Baylor Scheierman ready to smash NBA stereotypes after historic college career

When you think of Nebraska, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many, they tend to think of farming, crops, and potentially the Wizard of Oz, even though that classic was supposed to take place in Kansas. As far as the rest of the nation is concerned, Nebraska and Kansas are basically equal. For Baylor Scheierman, a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Nebraska is the place he discovered his love for the game of basketball. It is home.

Scheierman was born in Hastings, Nebraska, and attended Aurora High School. Despite all the stereotypes that come with being from Nebraska, Scheierman has always been a multi-sport athlete. He won a state championship in football as his team's quarterback, and the 23-year-old has always enjoyed both playing and watching the game of golf. Basketball is his focus, as he finds himself on the doorstep of the NBA, but it wasn't until witnessing “Pistol Pete” Maravich that Scheierman truly understood that basketball was his future.

“My basketball journey kind of started with Pistol Pete,” Scheierman told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. “My family introduced me to him when I was super young, and I just kind of fell in love with the game that way. I started watching more and more, which led to me playing on my own. As my passion grew, so did my dreams and aspirations for the game.”

Dreams became reality for Scheierman when he signed the papers to become a Division I basketball player at South Dakota State University, the only school that was targeting him. Three seasons in Brookings, South Dakota turned into a decorated career for Scheierman. He was named to the First-Team All-Summit League in 2021 and 2022, as well as named the Summit League Player of the Year in 2022.

At that point, proving that he was one of the best collegiate players and three-point shooters in the country, Scheierman felt like he was ready to test himself against the other top basketball players in the nation at the NBA Draft Combine. Despite seeing his name in mock draft as a second-round prospect, Scheierman knew there was still work to do if he truly wanted to reach the pinnacle of his dreams. That is why he ultimately withdrew his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and transferred to Creighton.

“Based on the feedback I got, I personally thought that it would be best to return to school,” Scheierman stated. “South Dakota State was fantastic and I enjoyed my time there, but in order to achieve my NBA aspirations, I needed to go to a school where I was consistently playing against guys who also had NBA aspirations. That was the only way I was going to improve my game to where it needed to be.”

With the Bluejays, Scheierman continued to dazzle. He helped lead Creighton to the Elite 8 in 2023, followed by a trip to the Sweet 16 this past season. Scheierman earned First-team All-Big East honors and was named a Third-team AP All-American after averaging 18.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 38.1 percent from three-point range.

As he prepares the enter the NBA, Scheierman's collegiate career will never be forgotten by those at South Dakota State and Creighton. The sharpshooting wing cemented his legacy and etched his name in the record books by becoming the only player in NCAA history to record at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 three-pointers in his career.

“I am very blessed, very thankful, for everyone who has helped me along the way, not just those in college,” Scheierman gratefully admitted. “It is still crazy to look at those numbers and think I am the only person to have ever done that in college basketball, especially when you look at all the legends in the history of the game.”

He may be a small-town kid from Nebraska, but Scheierman's basketball journey is only beginning. In addition to being a standout performer at the NBA Draft Combine in May, Scheierman has continued to impress NBA personnel throughout the pre-draft process. Now, it would come as a shock to many if he wasn't a first-round pick on June 26. The Creighton product is currently projected to be picked 28th overall by the Denver in ClutchPoints' 2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0.

Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, Scheierman sat down and spoke with ClutchPoints about his five-year collegiate playing career and how his game has evolved, as well as why NBA personnel should stereotype him at their own risk.

ClutchPoints: Every time your name came up with people I spoke to at the NBA Draft Combine, they had nothing but great things to say about your performances in the scrimmages. What does it mean to you to constantly hear that you were the best player on the floor?

Baylor Scheierman: It is a good feeling, honestly. Just a lot of hard work paying off and obviously, I think I had a great week there. I just focused on bringing a lot of energy and trying to compete at the highest level I possibly could. From there, everything else would take care of itself, and it did that way. I am a competitor by nature, so being the main source of energy for my team at the combine was nothing new.

CP: A scout I spoke with at the combine said your movement and confidence on the wing had people talking about you as a first-round pick. Why do you think you’ve earned the right to be called a first-round pick at this point?

