WICHITA, Kan. – The former Wichita State All-American and Scott City native reached a one-year agreement on Thursday to play for CSKA Moscow, which won the EuroLeague championship this past season and is dominant in Russia’s VTB United League.
Baker, 26, played the past three seasons in the NBA, splitting time between the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards. Baker played in 96 games, starting 14 with averages of 3.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
Guard Ron Baker (26 y.o., 193 cm) will become the first native American on our team. The player signed 1-year contract.
Courtesy of the CSKA Moscow Basketball website:
The Wichita State alumni played in the NBA for all three years of pro career. Baker played 92 games for the New York Knicks (he also participated in the games for the G-League team Winchester Knicks) before moving to the Washington Wizards where he played in 4 games. His NBA averages are 3.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 14.5 minutes.
Despite his modest numbers, Baker is considered one of the most well recognized players of his generation, defensive specialist with good long-distance shot. He helped his college to win three conference titles, to qualify for Sweet 16 twice and to surprisingly go to the 2013 Final Four. In 2015 Ron was included in two All-America teams, he also played for the Team USA at the Pan-American Games winning the bronze medal.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
We signed a player who is a rookie in Europe, but he is determined and decisive to come to CSKA and grow up professionally. Ron is a tough kid, he is good defender. He played on highly competitive level in all situations – college basketball, NBA, G-League. I am looking forward to working together with Ron.
I would like to note also that our team is not full so far, we plan to sign one more player soon to close out our summer campaign.
Ron Baker, CSKA guard:
I’m excited for this new opportunity CSKA Basketball has given me. I’m very thankful! After speaking with head coach Dimitris and team captain Kyle Hines, I see myself fitting in with what CSKA is about. Their day-to-day culture and achievements on the court were what I was looking for in a franchise during this summer free agency. I’m extremely grateful and most of all ready to compete for the fans of CSKA!