Jordan Turner, 6-8, 195, SG/SF, Fr. (Houston, Texas)
Committed: June 13, 2018

Turner was home-schooled his freshman season, then attended Global Learning Village in his hometown of Houston before transferring to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kan.

“He was one of the really highly touted players when he went to Sunrise,” Scott Drew recalled.

“It was definitely an adjustment being away from home,” Turner added of going to Sunrise. “There were ups and downs. It was like a roller coaster, and I wasn’t playing much at all.”

Turner had been recruited by Baylor since he was in the eighth grade, and a few other high-majors jumped in. But when he struggled at Sunrise, many of the bigger schools backed off. Baylor wasn’t sure at one point, either, but then Turner played well the summer after his junior campaign and his recruitment began to pick up again. He returned to Sunrise for his senior campaign and thrived.

“Instead of leaving after his junior year,” Drew said. “He stuck with it and persevered and became one of the two or three best players on the team as a senior.”

His parents wanted him to attend Baylor, and that played a significant part in his decision, even though schools like Florida, Texas A&M and Texas all showed interest. Turner would commit to the Bears in June of 2018.

“It just felt right,” Turner said. “Why wait when you know the school is right for you? Plus, it was close to home for me.”

Turner came to Waco and redshirted last season. This year, he has played in seven games, averaging 2.9 points per contest in a reserve role. He would obviously prefer to be getting more playing time, but he understands he will be better for it in the long run, learning from veterans on a winning team.

“Some may see it’s bitter and sweet,” said Turner, who will need to get stronger this offseason. “I know I have to wait my turn, but I also know what’s ahead for me. I’m just going to keep working and keeping my head down and my time will come.”