BS: You can just kind of look back at the history of my entire college career and let that speak for itself. My ability to shoot the ball at a high level and also a high volume is exactly what teams are looking for. Just like the scouts said: Moving confidently on the wing and knowing how to get shots off is a big thing, especially in the NBA. Coming in and being someone who can space the floor automatically brings value. The ability to get shots off is something that is just assumed, but it is certainly not a given at the professional ranks because of how great a lot of players are defensively. I also think my abilities to handle the ball and be a secondary playmaker has helped put me in that position.

CP: Out of everything that happened at the combine, in what area would you say you really separated yourself from the rest of the pack?

BS: My energy and communication were separators between everyone else. If you talk to anyone and ask who the loudest one on the court was and brought energy every day, I think people would say it was me. That just kind of added to everything else I bring to the floor, which is defense, rebounding, shooting, and playmaking. I’m really confident in my game and my ability to adapt. Whatever my team needs of me, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to do it better than most.

CP: You know Baylor, when people think about Nebraska, they think of corn fields and farming. What they don’t think about is a basketball player of your caliber making it all the way to the NBA. How did your basketball journey begin as a small town kid from Nebraska?

BS: [Baylor laughed] Yeah, so my basketball journey kind of started with Pistol Pete, a.k.a. Pete Maravich. My family introduced me to him when I was super young, and I just kind of fell in love with the game that way. I started watching more and more, which led to me playing on my own. As my passion grew, so did my dreams and aspirations for the game.

From there, I dreamed of playing Division I basketball, and now that dream has shifted to the NBA. Kind of like a new chapter in a book in a way. It takes a lot of hard work and effort on a daily basis to make those types of dreams come true, and I have been devoted to this mission. That’s kind of where it all started, though, with the Pistol Pete movie I was shown when I was three years old.

CP: Was basketball the only sport you played growing up or were there other sports you enjoyed playing, either competitively or recreationally?

BS: I pretty much played everything growing up. I played football, I played basketball, I played baseball. Golf as well. Baseball was a sport I played all the way up until high school, but because Aurora is such a small place in Nebraska, we didn’t even have a baseball team at our high school. So, I decided to play golf instead during the spring. I played football in high school as well. I was our quarterback. We actually won the state championship my senior year in football, so who knows, maybe I could’ve gone to the NFL! I love football too. It wasn’t just basketball for me. I played a lot of sports growing up. But, basketball was always my first love and where all of my passion went to.

CP: Outside of basketball, what are some of your other passions and hobbies?

BS: Basically, the biggest thing for me is golf. Outside of basketball, pretty much all I do is play golf or just take it easy at my apartment. I do enjoy reading as well. Those are pretty much the only things I do to be honest because I spend and devote so much time to basketball.

CP: Is there anything that you take away from golf or reading that you look to incorporate into basketball?

BS: With golf, you’re playing against yourself a lot of the time and it’s not really like a physical challenge. Mentally, that is a completely different story. When you are as competitive as I am, you obviously want to hit every shot well and all of that, but I’m not that great of a golfer. Getting the ball to go straight can be a challenge for all 18 holes! Just trying to stay mentally composed is something I definitely take to the basketball court in any situation. Being able to stay locked in and worry about the next play is vital to success in basketball.

CP: At what moment did you realize that you actually had a future in basketball and could become a professional player?

BS: Well, I think I really realized that there was a possibility of going pro after my sophomore year at South Dakota State. That is when I saw my name on a mock draft for the first time. From that moment, I kind of looked at myself in the mirror and told myself that I had a real shot at doing this. That was probably the moment where everything changed for me in terms of me viewing basketball as my long-term career.

CP: You are the only player to achieve 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 three-pointers in your collegiate career. What comes to mind when you hear this?

BS: I am really just thankful. It symbolizes a lot of hard work paying off. All of those hours in the gym. All of the time spent with my teammates, coaches, and everyone associated with the programs I was a part of. This is their record too because I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of it without them. I have been blessed to be with great coaches and teammates.

