Joey Baker: Duke’s next Wonder Boy
The role has been glorified on numerous Blue Devils squads over the years we’ve seen; (Christian Latiner, JJ Reddick, Grayson Allen), and next up will be Joey Baker.
Baker is held as a five star prospect on all the major recruiting services and currently sits third in our NC 2019 rankings. To understand how we got here first we must peep the evolution of the Fayettville product. In 2016 Baker took the hoops world by storm with his mix of elite three level scoring and explosive athleticism. It seemed like overnight the Trinity Christian forward had transformed into a walking highlight!
After the departure of Dallas Mavs star Dennis Smith Jr a renowned powerhouse was thrust into a full on rebuild, Baker’s development was a major reason TCS returned to prominence in only a year’s time.
With Team Felton Baker continued to progress, he lit up the Under Armour circuit for 14 ppg and his dominance led to over fifteen scholarship offers. While majority of his peers are fielding through offers Baker has already signed to Duke and is set to join the Brotherhood. The Grayson Allen comparisons have already been dawning.
“ I think I fit their system really well, the tradition there Coach K and the staff, I think I’ll play all over the place depending on what positions I can guard and so like a bigger Grayson Allen type of thing.” Baker said.
There are obviously similarities but one can’t ignore the blaring differences either; for one Baker stands at 6’8 and has the combination of skill, and posses the size to play anywhere on the perimeter. Baker is strong enough to guard the one through four if needed on the defensive end.
With his decision already made Baker can really focus on the court and just playing basketball. TCS will next be in action this weekend in Atlanta for Hoopsgiving representing the hoop state in the prestigious tournament.
The Skinny- Duke boasts one of the most talent rich rosters in all of the nation and Coach K will expect to lose any where from 3-6 players to graduation and early draft departures. The 2018 class has already filled out nice with a trio of five stars. 2018 Wings RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish will likely play one year before declaring respectively, so if everything falls into place there should be immediate minutes for Baker to eat up.
Currently Baker is one of the most polished scorers in the nation regardless of class, over the next two years he will continue to sharpen on his craft and add on muscle.