ACC It Is
Billy Baron will play his college basketball at the University of Virginia, not the University of Rhode Island.
Baron, the youngest son of URI head coach Jim Baron, fully intended to follow in his older brother’s footsteps to URI and this fall he publicly stated that intention, but he didn’t sign a National Letter of Intent during November’s early signing period because he wasn’t going to be using one of the men’s basketball program’s 13 scholarships. Consequently, NCAA rules didn’t prohibit any other school from contacting or recruiting him.
It was midway through his post-graduate season at Worcester Academy that Baron noticed coaches from the University of Virginia in the stands for one of his games. Aside from wondering who they were there to see, he didn’t think much of it.
It wasn’t long after that he was further surprised when the ACC school officially offered him a scholarship.
“They saw me this summer and were coming to see me this fall until I broke my thumb,” Baron explained. “I committed right after that so they never got the chance.”
Yesterday, Baron finally made the tough decision and called Virginia head coach Tony Bennett to make a verbal commitment.
“This has been weighing on me for a while and is probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Baron said. “But academically and athletically, going to Virginia will challenge me. It’s a great opportunity to grow as an individual and pave my way for the future.”
While news of Baron’s decision has barely begun to spread, he says he has already been flooded with calls and text messages to congratulate him.
It is all very bitter sweet for Baron as he takes pride in his accomplishment and looks forward to his challenge, but it is with a heavy heart that he leaves behind the opportunity to play for his dad.
“I’m so blessed to have the father I have. He puts my well being in front of his own and supports me every step of the way no matter what,” he said. “Playing for my father has been my dream since I was a little kid but this opportunity was just too much to pass up.”
Billy Baron