One of the elite overall prospects in the ACCAC is headed to Northern Arizona University next fall. Pima Junior College 6-foot-6, 200-pound sophomore wing Dillan Baker has had a nice career for Head Coach Brian Peabody and his staff -, ranking as one of the top overall producers in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) the past two seasons. Baker has led Pima (19-3, 11-3) in his sophomore season and is having a strong performance, while helping lead Pima to a current second-place standing in the ACCAC among Division-II junior college programs. Baker and Pima are looking to have a very strong finish to the junior college season, as Baker has become one of my top juco prospects in the West this season.
Baker is another nice get for Northern Arizona University and Head Coach Shane Burcar and his coaching staff. I believe he is the type of junior college prospect that can help to elevate a program, since he is a little older now as a college prospect and has excellent versatility as a player with an ability to make shots from all over the floor, and finish with deceivingly good athleticism. Baker is a very nice recruit for NAU, after signing a national letter of intent with the program in November.
After a nice career at Salpointe Catholic High School, Baker found himself staying close to home in Tucson, Arizona, where he has suited up for the Aztecs. Like many other prospects before him, he has had a very good result from his stint at Pima under Brian Peabody's leadership and coaching style. Baker was an under recruited prospect out of high school, but has blossomed during his time at Pima, as he has become one of the better juco scoring wings in the country, after two junior college seasons.
Baker currently ranks among the top overall statistical producers in the ACCAC this season - averaging 18.4 points, 4 assists and 2.1 rebounds per/game this junior college season. He is also currently shooting 49% from the field and 40.1% from three-point distance.
Baker is one of my favorite overall prospects in the ACCAC, as he is bigger shooter with good size and deceiving athleticism. He shoots the ball at a high clip with range on his shot and has a pure shooting stroke. He could become a specialist over time as a shooter. He has very good versatility as a player. He is an active rebounder for his size and position. He is a good ball handler for his size and also a good finisher. He is a good and willing passer as well. He is fundamentally sound. Baker was a very good sleeper prospect for sure, and should have an opportunity to help the Lumberjacks next season.
The Pima program is very well balanced across the board, although Baker is the catalyst for the team and is relied on nicely for producing scoring for the Aztecs, while being able to stretch the defense and open up things for the rest of his teammates. Pima remains in the hunt alongside Chandler-Gilbert Junior College to win this year's ACCAC Division-II title, and will face South Mountain on the road on Wednesday, and Yavapai on Saturday at home.
I will continue to follow Baker and the Pima team closely the remainder of the season, and bring you updates as they continue to develop.
