Caden Powell, a native of Waco and former player for Wyoming and Rice, will return to Baylor basketball for the 2026-27 season following a recent court injunction in Ohio. Initially anticipated to be a backup center, Powell ended the last season as a starter due to injuries within the team.
Baylor's roster this year will be notably different, as head coach Scott Drew aims to create a deeper team capable of competing throughout the season. Powell's return is seen as a significant enhancement to the team's depth chart, although he is not expected to immediately reclaim a starting role.
His skills in defense and as a lob threat are expected to be important for the Bears.
The projected depth chart for Baylor includes guards Kayden Mingo and Dylan Mingo as starters, with Isaac Celiscar and Evan Chatman starting as wings/forwards. Juslin Bodo Bodo is set to start at center, with Powell and Mayo Soyoye in the rotation. Powell's experience will be valuable for the relatively young team, which previously had only two seniors, Chatman and Bodo Bodo, before his return.
His familiarity with the Big 12 will aid in developing team chemistry and leadership as the season approaches.