I am very blessed, very thankful, for everyone who has helped me along the way, not just those in college. It is still crazy to look at those numbers and think I am the only person to have ever done that in college basketball, especially when you look at all the legends in the history of the game.

CP: During your freshman year at South Dakota State, you didn’t shoot all that well from the perimeter. That changed quickly during your sophomore year, as you became one of the greatest perimeter shooting threats in the country. What changed for you in this span?

BS: I think saying I didn’t shoot it really well is a major understatement. I was horrible my freshman year! During the offseason, I made sure to get myself in the gym whenever I could and simply get reps shooting from the perimeter. Ultimately, everything just came down to confidence for me. My sophomore year, once I started seeing them go in, my confidence skyrocketed. From there, I just never really looked back. I told myself I was going to become an elite shooter after my freshman year, and here we are now. Some people would have given up and quit. It in’t in my blood to do that, which is why I devoted myself to being better.

CP: After three years at South Dakota State, you decided to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft. What made you decide to go back to college, only this time to play for Creighton?

BS: Based on the feedback I got, I personally thought that it would be best to return to school. South Dakota State was fantastic and I enjoyed my time there, but in order to achieve my NBA aspirations, I needed to go to a school where I was consistently playing against guys who also had NBA aspirations. That was the only way I was going to improve my game to where it needed to be.

Creighton put me in the best position to achieve my goals. I will always be grateful to the time I spent at South Dakota State and the relationships I built there. My junior year, we went 30-5 and didn’t lose a single game in conference. I ended up being named Conference Player of the Year that season. There wasn’t anything left for me to achieve at the mid-major level. The thought process was going into the transfer portal and looking for a place where I would be able to make improvements and challenge myself. That is why I landed on Creighton.

CP: How have these last two years at Creighton made you more NBA-ready than when you first declared for the NBA Draft?

BS: Obviously, playing against the better talent consistently stands out. Many of the guys I played these last two seasons I will either see in the NBA or I just ran into them at the combine. These last two years, I have really improved my strength and physicality. I honestly feel like I am quicker, stronger, and more explosive.

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At Creighton, the game was faster and you needed more skill to succeed. That is why I feel like the advancements in my shooting, especially while moving, stand out. When you play better athletes on a consistent basis, you learn new ways to shoot and new ways to score around the rim. Creighton allowed me to be in the position I am in today.

CP: Do you believe that the five years of college playing experience you’ve had and the journeys that you’ve been on with five different teams through the years sets you apart from younger, less-experienced players in this draft class?

BS: I 100% believe that. I am someone who has been through a lot of different things throughout my five-year collegiate playing career. Through that, I like to point out that I can come into the NBA and contribute from my very first day, not only knowing what to expect, but just being well-equipped to play different roles I’ve held over my five years. I think that sets me apart. There is a lot I can do on the basketball court, contrary to the belief that I am one dimensional.

CP: If anyone has seen you at Creighton over the last two seasons, they know what type of player and shooter you are. But for those NBA personnel who may not be as familiar with your game, what have you been looking to prove throughout the pre-draft process?

BS: Honestly, I have been working tirelessly to prove my competitiveness and defensive effort. If you ask a lot of people about me, they probably question if I can defend at a high level. I am just working extremely hard to prove that I can defend multiple positions because I know what I am capable of achieving. This past year, I really wanted to prove that I could be a two-way player at Creighton. I definitely achieved this, but it is still the area of focus for me as I got through this process with NBA teams and personnel.

CP: To me, I think you are one of the best rebounders in this draft class, and that speaks volumes since many tend to classify you as just a spot shooter on the perimeter. What went into you becoming such a terrific rebounder, and do you believe this is a trait that will translate to the NBA?

BS: For sure. Rebounding is going to be one of my biggest strengths entering the NBA. I am constantly watching the NBA and I can definitely see myself rebounding at the same level I have in college. It is interesting to talk about because in terms of rebounding, there is no right way to do it. Honestly, it is kind of instinctual. There’s not one thing that you can pinpoint and claim that’s the reason you’re a great rebounder. I feel like I have terrific anticipation of knowing where the ball is going to end up going and I want to go get it.

