FAIRBANKS - The Nanooks men's basketball program has announced the signing of Xzavier Baker. Baker, a 6-5 forward from Anchorage, graduated from Dimond High School before attending Eastern Arizona College and playing for the Monsters in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

"Xzavier is a huge piece of the puzzle for us," said head coach Frank Ostanik. "Xzavier brings great athleticism and physicality to our team. He is an exceptional young man who wants to compete and win. I expect him to compete for a starting spot and bring great depth to our program, something we lacked last year." In his first season with the Monsters, Baker appeared in only five games, eventually redshirting. In year two as a redshirt freshman, he played in 32 games, making 12 starts and posting 4.2 points while shooting 62.4% from the floor. He added 3.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game with 17 steals and eight blocks. On Feb. 4, Baker scored a career-high 17 points on 8-10 shooting while grabbing five boards. Additionally, he was named an Academic All-America Third Team selection for his work in the classroom. 

In high school, Baker earned the Cook Inlet Conference Player of the Year as a senior after averaging 15 points and 11 rebounds. 

"I am especially excited Xzavier will be a sophomore and has three years of eligibility," added Ostanik. "We pride ourselves as a coaching staff on player development and are excited to help Xzavier reach his full potential. Adding another quality human being, who is also a talented basketball player from Alaska, is a great victory for our program."

Additional signees will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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