Baylor added a trio of impactful transfers this offseason that should help them compete again next season. Scott Drew is high on those portal additions for the Bears for more reasons than one, including how the three of them fit inside their program in Waco.
Drew addressed what he could about Baylor’s portal additions in a recent press conference last week. He did preface that he could only speak on two of the additions, Duke PG Jeremy Roach and Miami F Norchad Omier, with the other’s paperwork, which belongs to California G Jalen Celestine, not official yet.
“The good thing is we can talk about everyone but one. The last one’s paperwork is still not done yet in the process,” said Drew. “So, anyone up to that, you can ask whoever you want and I’ll fill you in on my thoughts.”
However, after saying that, Drew said the three of them all fit Baylor perfectly. They all have experience and skills but they also all slot in well with their team for next year.
“As far as the group overall, it’s a talented group but it’s an experienced group. And, most of all, they fit the Baylor culture,” said Drew. “The older I get? Life is short, you want to be around people that you love and enjoy being with. There are certain coaches and programs that can help other players more than we can and there’s certain programs that really fit us. We want to be a part of their journey, hopefully help them reach goals and dreams.”
Roach, Omier, and Celestine have each played four collegiate seasons apiece. Roach and Celestine spent every one with the Blue Devils and Golden Bears respectively. Omier also attended Arkansas State before joining the Hurricanes.
In 130 games in Durham, Roach averaged 11.7 points and 3.1 assists per appearances. That included being a starter for the final season under Mike Krzyzewski when Duke made their most recent Final Four. In his third year as a team captain as a senior last season, he had career-best numbers with 14 ppg. and 3.3 apg. on 46.8% shooting overall and 42.9% from three.
As for Omier, he has posted a career double-double in 120 appearances with 15.2 ppg., 11 rpg., and 1.3 blocks. He has won Sun Belt Player of the Year with the Red Wolves while also being an All-ACC performer with the ‘Canes, including his junior season where he helped take them to their first-ever Final Four.
Finally, Celestine rounds out the three after playing in 80 in Berkeley. He’d have appeared in more without a knee surgery that cost him a whole season in the year before last. Still, in his college games, he has averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. His return to the court this year was his best with averages of 8.7 ppg. and 3.2 rpg. while shooting 45.1% from the field and 44% from three.
With those three, Baylor has the No. 14 class in On3’s 2024 Team Transfer Portal Rankings. Omier is the most significant addition per On3’s 2024 Transfer Portal Top Players. He’s the No. 2 overall transfer behind only Oumar Ballo (Indiana) and is the No. 1 SF. Roach is also highly-rated at No. 11 and as the No. 2 PG after just Malik Mack (Georgetown). Celestine is then at No. 444 in total and is the No. 91 SG.
This trio of portal pickups for the Bears will pair well with their returners and their No. 4 recruiting class. They’ll then all come together in hopes of working to win a second national title for the program and their second in five years.
“With this group, we feel that we have the talent to compete for a championship and, at the same time, do it with a group that we’re excited to work with,” said Drew.
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