Future ’Birds

Baker, redshirts do dirty work,
spend game time on sideline

Behind the scenes of any successful college basketball program is a group of capable, resolute teammates who agree to “redshirt” for the team, sacrificing a chance to play during actual games in exchange for another year of eligibility and, perhaps more importantly, a year of education.
For SUU this season that group includes juniors Jason Baker and Khalil Sikander, and freshmen Drew Alder, Adam Legg and Pete Van Valkenburg.
While the rest of the team suits up for games and gains the usual acclaim, these five teammates see time on the court only during practice, working hard every day without the recognition that comes with seeing time during games.
The progression is a typical one for most collegiate athletes, and while the job seems unrewarding, it works out well in the long haul for those athletes persistent enough to see the obligation through.
The step from high school to Division I hoops can be a hard one to make, and the extra year of preparation can often make the difference in having a successful college career.
Baker is a bit of an oddity, already having two years of varsity experience.
Last season Baker played in all 27 games, starting eight, but spent most of his time at shooting guard, having been a scorer throughout his basketball career.
At 6-foot-2, Baker and the coaching staff agreed that he might be better suited for point guard, and he is spending this season working on learning the new position.
“With my size I’d be better at the point,” Baker said. “That’s why we decided to do this. I’m just working on knowing where people are and how to get them the ball at the right times. I need to know peoples’ strengths and weaknesses.”
With his varsity experience, Baker could be a big contributor this year, but he is determined to learn to play the point and return to an even bigger role with the ’Birds next season.
“It’s giving me a real opportunity to improve my game,” Baker said. “I’m trying to make the most of it. It gives me a chance to work on some things that I couldn’t if I were playing. I get to lift weights and go hard all the time in practice.”
Sikander also has college experience, having played the 1999-2000 season with Colorado Northwestern City College.
He sees the redshirts as a valuable part of the team, mimicking the upcoming opponents and preparing the ones who are playing for action.
“We try to contribute by pushing the other guys in practice,” Sikander said. “We’re running plays that the other teams run to get our guys ready, so they know who the shooters are and how they need to play it.”
The other three redshirts were recruited out of high schools in the surrounding southern Utah area and are all looking to participate in the future of SUU basketball.
Alder was a two-time all-state selection at West Desert High School, where he helped the Hawks to a region title, while Van Valkenburg and Legg were both playing for the Pine View Panthers this time a year ago.
The redshirt experience is an important chance for these players to make their mark and find a place on the team later down the line.“It can help me get in later if coach sees me working hard now,” Van Valkenburg said. “When I get back off my mission I’ll have