Jan. 5, 2006

WACO, Texas -- Baylor University and H-E-B are teaming to promote the school's 100th season of men's basketball, Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw announced Thursday. The 2005-2006 season, which tips off Jan. 11, marks the 100th season of collegiate basketball at Baylor.

H-E-B's support will add excitement to the season-long celebration of Baylor's basketball centennial, highlighted by the naming of an All-Centennial Team by fan vote.

"We are grateful to HEB for their longstanding support of Baylor Athletics and the title sponsorship of the Baylor Basketball Centennial," McCaw said. "This season we will honor the rich tradition of Baylor Basketball and pay tribute to those who made valuable contributions to the program over the years."

Baylor's centennial celebration will culminate with a basketball lettermen reunion and the announcing and honoring of the All-Centennial squad Feb. 25 during the Baylor-Iowa State game.

"Due to our great customers, H-E-B is enjoying a 100-year winning streak in Texas," H-E-B Director of Regional Operations Ed Page said. "We are very thankful for our fans that come into our stores, and for this reason, we're sharing our support to ensure that the Baylor men's basketball team celebrates a phenomenal 100-year anniversary as well."

"H-E-B has been a very important partner for Baylor Athletics," Baylor ISP Sports Network general manager Shawn Becket said. "We know this is going to be an exciting season and are very pleased to have H-E-B associated with this milestone in Baylor Basketball."

Baylor basketball officially began in 1906-07 with a seven-man squad that won its first two games and finished 5-6. The Bears' storied history includes Final Four appearances in 1948 and 1950, a national runner-up finish in 1948, five conference championships as well as the heroic tragedy of the 1927 Immortal Ten team.

The Bears open their season Jan. 11 at Texas Tech. The first home game is Jan. 14 when Baylor hosts Oklahoma State at the Ferrell Center.