TITLE: Congratulating the Baylor University men's basketball team on winning the 2013 National Invitation Tournament.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Baylor University men's basketball team on winning the 2013 National Invitation Tournament.

FULL TEXT:
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