Baker commits to UK!!!

[Jkwo_rivals113955]

Can I be the voice of reason here? He's not going to play much other than being a practice player next year. Mulder was better and didn't play much. Does he fill a need? Yes. Is he good enough the next couple of year? Probably not good enough to get on the floor. Probably more like a Hawkins guy with better offense but worse defense. Just my opinion guys.

Hawkins was not sniffing four star status - as freshmen they aren't comparable.

I agree that he won't likely be a big contributor for a year or two, but you're going over the other ledge now.

 

[mebeblue2]

Awesome! Great looking form on his shot!

thanks for the vids
just watched 3 of them
he has great form a high release and NBA range
i think this is the shooter we needed
now we need to add 1 more shooter, hopefully the transfer from Pitt

 

[railroadkat_1]

Scout just reported.

 

[KY Long Rifle_rivals381398]

Just heard. That is awesome. He was one of the main guys that I wanted to get.

 

[dorkmeister]

Welcome

 

[Drcatfan]

Perfect addition of a solid 4-yr player for depth and stability. The quotes from Baker look like he is coming in with a great attitude.

 

[Bluesnky]

Toe Jemarl.

 

[Raptureme]

Wonder if this has any effect on Smith...

 

[Kybluedude]

Can I be the voice of reason here? He's not going to play much other than being a practice player next year. Mulder was better and didn't play much. Does he fill a need? Yes. Is he good enough the next couple of year? Probably not good enough to get on the floor. Probably more like a Hawkins guy with better offense but worse defense. Just my opinion guys.

Right? And you've seen him play how many games? Reminds me of Murray, nice guy to have late in games. Gets that three off under pressure and hits it. Had a dunk in there as well as a great pass. Handles the ball well. Good player with a great attitude. He will help a lot.

 

[RoyKent]

Wonder if this has any effect on Smith...

Cal is not taking Smith now. No need and no way he wants to tie up another scholly on him after getting Baker.

 

[RoyKent]

Also, for anyone wondering, his name is pronounced "Jamal"

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Great news. Cal adds some excellent depth, good shooter, and a possible multi-year guy. Cal ain't done either.

 

[UK_fan_41102]

Nice pick up for the Cats, as it adds guard depth and an outside shooter. Now hopefully they can add Bamba and Johnson in the coming weeks.

 

[fearthebluecat_rivals377069]

He definitely can shoot the basketball. Smooth shot.

 

[Brando Mac]

It'll be pronounced however Dickie V chooses to pronounce:sunglasses:

Vitale will call him Jenarls Barkley at some point.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Hit 8 threes in this game -

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Does anyone know his true height? I've heard 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

Also, for anyone wondering, his name is pronounced "Jamal"

That's true of all Kentucky players. signed, Dick Vitale

 

[poppycat]

Hopefully he'll stick around to start as a junior unlike Poole, Matthews, etc so people will stop forgetting the Cal actually does recruit four stars to balance classes (sadly...................................................... only the Kentucky kids have stuck around thus far).

Simple solution.......recruit kids that want a degree when
pro ball is out..........other schools do........and Cal is the
best recruiter.......so I've heard.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Cal is not taking Smith now. No need and no way he wants to tie up another scholly on him after getting Baker.

While I would like Smith (personally I wanted him more than Baker, although I never saw either play). I tend to agree, just because I don't think we lose too many to the NBA next year. Bamba if he comes, maybe Diallo & maybe Gabriel or Vanderbilt (but not both). So we very well may have 8-10 returning players next year, leaving open only 3-5 spots for the next class which has a couple of studs that will be worth holding an open scholly for if they commit late.

 

[drbubba]

I'm just glad Ralph Hacker won't be pronouncing his name. There would have to be an -o- in there somewhere. Remember Jules Camaro? Me neither.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Does anyone know his true height? I've heard 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.

Supposedly measured at 6-2 as a sophomore and has grown to 6-4, so...probably 6-3".

 

[bluedog79]

Baker seems to have good size. His handles seem pretty good from the video I saw. He has a stroke.
The big QUESTIONS are:
can he play any defense against driving opponents at the 1,2, and 3 spot? Can he close out and does he have rebounding in him?

 

[DelkBowl]

He's a top 75 recruit, stop acting like he's a 3 star or something. Also you have no basis to say Mulder is better.

Just my guess. Hope he turns out great.

 

[DelkBowl]

Just your opinion? How do know what this kid can or can't do? Have you seen him play? Voice of reason [laughing]

I know as much or less than you I guess. I have only seen clips. Again, just my opinion. Hope he turns out great.

 

[katwest]

Looks like it was nothing but net in most of those threes, that will loosen that zone up. Now we need one more shooter and a rim protector.

 

[DelkBowl]

Hawkins was not sniffing four star status - as freshmen they aren't comparable.

I agree that he won't likely be a big contributor for a year or two, but you're going over the other ledge now.

Loved Hawkins. Hope he turns out as good or better.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

 

[DelkBowl]

Right? And you've seen him play how many games? Reminds me of Murray, nice guy to have late in games. Gets that three off under pressure and hits it. Had a dunk in there as well as a great pass. Handles the ball well. Good player with a great attitude. He will help a lot.

I haven't seen him much other than clips on here and YouTube but i'm guessing that's where everyone else is forming their opinions from. He will never be Jamal Murray as few are. I know everyone attacking my opinion on the kid thinks he will be better than Jordan but I just do not. You really don't have to agree or disagree. My prediction is that he barely plays the next two years UNLESS he really has a break out Summer and shoots extraordinarily well.

 

[RoyKent]

Does anyone know his true height? I've heard 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.

Being reported at 6'4 185 pounds.

Also, Jerry Meyer just said he thinks Baker is better than Johnson and Smith.

 

[ukfan041]

Great news!

 

[railroadkat_1]

OP didn't realize you had already posted this. I just thought I was quick. Good job. I think this guy will surprise everyone. I can here Rupp after one of his three's!

 

[AFSTALLION13]

 

[drbubba]

↑
Also, for anyone wondering, his name is pronounced "Jamal"
That's true of all Kentucky players. signed, Dick Vitale

Jamal Mashburn, Jamal Magloire, Jamal Murray, Jamal Camaro, Jamal Noel, Jamal Cousins, Jamal Davis, Jamal Ulis, Jamal Hawkins... wow, he's right. He should do a game with Ralph Hacker.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Also, for anyone wondering, his name is pronounced "Jamal"

Just be glad Musberger Retired.

 

[John Henry]

Good news for our Cats, welcome young man.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Being reported at 6'4 185 pounds.

Also, Jerry Meyer just said he thinks Baker is better than Johnson and Smith.

He said best of the three guards we were looking at - Smith and Thomas Allen were other two.

 

[Sparkaces]

He said best of the three guards we were looking at - Smith and Thomas Allen were other two.

Read somewhere that this kid was the leading scorer on the Under Armour circuit which included Duval.

 

[BlueGene5]

2 to go: Bamba & Johnson

ray:ray:ray:

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Can I be the voice of reason here? He's not going to play much other than being a practice player next year. Mulder was better and didn't play much. Does he fill a need? Yes. Is he good enough the next couple of year? Probably not good enough to get on the floor. Probably more like a Hawkins guy with better offense but worse defense. Just my opinion guys.

And exactly how do you know Mulder is better? Have you seen anything but a few clips of this guy?