Schools rushing to visit Baker

Marietta (Ga.) Walker School forward Robert Baker has been a hot name lately.

During the first of two open recruiting weekends this month, Baker intrigued coaches so much that many made the trip to his school the past couple of weeks. This week alone, Auburn, Butler, Georgia and Georgia Tech all visited him. Each of them offered a scholarship shortly after the visit.

Georgia came through first on Sunday afternoon. Baker sees Georgia as a program on the rise in the SEC after making the NCAA Tournament this season.

"They did awesome this year," Baker said. "They got William Jackson coming in and they got the big kid from Michigan (Mike Edwards) coming in and Derek Ogbeide, too. There shouldn't be much of a fall off for them. They are definitely a good program in the SEC. They are maybe going to be able to compete with Kentucky real soon. They are on the rise."

Auburn intrigues Baker as well, especially with the man running the program.

"That is one I like a lot, too," he said. "I've watched Bruce Pearl's team since he was at Tennessee. ... I know what he's about. Their coach, Chuck Person, talked to me a lot about my shot and gave me some tips on my mechanics. My dad was all excited and knew who he was and was telling me he was a great shooter. He definitely knows what he's talking about. They could really help me develop."

Baker is very familiar with Georgia Tech's program because of proximity to his home. He visited the Jackets earlier this year.

"I love Georgia Tech. It's an excellent school," he said. "It's close to home. They have great academics. It's in the ACC. It's a great school. Coach (Brian) Gregory just told me to go out there and focus on my game and just play ball this weekend. He's real supportive."

Butler doesn't spend a ton of time recruiting Georgia, but its coaches liked what they saw from the 6-foot-9 skilled forward.

"I heard from them the other day for the first time and they said they wanted to come watch me," Baker said. "They have made two Final Fours recently. I'm not as familiar with them anymore though. I like them."

For now, Baker said he's just taking everything in stride with his recruitment.

"I'm wide open. I'm not making a decision any time soon," he said. "I'd like to have it out of the way before the high school season."

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