Baker's Basketball Journey: Espn's Rising Star

will baker basketball espn

Will Baker is a USA basketball player who was born on December 31, 2000, in Austin, Texas. He is a 7-foot-tall forward who graduated from Louisiana State University in 2024 and most recently played for the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League. During his senior season at LSU in 2023-24, Baker was the only player to start all 33 games, making 133 of his 265 field goals and 25 of his 70 three-pointers. He averaged 11.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Baker's career-high was 29 points against Mississippi Valley, and he also had notable performances against Arkansas, Wake Forest, and Alabama. You can find more information about Will Baker, including game highlights and live stats, on his ESPN profile.

Characteristics Values
Name Will Baker
Team LSU Tigers
Position Forward
Height 7'0'' (213cm)
Weight 244.2 lbs (111kg)
Season 2023-24
Field Goals 133-of-265 (50.2%)
Three-Pointers 25-of-70 (35.7%)
Points per Game 11.0
Rebounds per Game 4.8
Double-Figures Games 16
Double-Doubles 1
Career High 29 points

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Will Baker's 2023-24 season at LSU

Will Baker, the seven-foot forward, joined the LSU Tigers basketball program in 2023. Baker, a transfer from Nevada, is a highly-rated prospect who attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. In his senior year, he averaged 24.7 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, leading Westlake to a 34-4 record and the Class 6A regional semifinals.

During his junior season at Nevada in 2022-23, Baker started 32 games and averaged 13.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He had an impressive shooting percentage of 56.0% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. Baker also posted double-digit scoring performances in 15 out of 18 Mountain West contests.

For the 2023-24 season at LSU, Baker will be a key addition to the team. With his size and scoring ability, he will provide a strong presence in the frontcourt. Baker's ability to score in the post and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will create valuable offensive options for the Tigers. His arrival, along with other new recruits, is expected to strengthen the LSU Tigers' roster and improve their performance in the upcoming season.

Baker's performance during the 2023-24 season will be crucial for his development and future prospects. With his talent and work ethic, he has the potential to make a significant impact at LSU. Baker's contribution, along with the guidance of the coaching staff, is anticipated to elevate the team's overall performance and competitiveness in the highly challenging college basketball landscape.

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Baker's career-high 29 points vs Mississippi Valley

Will Baker, the LSU Tigers forward, scored a career-high 29 points in a 106-60 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Monday, November 6, 2023. The game marked the season opener for both teams and was held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Baker's outstanding performance helped LSU achieve their tenth consecutive season-opening victory and their first 100-point scoring game since 2021. The LSU Tigers forward finished the game with an impressive shooting percentage of 10-of-11 from the floor, including two 3-pointers, and a 7-of-8 record at the free-throw line. In just 32 minutes of action, Baker also contributed five rebounds, one assist, and one block to the team's dominant performance.

The LSU Tigers got off to a strong start, leading Mississippi Valley State 9-2 early in the game. Although the Delta Devils narrowed the gap to 28-18, LSU quickly regained momentum and ended the first half with a commanding 56-29 lead. The Tigers' relentless defense held Mississippi Valley State to only one successful shot out of five attempts at the beginning of the second half, while LSU maintained their offensive rhythm. The Tigers' lead continued to grow, reaching a 53-point margin after Adam Benhayoune's 3-pointer with 2:50 remaining in the game.

LSU's victory was a true team effort, with four players finishing in double-figure scoring. Jordan Wright added 12 points and had a game-high four steals, while Daimion Collins and Tyrell Ward each contributed 11 points. Rayquan Brown of Mississippi Valley State led his team in scoring with 17 points, followed by Arecko Gipson and Donovan Sanders, who added 15 and 13 points, respectively.

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LSU Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies highlights

LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies have faced off in several close football games. In 2024, the Aggies dominated the Tigers in the second half to win 38-23. The Aggies were down 10 at halftime but came back to dominate the latter quarters of play, outscoring the Tigers 24-6.

In 2022, the Aggies also beat the Tigers 38-23. The Tigers had a strong start, with a 10-0 lead after LSU capitalized on a fumble by Aggies running back Le'Veon Moss. However, the Aggies bounced back, scoring four consecutive touchdowns and taking a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. The Tigers responded with a scoring drive of their own, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Aggies' lead.

In another close matchup, the Tigers defeated the Aggies 27-24, making a late field goal to secure the win.

While the specific details of Will Baker's involvement in these games are unclear, as an LSU Tigers forward, he has likely been a part of these intense rivalries and contributed to the team's performance.

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Baker's 25-point performance against Arkansas

Will Baker's 25-point performance against Arkansas was a standout moment in LSU's 95-74 victory over the Razorbacks. Baker's offensive prowess was on full display, as he shot an impressive 9 of 11 from the floor, including a remarkable 4 of 5 from beyond the three-point line. This performance came at a crucial time for LSU, as they were looking to bounce back from a tough home-court loss to the No. 24 Alabama team.

Baker's impact was felt early in the game, as he knocked down a three-pointer to give the Tigers an early 20-7 lead. This set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Razorbacks were never able to reduce the deficit to single digits. Baker's scoring was well-timed and crucial in maintaining LSU's momentum. His four three-pointers were a game-high, matched only by freshman Mike Williams III, who also knocked down four shots from beyond the arc.

The LSU Tigers' offensive performance was a team effort, with several players contributing to the high-scoring affair. Jalen Cook added 20 points, including three three-pointers, continuing his streak of scoring in double figures. The team's overall field goal percentage was an impressive 54.7%highest-scoring total since the season opener against Mississippi Valley State, where he scored 29 points. This performance against Arkansas showcased his ability to take over a game and lead his team to victory. It also highlighted his value to the LSU Tigers, as they looked to make a statement after a difficult loss to Alabama.

Overall, Will Baker's 25-point performance against Arkansas was a key factor in LSU's dominant win. His scoring, coupled with the contributions of his teammates, helped the Tigers recover from their previous loss and build momentum for the rest of the season. Baker's shooting accuracy and clutch performances showcased his talent and impact as a key player for the LSU Tigers.

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Baker's time at Westlake, Texas

Will Baker, a seven-foot, five-star basketball center, played for Westlake High School in Texas. In 2018, during his senior year, Baker chose to commit to the University of Texas over other top schools such as UCLA, Stanford, and Georgetown. Baker cited his reasons for choosing Texas as the successful history of developing big guys and his belief that Coach Shaka Smart would help him succeed and improve as a player.

As a freshman at the University of Texas, Baker played in 23 games, averaging 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per contest. He showed promising progress and growth, which led to his decision to transfer and further develop his skills at another program. In 2020, Baker announced his intention to transfer from Texas, stating that he wanted to maximise his potential and meaningfully contribute to the success of his team.

Frequently asked questions

Will Baker is 7 feet tall and weighed 244.2 lbs during his time playing for Westlake, Texas.

Will Baker is a forward.

During the 2023-24 season, Will Baker made 50.2% of his field goals.

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