Naples' Baker to play hoops for Michigan

The road that led Naples resident and Bishop Verot graduate Reed Baker to the University of Michigan for a basketball recruiting visit earlier this week was an unforeseen one five months ago.

Baker had originally signed a letter-of-intent last November to continue his career at The Citadel, but when coach Pat Baker resigned in March, Baker decided to weigh other options.

After choosing not to attend Birmingham Southern because of the school moving to Division III in 2007, Baker then found out he was unable to accept a scholarship offer from the Air Force Academy earlier this month due to a peanut allergy.

So when a basketball assistant from Michigan called Bishop Verot coach Matt Herting, Baker knew it was a sign of good things to come as long as he did one thing:

Seize the opportunity.

“I was just hoping that everything was going to work out,” Reed said in reference to what was going through his mind during the flight to Ann Arbor. “I was hoping they would like me as a person and as a player.”

Baker said he fell in love with the campus once he arrived.

And once he stepped onto the court for a five-on-five scimmage with current and former Michigan players, needless to say they fell in love with Baker.

The Michigan coaches were unable to watch him play, but Baker said his team won the first five pick-up games and left a lasting impression with the players.

Apparently, Michigan coach Tommy Amaker trusted the feedback, because Baker said he received Amaker’s phone call and the scholarship offer around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

“It was a great feeling and it was incredible to know I was going to Michigan,” Reed said. “It’s a dream come true for me.”

Baker said he chose to attend Bishop Verot because of the basketball program and found himself starting every game as a sophomore.

Coach Herting said Baker worked harder each year he got better.

Last season, Baker, a 6-foot-1 point guard, averaged 22.5 points per game and finished third on the team with 106 assists in helping Bishop Verot finish 22-7.

“Michigan wanted a basketball player and that’s what they got,” said Herting, who’s been the coach at Bishop Verot for seven years. “He’s the best all-around player I’ve coached.”