How do I honor one of Baylor history’s most beloved basketball players? Ish Wainright is the lone senior on a game-changing 2016-17 team. The three-year letter winner has been a fan favorite from the moment he stepped onto the court four years ago. He’s known for his fun personality and kindness both on the court and off where he often jokes around with opposing coaches, players and refs. In his freshman season, Ish was the only member of his young class to see playing time, where he played in 32 games and started seven times. He totaled 42 points on the season and averaged 1.9 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists. As a sophomore, Ish played in 31 games as he averaged 1.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists and he totaled 201 points. Junior Ish became a menace for opposing teams when he was named a starter in all 34 games. His numbers drastically improved where he recorded 162 points and averaged 5.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1 steal and 2.6 assists. Since he was a freshman, Ish has assisted (sorry for the pun) his team in their dance to the tourney each year. He’s not a scoring threat like that of Jonathan Motley or Al Freeman, but Wainright is one of, if not the most important member of this year’s team. His leadership, positivity and love for his team and the sport is what’s motivated the Bears to achieve such high goals. Baylor fans have been truly lucky to witness such a selfless, kind and talented man shine on the court and Ish will be greatly missed!
