Baker Bound for Big Ten
Proctor Academy and D.C. Blue Devils rising senior guard Geo Baker took to his twitter account on Wednesday to announce his commitment to Rutgers University and first year head coach Steve Pikiell.
Pikiell offered Baker back during the April evaluation period and made him a priority through the recent July evaluation period, following him from Springfield to Orlando.
Thank you to everyone who has gotten me this far... Rutgers '21 ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/9rxeihjGoX
— Geo Baker (@Geo_Baker_1) July 27, 2016
Perhaps no player in New England has seen a more dramatic, yet consistent, rise in their recruitment over the last two years as Baker established himself as a priority mid-major recruit a summer again before then taking his recruitment to the highest level.
Ironically, Baker's increased popularity with college coaches came in direct correlation to his decision to spurn sneaker circuit teams. Widely recruited by teams on both the EYBL and Gauntlet circuits, Baker made the choice to play with D.C. Blue Devils and in so doing quickly established himself as one of the best guard prospects not on a sneaker circuit.
Now a talented and skilled playmaking guard who can both make shots and operate off the dribble, Baker has the potential to see minutes at both guard spots at the next level.
For Pikiell, who is looking to rebuild Rutgers' program from the ground up, Baker is an ideal fit, not only because he was under the radar of many other high-major programs but also because he has a proven work ethic and a definite chip on his shoulder as he strives to prove himself against the doubters and naysayers.
Below are some highlights from the recent AAU season:
Recent Rutgers commit Geo Baker. Get ready to pack the rack for this pure talent and skilled player @Geo_Baker_1 pic.twitter.com/t35oTH0vxP
— DC Blue Devils (NH) (@dcbluedevilsNH) July 27, 2016
Mini Mix of D1 Bound @Geo_Baker_1 of @dcbluedevilsNH battling with Davidson commit @KellanGrady_30 of @NE_Playaz pic.twitter.com/n3YJ1Sbead
— LWProductions (@weezyphresh14) June 7, 2016