NBA Legend/Coach Honored At UHart With Athletics Complex In His Name

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The University of Hartford celebrated the completion of a new $2.4 million outdoor athletics and recreation complex honoring former NBA All-Star and university basketball standout Vin Baker with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 22.

The Vin Baker Outdoor Athletics & Recreation Complex, located on the residential side of the university's campus, will feature six tennis courts, including one lined to accommodate four pickleball courts, and a basketball court.

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The courts will also feature lighting for evening play.

University officials said the new courts will open soon, although a specific opening date has not been announced.

The university's campus spans portions of West Hartford, Hartford and Bloomfield.

The Oct. 23 ceremony brought together alumni, donors and university supporters to celebrate the new facility and recognize Baker's contributions to the school's basketball program.

"Surrounded by alumni, donors, and friends, we honored one of the greatest Hawks of all time and the supporters who helped bring this space to life," the university wrote in a social media post.

The complex is designed to expand recreational opportunities for students while supporting the university's NCAA Division III athletic programs.

The investment comes as the university continues developing its athletic programs following its transition from NCAA Division I to Division III competition.

Baker, widely regarded as the greatest men's basketball player in University of Hartford history, played 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1993 NBA Draft. Baker played at UHart from 1989 to 1993, when the program was in Division I.

The Old Saybrook High School graduate played for seven NBA teams, earned four NBA All-Star selections and won a gold medal with the U.S. men's basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

Following his playing career, Baker moved into coaching, including eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was part of the team's 2021 NBA championship staff.

He later joined the Miami Heat coaching staff last August, reuniting with former Buck superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was traded to Miami this year.

The new athletics complex recognizes Baker's basketball accomplishments and his connection to the university.

The University of Hartford said additional information about the opening of the tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts will be announced.

"We can't wait for you to come play tennis, pickleball, and basketball on the new courts opening soon!" the university wrote.

For more information on Vin Baker and the new athletics complex in his name, click on this link.