Langston Love injury update: Scott Drew calls Baylor guard doubtful for NCAA Tournament
On Wednesday, Baylor head coach Scott Drew revealed that guard Langston Love would miss the entire first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and is doubtful for the entire postseason.
Love averages 11 points and 2.9 rebounds for the Bears off the bench this season, but has played in just two games since Feb. 10 while nursing an ankle injury. In total, Love has played in 24 games for Baylor as a true sophomore, starting in none but was a mainstay in their lineup until his injury, averaging 24.8 points per game.
Still, this isn’t the first time Love has had to face injury recovery mid-season during his time at Baylor. Before having to deal with his ankle, his playing time was limited last season after suffering an eye injury. He looked to turn that around in 2023 — and did so in a major way until his injury halted his candidacy for Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year.
His teammates feel for him as much as his head coach.
“If I was in Langston’s position, I wouldn’t be handling it the way he is,” teammate Caleb Lohner said. “He’s a warrior, he’s positive, he’s a consistent guy, he’s always working out. To see somebody consistently putting into the program and not being able to play is tough. The great thing about Langston is that in his mind, if he can’t play — then he’s going to be the best teammate. He’s going to be the best energy on the bench. He’s going to help us through things and can effect the game not only on the court but on the side as well.
“His attitude going through this is incredible and I feel for him because he has had to go through so many injuries. … I feel really bad for him but he has one hell of an attitude.”
The 3-seeded Bears will be forced to move forward without Love’s services on Thursday against 14-seed Colgate. If they can make it past the first weekend, the sophomore guard’s status will be updated ahead of the Sweet 16.
Tip-off between the Bears and Raiders is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. ET and will air live on truTV. Baylor is a heavy favorite in Vegas, controlling the odds as a 13.5-point betting favorite on a -1400 money line. The over/under is set at 138.5 total points.
The winner will face either Clemson or New Mexico in the Round of 32 on Saturday.