Report: Wichita State’s Baker returning to school

Wichita State sophomore guard Ron Baker is staying in school, according to ESPN.com.

Baker sent in an NBA draft evaluation form last week, but sources told ESPN.com that Baker decided to stay put.

Baker has established himself as one of the top guards in the country and has been a big part of the Shockers’ success the last two seasons, including their 34-0 run that gave them a No. 1 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Baker averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season. Wichita State ran away with the Missouri Valley Conference title but had a fairly early exit from the NCAA Tournament, losing to No. 8 seed Kentucky in its second game. Baker scored 20 points.

Several NBA executives told ESPN.com that Baker projected as a second-round pick if entered the draft.

The Shockers, however, will lose senior forward Cleanthony Early, who led the team in scoring. He had 31 points in the loss to Kentucky.