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What to make of Joey Baker’s departure from Michigan Basketball

By Chris Peterson

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - MARCH 14: Joey Baker #15 of the Michigan Wolverines runs up the court during the second half of a NIT college basketball first round game against the Toledo Rockets at Crisler Arena on March 14, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 90-80 over the Toledo Rockets. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - MARCH 14: Joey Baker #15 of the Michigan Wolverines runs up the court during the second half of a NIT college basketball first round game against the Toledo Rockets at Crisler Arena on March 14, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 90-80 over the Toledo Rockets. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Michigan basketball forward Joey Baker has announced that he has signed with an agent and will pursue professional ball. Here’s what it means for the Wolverines. 

We got more clarity regarding the 2023-24 Michigan basketball roster as Joey Baker will not return to the Wolverines.

There was talk that Baker could apply for a waiver and gain an extra season of eligibility. However, according to what Baker told Jon Rothstein, he has hired an agent and will pursue a career as a professional basketball player instead of re-joining Michigan basketball.

Because of the waiver, there was some assumption that Baker counted under the current scholarship chart. But if he was going to return to the Wolverines next season, a scholarship would have needed to open up.

It still feels like Michigan basketball will be adding to its roster through the transfer portal. The Wolverines are still in contact with a number of players and there have been rumors about 2023 signee Papa Kante not joining the team.

There is also the potential of more transfers out, especially if Michigan adds more players from the transfer portal. That’s why I could see 1-2 more additions. A wing and a big would be perfect.

What does Joey Baker’s departure mean

Baker hit 43 3-pointers for Michigan basketball last season and shot 39 percent. He didn’t quite make as big an impact as some might have hoped but in terms of advanced stats and box score plus/minus, he was Michigan’s sixth-best player last season.

With the additions of Nimari Burnett, Caleb Love, and Tray Jackson, Michigan has added some shooting although Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin are also gone to the NBA draft.

So with the news that Baker won’t return, it’s clear Michigan could use another 3-point shooter. Caleb Love can be a deadly shooter. I still believe Nimari Burnett can be solid too. Outside of that, Michigan could use another guy that can play the three spot and knock down 3-pointers.

Next. 3 takeaways from additions of Caleb Love and Tray Jackson. dark

Baker could have been that guy next season if his waiver was approved and a spot opened up. Now, that addition will come via the portal and it will be interesting to see what the next roster domino to fall is for the Wolverines.

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