Michigan basketball: Joey Baker wants to be Wolverines' sharpshooter but prove he's more than that

Michigan Wolverines basketball has seven newcomers on its 2022-23 roster, including Duke graduate transfer Joey Baker. He played four years with the Blue Devils, serving as a role player, and now brings his services to Ann Arbor.

Baker never averaged more than 12.2 minutes per game in a season, which was his mark during his sophomore year. Last YEAR, his usage rate was sixth on the team among players who were on the floor for 12 percent or more of the Blue Devils’ minutes. He scored in double figures just six times, three of which were against ACC opponents.

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There’s one thing he’s always done well, though: shoot the ball. He connected on 40.5 percent of his three-point attempts last season (30-of-74) and has a 37.9-percent mark for his career. On a team that’s returning leader in three-point makes is 7-foot-1 junior center Hunter Dickinson … that’s going to help.

Appearing on the Defend The Block podcast with host Brian Boesch, Baker broke down his game and what he’ll bring to Michigan.

“Someone that’s willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Baker began. “Hustle plays, shooting the ball, scoring from different levels, attacking the basket, mid-range. I think my biggest strength would be three-point shooting, something that I did a ton at Duke and that I was called upon to do there.”

Despite 76.9 percent of his shot attempts last season being jumpers and being known more for his offense than his defense, Baker believes there’s more to his game. The former Duke captain can’t wait for the opportunity to show it at Michigan.

“Impact winning, in the locker room being the older presence and sharing some of the knowledge that I’ve gained in my four years at Duke and making an impact on the court,” Baker said of what he wants to display in 2022-23. “Doing the same thing, using my skillset and shooting ability and willingness to do whatever it takes to win and help us win games.”

Baker has struggled on the defensive end at times, but he’s continuing to work on that aspect of his game.

“If you’re a good defender, it’s hard to take you off the floor,” Baker said. “That’s one thing that I’ve learned over the course of my four years, is that defense wins. Being a good defender, someone that can be counted on and depended on to get stops and be a solid defender is huge.

“That’s an area I want to improve on. I want to be known as someone that can be counted on to get stops and can guard other good players. That’s an area I’ve been focusing on and preparing myself to be able to do this upcoming season.

“Spacing the floor and providing high-level shooting is something I would love to be able to add to this team. Shooting is another thing that teams need, especially the way that basketball is played nowadays. Just continuing to hone in on that skill and hope to bring that on to the court this year at Michigan.”

The threat of being able to hit outside shots is big for Michigan because of Dickinson. He commands a lot of attention in the paint, and opponents often double-team him. But Baker is a man who they may not want to leave on the perimeter, opening up the floor.

“Hunter is a force. He’s had an incredible year so far,” Baker said. “When I first got on campus and saw him live, I didn’t realize how tall he is. He’s a tall guy.

“He’s a force and he draws a ton of attention from scouting reports from other teams. I’m hoping to be able to relieve some of that pressure with my shooting and take the double-teams that he probably sees a lot of and give him more space to operate, making the defense second guess coming and doubling down.

“I think we can help each other a ton, compliment each other with my shooting and his inside presence. We have a lot of other really good players. I think we have a chance to have a really good season.”

Dickinson had the third-highest assist rate on the Michigan team last season (16.1), per Kenpom, and the third-most assists (73). He’s

“It’s huge,” Baker said of the Michigan big man’s passing ability. “That’s definitely one thing that I noticed while watching him — not only is his ability to pass but his willingness. He wants to make the right play.

“When you’re facing doubles and triples, tough coverages, the right play is to pass out a good amount. That provides opportunities on the outside for players. I’m hoping to be able to capitalize on some of those opportunities that such a big-time player and big-time force will create.”