Michigan basketball's Joey Baker reportedly to pursue pro career
Joey Baker will not return to Michigan basketball for another season.
U-M's senior wing has decided to sign with an agent and pursue a professional career, a program spokesman confirmed to the Free Press. Previously, Baker told reporters in March he was in the process of seeking a waiver for a sixth season from the NCAA to potentially return for another season in Ann Arbor.
Baker averaged 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds and shot 39.1% on 3's across 34 games in his only season in Ann Arbor.
“We'll see what happens,” Baker said about his plans after Michigan beat Toledo in the opening round of the NIT. “If I got (the waiver), I’m back here.”
Even if Baker's waiver had been approved, with the transfer portal additions of Caleb Love (North Carolina), Nimari Burnett (Alabama) and Tray Jackson (Seton Hall) — and two projected incoming freshmen — and four departures, U-M had just one scholarship remaining.
That appeared earmarked, with the Wolverines still trying to work out a medical waiver for point guard Jaelin Llewellyn, who tore his ACL in early December against Kentucky. Llewellyn told 247Sports earlier this month if his medical waiver is approved, he will return and "it’s definitely looking like it’ll happen."
Llewellyn averaged 7.0 points, 2.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds last season.
Contact Tony Garcia at apgarcia@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @realtonygarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball senior Joey Baker to pursue pro career
