This is was in February's edition of SLAM..
As you read this, the Baylor Bears will be suffering through an unprecedented delay to their season: NCAA sanctions for violations that have occurred under the previous coaching staff that have left Baylor with zero non-conference games, and as such a schedule that doesn’t start until January 11.
Luckily for Baylor fans, Bear's guard Aaron Bruce has the ability to make the wait for action well worth it. Bruce is the 6-3, 190 Pound sophomore from Australia who was the shock of the big 12 last season, the leading freshman scorer not only in the conference, but in the nation at 18.2ppg.
"We're going to have to do things differently, but the coaching staff have thought things through for us and im sure they have a good plan for us," says Bruce. If they do make it deep into March, Bruce will be the reason why. A former star team mate of NBA rookie Andrew Bogut at the AIS, Bruce drew the attention of American College coaches with his play in various international tourneys. Baylor coach Scott Drew was the first one to offer Bruce a full ride and Bruce accepted.
"I know the way I played surprised alot of people around me, but I did have an idea before the season on what I would be able to do," says Bruce, who complemented his scoring with 3.9 apg and Australian legend Shane Heal-esque shooting. "The thing about all this practice it that it is a great opportunity to improve individually. I know my name will be more known this season in the Big 12, so what im working on is coming off screens and shooting. Im also working on being the best one-on-one player defensively and offensively, that I can"
With much of Bruce's work is designed to make him an even more effective scorer, he knows that he projects as an NBA point guard. Also he’s not too humble to admit such a destination on his mind for a minute. "I watched the NBA growing up and it’s always been a goal of mine" Bruce says. Bruce says he'll reach out to his homeboy .
"Andrew and I have been good friends for a long time, and we talk about our games alot. His insight into the league will be great for me"