Recruiting Report: James Baker (2017)
James Baker is a rising senior point forward out of Meade County High School in Brandenburg, Kentucky. The all-around athlete plays with consistent energy on both ends of the court, leads his team and does whatever he needs to do in order to…
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Continue ReadingJames Baker is a rising senior point forward out of Meade County High School in Brandenburg, Kentucky. The all-around athlete plays with consistent energy on both ends of the court, leads his team and does whatever he needs to do in order to win.
“I do everything for my team,” Baker said. “I feel like I’m a scorer and a defender. (My) strengths (include): rebounding, getting to the rim, bringing the ball up the floor, running in transition, blocking shots and running the floor.”
Baker says he and his Green Wave club have gotten off to a good start to the season, although he suffered an injury.
“The season has been great all though I got hurt 11 games in and had to get surgery on my thumb,” Baker stated. “Before I got hurt, I was averaging 22 (points) and 8 (rebounds) (per game). We got off to an 8-3 start – then I hurt my thumb and now we are 8-10. The team is young and doesn’t have much experience in the varsity level. We lost seven seniors last year so I was the only returning starter. But my team works hard and they are getting better in my absence.”
In the classroom at the high school, Baker says he is a hard worker.
“In the classroom, I’m a great student,” the student-athlete noted. “The first two years of high school I averaged a 3.0 and in the last two years I’ve had a 3.9-4.14. I work extremely hard in the classroom to ensure my future and improve my knowledge.”
The versatile guard currently holds a pair of college offers from Kansas State and Bellarmine and says he has been shown interest from multiple programs in BYU, Denver, UNC-Ashville, Presbyterian and that more coaches should start to reach out because he always gives his all.
“The reason my game should catch coaches eyes is I’m a very versatile player,” Baker added. “A 6-foot-7 forward that can play inside and out. I can bring the ball up the court or I can play down low. I rebound well and block shots. I work hard in the classroom and when the gym is empty. I have a chip on my shoulder because I am one of the more underrated kids in Kentucky because I didn’t play my sophomore year and I go to Meade County.
“If coaches give me a chance they won’t regret it cause I’ll make sure there is no doubt that I’m a player they want.”