Baker finds satisfaction as college (TSU) hoops coach

HARTFORD, CT — Vin Baker has earned millions and lost millions. An NBA lottery pick and four-time all-star, he’s been at the pinnacle of his sport; an admitted alcoholic who squandered away potential, he’s also been at the bottom. With such a wealth of experience, both good and bad, to convey to younger players, it was somewhat of a natural progression for Baker to make his first foray into coaching this past winter.

The former University of Hartford star was a student assistant for the Texas Southern University men’s basketball team, which plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Working alongside fellow former NBA all-star Nick Van Exel, Baker thoroughly enjoyed moving over to the coaching side of things. “I loved it,” he said Wednesday night, prior to playing for the Simoniz All-Stars in a Greater Hartford Pro-Am league game.

“It’s a transition, but I loved it, just working with the kids (on) understanding the game. I was there with Van Exel. To be on the floor with him, (teach) things that I know about the game, trying to get their IQ up on the game is fun. And, obviously, being around the kids is great, too.”

With help from Baker, Texas Southern – an historically African-American school located in Houston – had a successful season. The Tigers went 17-15 overall and 11-7 in the SWAC, falling to Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the conference championship game and just missing out on an automatic NCAA tournament bid.

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