If I get the rebound, my mind immediately goes to starting the transition break at the other end of the floor. That is kind of a big reason why, when I was younger in high school, I went to the glass so hard. It was just so I could get the ball and go because I love scoring. Rebounding has stuck with me throughout my entire playing career.

CP: Do you believe there is one aspect of your game that doesn’t get enough appreciation or attention?

BS: I would probably say my passing. Although I’m not a point guard, I am certainly capable of being a facilitator and helping initiate my team’s offense. The pick-and-roll game is where I have found a lot of success as a passer. In the NBA, many teams run a lot of pick-and-roll sets, which is why I can bring value as a playmaker. This is definitely an area of my game that goes undervalued because all people want to look at are the shooting and rebounding numbers.

CP: Why do you believe your passing skills are always overlooked?

BS: People simply want to classify me as only being a three-point specialist. They aren’t wrong, but there is so much more that goes into my game than just being able to shoot. I am a shooter. I am a rebounder. I am a passer. I don’t believe I have many limitations in my game.

Let’s be honest. When you see a 6'7″ white guy running around on the basketball court, the first thing people think is, ‘Oh, he's a shooter.' That is where people's minds go and it is what it is. But I think I've proven with my numbers in the pick-and-roll that I can be a great distributor of the ball. Not all of the media, but with many of them, it seems like you can only have one strong trait as a draft prospect.

CP: Do you have any workouts on your schedule coming up with teams or have you already completed some workouts since the combine?

BS: I recently completed my first workout with Boston. I also have one coming up with Toronto. Minnesota, New York, and Washington are on the schedule as well. More are to come after those. The workouts have been going well. I take that same mindset I had with me at the combine to these workouts. I want to prove my athleticism, my versatility, and show that I want to win. It is all about taking things one day at a time and controlling what I can control.

CP: Would you rather be a part of a rebuilding, young franchise in the NBA, or a winning team with solidified veterans that you can learn from?

BS: For me, I don’t think it really matters. Being an older guy entering the league, I can fit in just about anywhere. On a team with already established guys that are contending for a championship, I think I could come in and impact the game due to my gravitational pull and shooting skills. I know my shooting abilities would open up more lanes and allow for the stars to go do their thing. As a result of that, I think I will fit in anywhere.

CP: Are there any players in the NBA that you have tried to either model your game after or learn from?

BS: I do like to watch Austin Reaves. His ability to just be a basketball player and do what is needed of him resonates with me. He is never categorized into being a shooter or whatnot. Reaves can do a little bit of everything, which I like a lot. I like Luke Kennard as well. Jalen Brunson is another player I like to study. Just the pace he plays with and the way he manipulates defenses with his shot fakes is amazing. Brunson may not be the most athletic guy, but he plays to his strengths. That is kind of how I like to play.

CP: Would you consider one of those players your closest comparison, or is there another player you believe you can emulate entering the NBA?

BS: Those first two guys I would say are my closest comparisons. I emulate each of them pretty well. I know a lot of people on the outside say Joe Ingles for me as well. I hear that one all the time, and he has had a great career to this point.

CP: If a team approached you between now and the NBA Draft and simply asked you why they should select you in the first round, what would your answer be?

BS: Well, I feel like I can come in from my very first day and impact winning. I can impact things in a positive way by bringing energy, making shots, rebounding, playing defense… all of the above. I am a very versatile player who is willing to lay it all out for my team. I know I am ready for the NBA. There are always adjustments joining a new team or league, but there won’t be this long process of development with me. I am who I am and I know the upside I bring to the table.

CP: What will it mean to you and your family to hear your name called on draft night?

BS: It is going to be emotional, that’s for sure! My family knows how much work I have put in through the years, dating all the way back to when I was 12 years old, to be in this position. To hear my name called during the NBA Draft surrounded by my friends and family… Wow. I can’t wait. It is going to be a surreal feeling.

I am just grateful and blessed that the Lord has put me in this position. I am also aware that once my name gets called, that’s just the beginning. It is by no means the finish line. There is plenty of work to do once I get with my new team. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I am extremely excited for what’s coming.