In my previous Baylor Men’s Basketball post about freshman G Keyonte George foregoing his collegiate career to enter the NBA, I mentioned how the “the Bears are now seeing highly touted freshmen foregoing their college days to enter the NBA Draft in their seasons. Joining the ranks of blue bloods like K*nsas, North Carolina, Duke, and Kentucky who often had/have talented 18 year olds leave campus for the pros, Baylor’s had three consecutive freshmen bid adieu to Waco in exchange for basketball careers. 2021-22 freshmen Fs Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan left Baylor after one season for the NBA where they now play for the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs, respectively, and most recent star freshman G Keyonte George announced he’d forgo college eligibility in favor of the 2023 NBA Draft.” Unlike Brown, Sochan, and George, senior G Adam Flagler spent nearly his whole college career in Waco (he technically has one season of eligibility left) developing his skills and craft before he just declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. Flagler—as one of the oldest athletes on the Baylor MBB roster—followed in the footsteps of program greats Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell, and MaCio Teague who all spent years in the NCAA before trying their hands in the pros. In his three seasons of play with the Bears, Flagler averaged 13 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 29.3 minutes per game.
In his announcement declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, Flagler said, “I first want to thank my Lord and Savior for the imprint that he’s had in every element of my life. Without God, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I give all the glory to him. The plan in which he’s had for my life has been unique and special in it’s own way, and he is far from being finished guiding, protecting, and pushing me to live within my purpose. It has been a memorable ride from the moment I stepped foot on campus until this point now. I truly can’t thank the Baylor Family enough for welcoming me with open arms and supporting my teammates and I. It has been a true honor to wear Baylor across my chest and represent the school and Waco community the best way I know how. I want to take a moment to say thank yo auto my coaches, and teammates for their love, and support. Through the ups and downs, I have built relationships that will last a lifetime. I’d like to thank my family for being by my side through thick and thin. After much prayer and consideration, I am excited to share that I am declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. I’m ready to put my best foot forward to achieve a lifelong dream of mine.”
Flagler was a 2022-23 All-Big 12 preseason honoree, a unanimous 2023 All-Big 12 First Team pick, and was added to the NABC All-District First Team. Baylor Athletics’ Jerry Hill said, “Flagler tied for the conference lead in three-point field goals per game (2.6), while finishing second in assist-turnover ratio (2.8) and three-point field goal percentage (.411). The Jerry West Award Top-10 candidate also led the team in assists 21 times this season.”
