Boom! Five-star big man Will Baker picks Texas
Somewhere in El Paso, Shaka Smart is grinning, Darrin Horn is fist-pumping, and Matt Coleman is demanding to be credited with an assist. That’s because Westlake (Austin) five-star big man Will Baker just announced his commitment to Texas. Baker, who was down to UCLA and Texas, announced his commitment during a ceremony at Westlake High School, and he joins Donovan Williams and Kai Jones as Texas commitments for the 2019 class.
The Longhorns have recruited Baker, a local product, as a priority for well over a year. But it wasn’t a layup despite proximity and UT’s track record with big men recently. The nation’s No. 14 overall prospect took an official visit to UCLA in June, and the Bruins emerged as a big threat, and probably the biggest threat back then to eventually sign Baker.
“They’ve had a history with developing bigs. They had two guys go into the draft the past two years. I think they do a good job with their big men, and I think I could fit in well because I can post up, and I do really well off screens for the point guards,” Baker said in Las Vegas after a late July AAU game. “I like Matt Coleman a lot, and I think I’d be playing with him if I went there.”
However, the Longhorns were able to get Baker on campus for an official visit during the first weekend of September, and then again for unofficial visits for UT’s football game versus USC and Texas Tip-off. Those visits, along with an unofficial visit early in the summer strictly dedicated to exploring UT’s film school, played crucial roles in Texas eventually landing Baker’s commitment. After his AAU season ended, Baker had a final four of Texas, UCLA, Stanford and Georgetown. While there was some intrigue with the latter two, he didn’t take an official visit to either.
What can Baker do on the hardwood? The better question might be this: what can't he do?
Baker is a uniquely skilled big man capable of making a substantial impact in college before likely enjoying a long NBA career. Yes, he can step outside and shoot the three at an impressive clip, and he’s also the best big man at the foul line in the entire 2019 class. However, Baker, listed at 7-0, 240 pounds, also has a rare handle for a player his size, and after a move to complete his AAU season with Team Hardwork on the Under Armour circuit, the local product began to show he could bring the ball up the floor, facilitate offense, and is a crafty, talented passer. He did this while competing in the paint for rebounds as well, and showing some impressive back-to-the-basket ability.
Will he immediately dominate the collegiate game for stretches like Bamba did early on? Probably not as often. However, with the right development, Baker could flourish as a dynamic player on offense, and his untapped athleticism and strength could make him a strong defender as well. And because of his skill-set, he’d be able to play alongside other bigs, like Jaxon Hayes, and space the floor with other frontcourt shooters, like Kamaka Hepa.
A unique young man with a passion for hoops and film, Baker’s competitiveness, much like Jarrett Allen’s and Bamba’s mistakenly was, is sometimes questioned. However, he plays with a physical, highly competitive presence on the basketball floor and doesn’t shy away from grabbing the ball, making plays with it, and competing with the best of the best.
What’s next for Texas? All its focus can turn to five-star Jaden McDaniels, who recently completed an official visit to Texas. The Longhorns are in the hunt for the nation’s No. 4 overall prospect.