Recruiting Report: Baker Haviland (2017)
Quality big men are hard to find at all levels, especially at the division three level where academics are a priority. When it gets out that there’s a skilled post man with good size and grades, almost all of the…
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Continue ReadingQuality big men are hard to find at all levels, especially at the division three level where academics are a priority. When it gets out that there’s a skilled post man with good size and grades, almost all of the division three schools come knocking, especially in a state like Virginia with so many talented schools at that level.
This is the case for Cave Spring’s Baker Haviland, who has been highly touted by many schools in the ODAC and the CAC in the Virginia/Maryland/Pennsylvania area. With a high GPA and over a 1200 on the SATs his first time taking them, he’s looking for the right school that can fit him both on the court and in the classroom.
“I’m really open to everyone right now,” Haviland said about his search for a school. “My high priority is looking for a high academic school. Moving from there, I want to get up and see a couple of games, find a school that I like how they play and I’ll name some favorites after that.”
While he’s in no rush to pick his school, Haviland has started to do his homework by taking visits to Randolph-Macon, Franklin and Marshall in Pennsylvania and Roanoke College right in his hometown. At 6’8”, he’s a strong post that owns the paint, alter shots and rebounds, but he also has the added advantage of being a lefty with touch from the outside. While many schools like him as a pick-and-pop big man moving forward, he’s far from done working on his game.
“I’ve been doing a lot of skill work, trying to get my handle tighter and become a more versatile player,” Haviland said. “If I can get that down I think it will can open up my game a lot more.”
Last season, Haviland was a key cog on a Cave Spring team that was one of the best teams in the Roanoke area. He provided a physical presence in the paint and on the glass, and even opened up driving lanes for his guards with his ability to knock down the open jumper.
This year, Haviland will be asked to do more from the offensive end with the departure of their two leading scorers in Mason Reyer (Guilford) and Brody Hicks (Liberty). Not only does he know he’ll have to score more, he’ll have to lead a young team, a task that he’s excited to do.
“Being a tough leader, being out there everyday in open gym and practices and implementing my leadership to everybody and making sure we’re doing things the right way,” he said about his new role.
While he’s engulfed in the recruitment process now, Haviland’s goals are clear and no surprise at all.
“State ring, my individual goals will fall after that. I would say probably All State and do everything that comes with that to help us win.”
With his high academics, good size and talent on both ends of the floor, Haviland will continue to be a highly touted recruit for division three and division two schools throughout the season.