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Baylor has waited all season to unveil sophomore forward Mario Kegler, a versatile, dynamic player who is expected to be a major force for Scott Drew’s basketball team.

That time will finally come Tuesday night when the Bears host South Dakota at 7 p.m. at the Ferrell Center.

After serving a season-opening six-game suspension for an unspecified violation of team policy, the 6-7 Kegler should help solidify a team that has struggled with inconsistency during a 4-2 start.

Kegler redshirted last year after transferring from Mississippi State where he averaged 9.7 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 34.5 percent from 3-point range as a freshman in 2016-17.

“Everybody is really excited,” Drew said. “Mario’s one of those guys that gives you experience. Even though he’s only a sophomore, it’s his third year in college and physically he’s a grown man. Emotionally, he’s somebody who gives us more swag. He has the physicality and toughness that you need at this level.”

Throughout last season and the first six games this year, Kegler has been one of the most animated players on Baylor’s bench, constantly jumping up and cheering for his teammates. But his teammates would rather him showing what he can do on the court than cheering from the sidelines.