Scott Drew addresses Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua eligibility, jokes about 6th-year seniors

The Big 12 has it all this year. The best teams, the best games, the best atmospheres, and even the best, most heart-warming stories. Obviously there’s Keyontae Johnson over at Kansas State, whose recovery from a cardiac collapse two years ago to Big 12 Player of the Year contender this season is nothing short of a miracle. But so is the recovery of Baylor‘s Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua.

Everyday Jon, as they call him, tore his knee apart in every way imaginable almost a year ago to the date. Doctors thought it was possible he may never walk again — or at least walk normally, let alone play basketball. One year later and JTT is not only walking, but playing hoops once again in the best conference in America. It’s a recovery that reflects who Jon is on the court: relentless and tough.

He carries that torch for Baylor down low. Once upon a time it was Freddie Gillespie…and then Mark Vital…and now, Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua. Gritty, tough dudes who play bigger than they are. Sure, the guards have been great recently, but the the Vital’s and Gillespie’s are token Scott Drew players. And according to Drew, JTT will get another year to be that guy for the Bears, since he has extra COVID eligibility still to use.

“Yeah he is. He’s eligible next year. COVID year. So he’ll be like a lot of the other guys we play right now,” said Drew after JTT’s first game back. “Yeah, like Marcus Carr and (Markquis) Nowell and all the others. I like when there are sixth-year guys. You know, we’ll see.”

Drew went on to compliment the Baylor fans for showing such support to Jon during his recovery, then explained just how incredible his journey back to the court was over the last 365 days.

“Senior night is always a real emotional time and this — what felt like a senior night, him checking in again — that’s why I’m so appreciative for the fans that were here today in the Baylor family that recognized him. I mean, all the countless days and the struggles that he went through. I mean, on the lowest of his lows, I’m sure he wanted to know…will I ever be able to walk and run with my kids? You know, and now he’s back out there playing and that’s just — that’s a miracle.”

Awesome stuff from the Baylor big man.