Story Links
By Raj Sagar, Virginia Athletics Media Relations
The freshman year of a college basketball player can sometimes be nothing more than a year of transition. A period of progress and growth where, if nothing else, the player can learn what it takes to compete at the collegiate level. The learning curve is usually steep.
Virginia junior guard Calvin Baker spent his freshman year at William and Mary, where he transitioned effortlessly, making a splash quickly by leading the team in scoring (11.6 ppg), assists (3.6 apg), and minutes played (31.4 mpg).
When he reflects back on that season, Baker wasn’t able to simply be satisfied with his efforts. He felt as though his basketball desires were unfulfilled. Culminating in being named to the Colonial Athletic Association’s 2006 All-Rookie Team, Baker’s freshman year made him realize something — he wanted more.
“My year at William and Mary was incredible for my growth and development,” Baker said. “When the season ended, I was very pleased with my year, but in the back of my mind, I always had known that I wanted to compete at a higher level. Since I was a kid, I always wanted to play ACC basketball, and when the opportunity presented itself following my freshman year, I had to take it.”
With a great year behind him, Baker got his transfer process underway. He applied for and received a release which permitted him to apply to and send his basketball information to other schools. In the ACC, Clemson was also in the running, but following his visit to Charlottesville, his mind was made up.
“He gave us an indication, after having a great freshman year at William and Mary, that he wanted to explore basketball at a higher level, “said Virginia head coach Dave Leitao. “He brought himself to us, and after reviewing who he was, where he came from, his social and academic standings and things of that nature, we thought he would be a great fit to the program and a great addition to the University community. He eventually did decide to come here, and it has been an incredible marriage since he joined us.”
Baker then spent the 2006 season practicing with the Virginia team, ineligible to play in games due to the NCAA’s transfer rules. While he could not compete, his work in the gym and at practice helped him make a smooth transition into the Cavalier program. With the help of two notable Virginia guards, he was able to make the most of time as a type of understudy.
“When I got here, the main difference I picked up on right off the bat is the amount of work that the guys put in,” Baker said. “I was fortunate to come in and have Sean [Singletary] and J.R. [Reynolds] as examples of what it took to be successful. They were the kind of players who were always first to arrive and last to leave whether we were lifting, running, or shooting. Those guys took an incredible amount of pride in their game, and really taught me what it meant to be a hard worker. The amount of intensity and focus they brought to the game inspired all the other guys to leave everything they have on the floor.”
“Any time you step up in regards to level of competition, there has to be a period of transition,” said Leitao. “Calvin really benefited from the year he sat out as he was able to learn a lot about how we play the game here. He absorbed the work ethic, focus and team-first mentality that our guards instilled in the team. When he got a chance to play last year, he showed the benefit of having a year off around those guys.”
Chemistry is an integral part of any sport and with the prospect of joining a new team comes the daunting task of finding your role within the team, as well as meshing with your teammates. Division I athletics demand such a great deal of time that your teammates are involved in almost every aspect of your life. You eat meals, study for tests, and go to class together. When you’re not doing one of those things, or at practice, you’re most likely hanging out together. For Baker, the process of acclimating to a new team dynamic was something he has done more than once.
In 2004, as a junior at Woodside High School in Newport News, Virginia, Baker led the Wolverines to a Group AAA state championship while averaging 20.6 ppg throughout the season. Following his junior year, three senior contributors including the team’s starting point guard graduated and left Calvin to start over with a new group of players. Known mostly for being a scorer, Baker was forced to change his game—on the court and off it.
“After that 2004 championship, I feel like I had a realization as a basketball player,” recalls Baker. “Our coaches wanted me to take over the point guard duties, and in turn my ability to distribute and facilitate really benefited. With a lot of younger guys on the team, I knew I had to also step into a leadership position. Getting to know a new set of teammates was a great experience, and as a senior, was able to ensure that we developed good chemistry on and off the court.”
Baker wrapped up his high school career with another state championship and received the distinction of Virginia High School Coaches Association’s Group AAA player of the year in 2005. The development of a “combo-guard” mentality that season has proved to be essential to Baker’s contributions at Virginia, as he can play both the point and shooting guard positions.
“When players are asked to occupy both roles on a team, it is a difficult task to say the least,” said coach Leitao. “It’s as though you have to be able to switch mindsets. Some situations call for your assertion as a scorer, while other times you will have to focus on making the other four guys better. Calvin has taken both responsibilities very seriously, and through his work in the film room, on the floor, and with the coaches, he has been able to make himself better as a scorer, and as a decision maker.”
Last season, Baker was a vital contributor to Virginia basketball, finishing second on the team in assists, steals, and three-point field goal percentage. His development since joining the Cavaliers has led to him being named a captain of this year’s young Virginia squad.
“Before the season, coach [Leitao] said to me, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’” said Baker. “It means a great deal to me, and I am ready to embrace the responsibility that goes along with it.”
Calvin Baker has finally arrived at the goal he has been working his entire basketball career to get to— but if you think he’s satisfied with his where he is—guess again.