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Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks
The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s basketball team has officially signed shooting guard Justin Baker.
Having been interested in the Kodiaks for several years, he verbally committed to the program in the summer of 2023.
Baker most recently played for the Sunny South Basketball Club and attended Raymond High School where he earned Southern Alberta Interscholastic Administrative Council All-Star honours.
“I’ve known Coach Heggie for a long time; he’s been super supportive and has followed me throughout my basketball journey and has kept in contact,” says Baker of Kodiaks head coach Ryan Heggie. “We’ve got an open dialogue and he’s straightforward. After provincials in 2023, he just texted me and said, ‘When are you going to sign?’ And we both knew that was kind of something that I wanted to do.”
Baker says he is excited to continue his basketball journey at Lethbridge Polytechnic, where he will begin the General Arts and Science program this fall. He says he likes southern Alberta’s vibrant basketball culture and he is especially grateful that his family will have the opportunity to attend his games and support him as he grows in this next chapter.
“Over the last couple of years, Coach Heggie has kept me updated and I’ve seen him building the program for long-term success, not just short term,” says Baker. “I know that he’s invested in the players, and he doesn’t mess around, but he’s also a fun guy.”
Heggie says he has watched Baker grow – both as a person and as a player – over the past several years, adding he moves the ball efficiently to create opportunities for his teammates and has a strong, reliable shot.
“I see our systems as a good fit for Justin, and he’s been counting the days for this opportunity, so I expect him to make the most of it,” says Heggie. “The college game is a grind with ups and downs, and you have to love it to hang with it; I have confidence Justin will embrace it and learn from our core vet players.”
Baker says he is grateful for all the coaches who have helped him along the way, especially those from spring league, his club teams and his varsity coaches Ryan Baldry and Brett Ralph. He also gives a special shout out to his parents for their unwavering support.
Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of the Kodiaks coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the recruitment form (gokodiaks.ca/recruitment), and they would be pleased to learn more about you.
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