Michigan basketball found some help via the transfer portal on Friday evening with the commitment from former Duke forward, Joey Baker. Jason Jordan with Sports Illustrated broke the news.
BREAKING: Former #Duke wing Joey Baker will transfer to #Michigan for next season.
1 year of eligibility as a grad transfer.
Why Mich?
– Felt it provided the best opportunity to make an impact on a championship caliber team.
– Felt Coach Howard could maximize his total game.— Jason Jordan (@JasonJordanSI) June 17, 2022
The 6-foot-6 Baker had a four-year career with Duke. He is the former 33rd-ranked player from the class of 2018 according to the 247Sports composite ranking.
During his four-year stint with Duke, Baker played in 89 career games, averaged 4 points-per-game while playing 11 minutes-per-game. A big reason Juwan Howard may have wanted the former Blue Devil is for his outside shooting, Baker shot 37% from 3 during his tenure with Duke.
While this pick up may not jump off the charts to Michigan fans, the Wolverines needed some major help after losing Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houstan to the NBA Draft. The maize and blue also lost Frankie Collins to Arizona State via the transfer portal.
Baker was a team captain during his senior year at Duke and he will provide some leadership to a young Michigan team after it lost Eli Brooks to graduation.
Baker will be entering his fifth season of play next year with the Wolverines and he chose Michigan over both Georgia and George Washington where he also visited.
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