LOS ANGELES – Will Baker, a strong power forward that can shoot the ball out to 20 feet but also can finish around the basket, has received a high-major recruitment for close to a year now.
Playing with the Basketball University squad this spring and summer, Baker sports an already developed skillset. Baker has seen four programs begin to stand out.
IN HIS WORDS
Texas: “I have always been a Texas fan. I really like coach (Shaka) Smart a lot. I like their program. I think they could use me as someone that can post up but also step out and hit the 3.”
Texas A&M: “They were my first offer. I really like them. I just like the family atmosphere there, which is something that I want in a college.”
Baylor: “I haven’t been down there yet and I really don’t know much about their program but they have shown a lot of interest in me lately.”
UCLA: “I can be used as an inside and out big man like some of their past big men. The main thing is that I just want a good fit for wherever I go to and they also have a really good film school, which is something that I really want to get into.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Baker will finish his junior summer on the adidas circuit with the Basketball University 17-under team. He visited UCLA last Wednesday and while a commitment is not expected for at least a few more months, expect for some of the best programs nationally to begin to recruit the Texas native.
RIVALS’ REACTION
Baker has lived up to his top-100 ranking status this spring. Thanks to his ability to play various roles for his team, his stock has continued to improve as Texas looks as if it is the top candidate for his commitment as a 2019 recruit. However, other SEC and Big 12 schools will continue to chase, while UCLA could be the darkhorse thanks to its West Coast sell and the academic major.