NMSU’s Ian Baker named WAC Player of the Year

Ian Baker tested the NBA waters during the last offseason but decided that he would return to New Mexico State for his senior campaign.

While NBA money sure is nice, Baker was still rewarded for his decision, winning WAC Player of the Year on Tuesday.

The star guard averaged 16.7 points per contests along with 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.

Baker is the third member of the Aggies to win the award in the past four seasons.

Pascal Siakam took home the award as a member of the Aggies last season, while Daniel Mullings won the award in the 2013-14 campaign with New Mexico State.

Baker will look to lead the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament by winning the WAC tourney this week. NMSU opens play on Thursday against Chicago State, a team they handled with ease twice during the regular season.

The Aggies are expected to at least make the final of the tournament, likely playing CSU Bakersfield in a rematch of last season’s conference tourney final, which CSUB won on a buzzer-beater.

Jemerrio Jones was named to the WAC All-Newcomer team Tuesday. Eli Chuha also received recognition in the form of a spot on the WAC Second Team.