Nov. 22, 2003
A new season, a new coach, and many new faces make up this year's Baylor basketball program. In the midst of so much change, one feature remains constant with the return of the most experienced player on this year's team, senior guard Matt Sayman.
Referred to by his coaches as "steady and reliable," Sayman faces new challenges this season, and his teammates look to him as a senior leader on the court. It is a responsibility Sayman eagerly accepts, but with great humbleness. He is the first person to make it clear that the leadership role is shared.
"It's not just me. R.T. (Guinn), and Terrance (Thomas) and I want to set the tone for the new guys by doing things right and (working) hard," Sayman said. In a new era, old values of team over self, strong work ethic, and accountability are the emphasis of this year's captain. "We want (the new players) to know that it is Baylor first and then you . Really it's all about the team."
Sayman's focus is obvious to first-year head coach Scott Drew.
"Everyday Matt works extremely hard," Drew said. "He is one of those rare people that care more about others than he does himself, and anything he can do to serve Baylor University, our basketball team or our coaching staff he tries to do."
Sayman credits his knowledge and tenacity for the sport to YMCA childhood coach, Steve Yoder and high school coach Tommy Thomas. These men instilled a strong work ethic and toughness, which has allowed Sayman to listen to constructive criticism, be teachable and strive to be the best. Throughout the course of Sayman's career at Baylor, he has contributed in all 89 games the Bears have played the past three years.
During his first collegiate season, Sayman played in all 31 games and earned three starts. Averaging 4.9 points and 17.6 minutes, Sayman recorded 46 assists and was second on the team with 83.7 percent free throws. He also led the team with 37.7 percent 3-point shooting. Sayman got to enjoy the highlight of his freshman season when the Bears upset sixth-ranked Kansas at home.
His sophomore year Sayman upped his starts to 10 games. He averaged 5.7 points and 21.6 minutes. He posted five games of double-digit scoring, and was 76.9 percent from the free-throw line. One of the most memorable games in Sayman's career was the win over then-No.22 Missouri, when Sayman hit two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to clinch the 81-80 win in front of a national-television audience.
Sayman earned a spot in the starting lineup last year over the season's final nine games. During that time, he averaged 5.6 points and 3.4 assists. Consistent and unflappable at the line, Sayman ranked ninth in the Big 12 Conference by hitting 77.6 percent of his free throws for the season. Honored as the recipient of the "Mr. Hustle Award," Sayman has a selflessness that has gained the respect of his teammates.
First year walk-on, Robbie McKenzie sees Sayman as "the hardest worker on our team, and he never complains. He always gives 100 percent and is always encouraging everyone else around him. He challenges us all."
Sayman's goals for Baylor in this his senior season has little to do with personal statistics.
His goals are team goals: "to compete and gain respect from the Big 12" and to make the Baylor basketball team a strong competitor. Sayman's approach to basketball is similar to his overall approach to life - to be fully prepared.
"My parents have always told me to prepare as much as you possibly can, as best as humanly possible, and work as hard as possible," Sayman said. "Push yourself and when you have done all of that you can, leave the rest up to God."
Sayman prepares by spending large amount of time throughout his day lifting, and attending practice. He also finds time to go to the Ferrell Center early to look at film with Baylor assistant coach Matthew Driscoll or by himself.
One thing Baylor fans can rest assure about is that every time Sayman steps on the court he is prepared and ready to compete. When Sayman commits himself to something, he stays loyal.
"Everything Matt does is at 100 percent," Drew said.
