Watching the Baylor Bears struggle defensively in their recent matchups got me thinking—this team has all the offensive firepower you could ask for, but they’re leaking points at an alarming rate. I’ve followed college basketball long enough to know that flashy offense wins highlights, but disciplined defense wins championships. If Baylor wants to make a deep run this season, they’ve got to tighten up on the other end of the floor. Let’s talk about how the Baylor Bears basketball team can improve their defense this season, because frankly, it’s their biggest question mark right now.

Looking back at their last few games, it’s clear the Bears aren’t lacking talent. They’ve got speed, they’ve got shooters, and they play with an intensity that’s fun to watch. But defensively, they’ve been inconsistent—sometimes locking down for stretches, other times looking completely lost on rotations. Against teams with disciplined ball movement, they tend to overhelp or lose track of shooters in the corners. I noticed this especially in their recent game preview where RJ Abarrientos, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Jordan Heading were highlighted as players to watch. Those are exactly the kinds of skilled, intelligent players who can pick apart a defense that isn’t communicating or moving as one.

One area where Baylor can make immediate improvements is in their pick-and-roll coverage. Too often, I’ve seen their bigs drop too far back, giving capable guards like Abarrientos ample space to pull up or make a play. Against a player of his caliber—someone who can shoot off the dribble and find open teammates—that’s a recipe for disaster. The Bears need to be more aggressive in hedging or even switching certain actions to disrupt rhythm. I’d love to see them experiment with more traps on high screens, especially early in the shot clock. It’s risky, sure, but this team has the athletes to recover and create turnovers, which could fuel their transition game.

Another point of concern is defensive rebounding. In their last three games, Baylor allowed an average of 12 second-chance points. That might not sound like much, but in tight games, those extra possessions are backbreakers. Players like Ganuelas-Rosser are active on the glass, and if Baylor’s bigs don’t box out consistently, they’ll keep giving up easy putbacks. I remember watching Ganuelas-Rosser in a previous matchup—he’s not the tallest, but he’s relentless. If you lose sight of him for a second, he’ll sneak in for an offensive board. Baylor’s bigs have to be more physical and aware, plain and simple.

Then there’s the perimeter defense. Jordan Heading, for instance, is the type of shooter who doesn’t need much space to get his shot off. Baylor’s guards have occasionally been caught going under screens against shooters like him, and at this level, that’s an open invitation to score. I’d like to see them fight over screens more consistently and use their length to contest without fouling. It’s a small adjustment, but it could shave 5-8 points off opponents’ totals right away.

Communication seems to be another issue. During live-ball situations, I’ve spotted moments where two defenders commit to the same player, leaving someone wide open. That comes down to court awareness and trust—things that can be drilled in practice. Maybe it’s time for the coaching staff to emphasize more defensive-focused sessions, even if it means sacrificing some offensive reps. I know scoring sells tickets, but defense builds legacies.

Some might argue that Baylor’s offense is potent enough to outscore anyone, and on certain nights, that’s true. But come tournament time, you’re going to face teams that can match you bucket for bucket. That’s when stops become priceless. The great teams—the ones that cut down the nets—all hang their hats on defense. Baylor has the personnel; they just need the mindset.

In my opinion, the Bears aren’t far off. A few strategic tweaks—like tightening their closeouts, improving weak-side help, and communicating switches—could transform this group into a defensive force. They’ve shown flashes, but consistency is key. If they commit to the grind, there’s no reason they can’t be a top-25 defense by March. After all, defense isn’t just about skill; it’s about desire. And something tells me this team has plenty of that.