RayJ Dennis on upcoming games with Michigan State, Duke: 'That's the stuff you dream of as a kid'

There’s one Baylor player who is licking his lips looking at the next two games on the schedule, as the Bears face Michigan State today and Duke next Saturday both on neutral courts. That dude is point guard RayJ Dennis.

At the BU press conference ahead of the MSU game this weekend, Dennis was one of a few players selected to participate in media availability. While fielding questions, Dennis was asked how excited he is to play in such high-profile matchups against storied programs like the Spartans and Blue Devils. For him, these are dream opportunities.

“I mean, that’s the stuff you dream of as a kid, getting to play Michigan State and Duke in NBA arenas and play on national television,” answered Dennis. “You get to do with your brothers, I mean, that stuff is your dream.”

Though Dennis is a senior, he hasn’t been starring in nationally relevant showcases like the games this weekend and next. He did begin his career at Boise State and had a solid first two seasons but still decided to transfer to Toledo. He took a leap in year one with the Rockets then became the MAC Player of the Year in 2022-23, which he parlayed into another transfer, where he was one of the top targets in the entire portal cycle.

Alas, he landed at Baylor, and in large part so he could participate in games like the ones Baylor is preparing to play. As for the team’s preparation, Dennis says the Bears have been staying sharp during the elongated break between games.

“I feel like we just stay competitive. You know, just stick to our habits, just doing what we normally do. And you know, practices have been very competitive. I feel like that has gotten us a lot better for sure during this break.”

Baylor last played a game on Dec. 5, two Tuesdays ago, when they welcomed Seton Hall to Waco and sent them back to New Jersey with an 18-point loss. Roughly a week and a half later, they’re just now taking the court again and are up against a Michigan State team that has underwhelmed but will certainly be desperate for a quality victory over an undefeated team like Baylor.

Then, there’s a similar situation awaiting in the following matchup vs. Duke. The Blue Devils have been beaten up by a brutally difficult early season schedule but do have a win over Michigan State to hang their hats on. They’ll be just as hungry as MSU and they have a beast down low in Kyle Filipowski to challenge Baylor’s more guard-heavy group.