Top programs wasted no time making their way over to see four-star small forward Joey Baker last week as college coaches could get back on the road to see their top targets. Georgia Tech, NC State and UCLA were the first schools in last and many more are expected this week for the No. 24 overall player in the 2019 Rivals150.
Last month, Baker took an unofficial visit to North Carolina. He also took one to NC State back in June. At the moment, he has no other visits planned.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Baker talked about some of the schools involved in his recruitment and more.
North Carolina: “It went well. I just went up there for the football game and hung out with the team. They’ve just been trying to build a relationship. I would definitely still be open to them if they offer.”
NC State: “I got to meet the new staff with coach (Kevin) Keatts and everybody else. I love them.”
Louisville: “I still talk to them a good bit. Coach Jordan (Fair) always tells me I can go be the next Luke Hancock there.”
UCLA: “They are definitely on me hard. I talk to coach (Steve) Alford a lot too. He’s coming here soon. I love their program with the location obviously, the environment, and the style of play how they get up and down. I think I could fit in well there.”
Georgia Tech: “I talk to them a good bit as well. Josh Pastner calls me a lot. He’s a great guy. He won ACC Coach of the Year and they are coming up in the ACC, which is probably the best conference in the country.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Baker’s recruitment is a little bit complicated right now. The following quote basically sums up where he’s at right now with the process.
“I haven’t heard from all the schools I want to hear from yet, so after I hear from everyone, I’ll see what I think and then maybe make a decision. I want to hear from some more of the bluebloods like Duke and Kentucky and then compare them to the others. It could go either way. It just depends on how my relationship goes with any new schools. The schools that have developed a relationship definitely have a head start.”
For schools like Georgia Tech, NC State and UCLA, that quote has to be a bit unsettling. All three schools do seem to have his full attention right now, but the power of an offer from Duke, Kentucky or North Carolina has the potential to completely shake things up.
