I remember the first time I went to a Baylor basketball game, I was entirely overwhelmed by the chants and all the traditions. There are so many of them; how do you know which one to do when?? Well, here is my gift to you! If you are a BBB (Baylor Basketball Beginner), here is a complete guide to all the Baylor basketball traditions.
1. “Who’s That?”
The first thing you’ll notice when you make your way through the Bear Pit is the newspapers draped over the seats. You’ll want to hold onto this newspaper. When the opposing team’s starting lineup is announced, hold the newspaper up to your face as if you are reading it, and after every player’s name, yell “who’s that?”
2. It’s raining newspaper.
The newspaper will come into play with this tradition as well. As the starting lineup video is playing on the board, rip up the newspaper into small pieces. If you can’t watch the video and tear newspaper at the same time, focus on the newspaper. After the lights come back up, throw the newspaper into the air and ladies, accept the fact that there's a 99% chance it will get stuck in your hair.
3. Baylor, Bears.
A classic Baylor chant that is also performed at football games, this chant is the first of the game. One side of the Bear Pit will kick it off with “Baylor”, and the other side will respond with “Bears”. This goes on back and forth until the first basket is made.
4. Chants on chants on chants.
After the “Baylor, Bears” chant, get your bear claws ready, because you will be doing your best “Sic ‘em bears” and “Rip ‘em up” cheers! Keep an eye on the students sitting closest to the front because they usually decide what the next chant will be. During timeouts is usually when the “Kill” chant is performed as well, so be prepared for the band to start playing and just cheer along. “Let’s go Baylor” is also another popular one that will be performed many times.
5. Three pointers.
This particular motion is not actually a chant, but rather a hand sign. When a Baylor player is attempting to make a three, put your right hand in the air in the shape of the “okay” hand sign, signifying a three. If (when) the player makes it, throw your hands in the air and celebrate. Stomping your feet is acceptable; so is hugging the person standing next to you.
6. You Can’t Do That.
Arguably the most difficult chant, this occurs when a member of the opposing team fouls a Baylor player. After the referee makes the call, you will chant “You, you-you-you-youyouyouyou, AHHH YOU CAN’T DO THAT” while pointing at the opposing team, speeding up and getting louder throughout the chant, and then clap 5 times. The important thing to know is there are EIGHT “you's". It’s okay if you can’t keep up during this chant, just get the claps at the end and no one will know.
7. Whoosh!
Another more difficult chant, this one is only performed when a Baylor player shoots a free throw. Start by putting your hands in position as if you are going to clap. The referee will bounce-pass the ball to said player. When the ball hits the ground between the referee and the player, clap once and then put your bear claw in the air. When the player makes the free throw, bring your claw down and yell “Whoosh!”
The most important thing to remember is to be LOUD and support the team! Dress in Baylor gear, make and bring signs, and have fun! Sic ‘em Baylor basketball, and always Sic ‘em bears!
