensive rebounds embodied the Bears’ relentless effort on the glass.
“We say it all the time, we think we’re the best guards in the nation” Butler declared postgame. “We went up against some highly touted guards. They’re explosive. And we want to be the best guards in the nation. And I think we proved that tonight.”
Baylor’s victory ignited celebrations across Waco with hundreds of fans storming McLane Stadium’s football field. Students honored tradition by jumping into campus fountains while downtown streets filled with jubilant supporters. One social media post captured the moment “Waco is shaking tonight! National Champs!.”
The championship win completed remarkable personal journeys for Baylor’s stars. Butler, once the 103rd ranked recruit who taught Sunday School transformed into a unanimous All-American. Teague went unrecruited by major programs before transferring to Baylor. Mitchell found his home after transferring from Auburn earning the nickname “Off Night” for his defensive prowess.
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The confetti-covered celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium marked not just a single victory but the completion of college basketball’s most remarkable rebuilding story. As Drew said in his postgame press conference “First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing us with this opportunity tonight. No pressure, no diamonds. And our guys, the better the opponent, the better they play.”
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