Ron Baker, F, Wichita State
The winningest player in Shockers history, Baker established a reputation as being hardnosed and intrusive. He regularly trash talked and agitated opponents, backing up his sharp tongue with an even sharper shots from the outside.
At Wichita State, Baker was the primary scoring option, averaging 14 points and nearly five boards per game. And at 6’4’, 220 pounds, he is a fine size for a shooting guard. Baker is also active in passing lanes and a good on-the-ball defender. All of these traits translate well to the NBA. He won’t have to be coached and can be a role player with little development.
It’s for this reason that Baker will probably get looks from NBA teams before players with maybe a little more talent or athleticism do. Teams need servicemen like Baker, guys who will agitate opponents while remaining errorless on the offensive end. He’ll get the call on draft day, and the 29 teams they don’t draft Baker will regret it.
Next: Ben Bentil