EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Former New Mexico State men's basketball All-American guard Ian Baker was selected in the first round, 22nd overall, by the South Bay Lakers on Saturday in the NBA G League Draft.
 
"Being able to play in the G League is a great opportunity and especially for an organization like the Lakers, that's even better," Baker said over the phone. "They have so many players and coaches that are well known so it's one heck of an opportunity.
 
The Washington, D.C., product will have a familiar face in Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Casey Owens nearby.
 
When asked if Owens had reached out to Baker, he said "Casey [Owens] played a big role in getting my name out there. It'll be great to have a familiar face out there. I think it'll help me be more comfortable with the whole process, but I'm just happy I can be here to take advantage of this opportunity."
 
The 6-0 guard wrapped up his storied Aggie career this past spring, leading New Mexico State to its seventh Western Athletic Conference Tournament title and 20^th NCAA Tournament appearance as a senior.
 
At the end of his senior campaign, Baker led team with 16.7 points per game while pulling down 4.2 rebounds per game – good for third on the team – while dishing out a team-best 4.2 assists per game. The Aggie floor general also led the team in scoring in 19 of the 33 games he started – including a career-high 11 rebound game at Seattle U.
 
In addition, Baker played a critical role in NM State's 20-game win-streak during the year. He also had a hand in the team's 23-straight wins on Lou Henson Court as well as its 39-game home win-streak in conference play.
 
Baker finished his illustrious career in Las Cruces with his name littered all over the NM State record books. Baker's 200 shots from beyond the arc sit him in fourth all-time while his 325 free throws placed him eighth in the record books. His .799 shooting clip from the line also ranks him sixth. His 378 assists at NM State are good for fourth all-time and were just two shy of passing Keith Hill (379, 1987-90) for third all-time. His 138 swipes over four years ranked him sixth in the Aggie record books (since 1981)
 
Baker will be playing for head coach Coby Carl in El Segundo, Calif. The South Bay Lakers open the season on the road against the Santa Cruz Warriors Saturday, Nov. 4.