H.R. No. 1791
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Baylor University men's basketball team brought
the 2012-2013 season to a triumphant close by winning the National
Invitation Tournament on April 4 at Madison Square Garden in New
York City; and
WHEREAS, After making a powerful opening statement with a
46-point trouncing of Long Beach State University in the first
round of the NIT, the Bears followed up with victories over Arizona
State University, Providence College, and Brigham Young University
to reach the title game; and
WHEREAS, Taking the floor against the University of Iowa,
Baylor was paced by the inspired performances of Cory Jefferson,
who scored 23 points, and Isaiah Austin, who tallied 15 points, 9
rebounds, and 5 blocked shots; in addition, tournament Most
Outstanding Player Pierre Jackson added to his impressive
achievements by ringing up 17 points and 10 assists as the Bears
walked away with a resounding 74-54 win to claim the school's first
NIT title; and
WHEREAS, Baylor excelled in the tournament and all season
long thanks to a team effort, with important contributions also
being made by the other members of the roster: Deuce Bello, Gary
Franklin, Rico Gathers, Brady Heslip, Logan Lowery, Jacob Neubert,
Taurean Prince, L. J. Rose, Chad Rykhoek, and A. J. Walton; and
WHEREAS, The Bears were ably guided by head coach Scott Drew
and assistant coaches Jerome Tang, Grant McCasland, and Paul Mills;
further support was provided by director of basketball operations
Tim Maloney, director of player development Jared Nuness, and
director of video operations Sam Patterson; and
WHEREAS, Baylor's success is not limited to stellar play on
the court; the team upholds a high standard of academic excellence,
and its 2012 student graduation rate was the highest of any
basketball team in the Big 12; and
WHEREAS, The fine showing by the Baylor Bears in the NIT has
been proudly celebrated by their many fans across the Lone Star
State, and the team may indeed reflect with pride on a job well
done; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Baylor University men's
basketball team on winning the 2013 National Invitation Tournament
and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Patrick
Kacal
Anderson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1791 was adopted by the House on May
8, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House