Baker projected as 2015 Lottery Pick?

[SportswatchGuru]

Baker has been on the very fringes of the NBA radar since the Shockers’ Final Four run two years ago. Now, he will return as a junior with a much bigger role as Cleanthony Early and others have recently graduated or left the program. Baker is a fan favorite because of his incredible shooting ability from long range. Scouts believe he can emerge as a first round pick if he can prove that he is capable of playing point guard as well as shooting guard. At 6-foot-3, Baker possesses good size for a point guard, but would definitely be overmatched going head-to-head with most NBA shooting guards. He is a very smart player, and has continually improved his ball handling skills; great qualities for a floor general. Last season, Baker averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, as well as 1.9 threes per game at a 38 percent clip from that distance. NBA teams know he is a tremendous shooter, but scouts will likely be closely watching his assist-to-turnovers numbers, as well as his defensive instinct, in determining if he can truly hack it in the NBA. In addition, Baker probably needs to get stronger and quicker to make a smooth transition to the next level. He should have the opportunity to show off in the Missouri Valley Conference, as Wichita State will have another strong team ready to make a strong tournament run.


Read the rest at http://www.sportswatch.com/mid-major-names-to-watch-for-the-2015-nba-draft/

[wu_shizzle]

1) Overmatched against NBA 2 guards? He's got a 6'8 reach, is more athletic than he appears and blocks shots.

2) Needs to get stronger? He's 222 lbs. He weighs as much as some first round 3's and 4's. It wouldn't surprise me to see him at the top of the bench press measurements for NBA guard prospects.

I would love to have 2 more years of Ron Baker, but that looks less likely every day.

[1979Shocker]

Here it is hotlinked for others.

http://www.sportswatch.com/mid-major-names-to-watch-for-the-2015-nba-draft/

[Dave Stalwart]

Here it is hotlinked for others.

http://www.sportswatch.com/mid-major...015-nba-draft/

I love hot links

[another shocker]

baker is also a very good passer, like, you'd better keep your eyes open and your hands up or you might get hit in the face with the basketball type assist man.

[WSUwatcher]

The info from the LeBron camp makes it clear that Baker's physical attributes are underappreciated, which it sounds like is happening in the article linked.

Regardless, if Ron plays himself into the lottery, it will be a very good year indeed for the Shocks next season, and if he does go pro they'll miss the heck out of him, as will we all -- but Marshall will have a successor ready.

[WstateU]

I love hot links

Google says this is a "hot link"...

[pinstripers]

I expect him to play himself into the mid-first round.

[CBB_Fan]

I think he's actually fairly close to Dwayne Wade's build given the numbers at the Lebron camp (oops, I forgot that white players can only be compared to other white players). Same height, about the same weight, slight shorter wingspan. Physically he'd actually have a huge build as a point guard; I believe he was one of four players during preseason to break 20 reps of 185 on the bench press (I remember Wessel and Lufile as two of the others). I think he'll be capable of playing and defending either guard position in the NBA. His shooting, passing, and defense are already excellent. He just needs to refine his handles. Breaking into the lottery will be difficult (very biased towards freshmen now), but Ron Baker has a legitimate shot.

[The Mad Hatter]

I think he's actually fairly close to Dwayne Wade's build given the numbers at the Lebron camp (oops, I forgot that white players can only be compared to other white players). Same height, about the same weight, slight shorter wingspan. Physically he'd actually have a huge build as a point guard; I believe he was one of four players during preseason to break 20 reps of 185 on the bench press (I remember Wessel and Lufile as two of the others). I think he'll be capable of playing and defending either guard position in the NBA. His shooting, passing, and defense are already excellent. He just needs to refine his handles. Breaking into the lottery will be difficult (very biased towards freshmen now), but Ron Baker has a legitimate shot.

Dwayne Wade is physically not a bad comparison for Baker. Very similar height and both were over 210 lbs in college (although Baker is a bit heavier). Wade has really long arms, having a 6'10.75" wingspan to Baker's 6'8.5" wingspan.

In terms of game, Baker is clearly a better outside shooter, but to this point lacks Wade's ability to finish around the basket in a variety of ways (although that is what separates Wade from other NBA players as well).

[Shocker-maniac]

@sportsinkansas: Scott City's Ron Baker of Wichita State rated #19 overall on Chad Ford of ESPNs latest big board for 2015 NBA Draft.

[wusphlash]

Ron will have no problem physically playing at the next level. That said, it is his BB IQ and all around game that will get him drafted in the first round next year.

[Anthroshock]

Baker at 18 and Van Vleet at 6.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2135751-ranking-the-most-complete-players-for-the-2014-15-college-basketball-season

[LandStander]

Baker at 18 and Van Vleet at 6.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...ketball-season

Favorite line: "...especially while the power-conference programs are scared senseless to schedule WSU."

[Cdizzle]

"Concerns about the Shockers' level of competition will continue to dog VanVleet, especially while the power-conference programs are scared senseless to schedule WSU."

They hate on the schedule they haven't seen yet. But at least they have the balls to call out the reason for it.