6 Questions With Former Worcester Academy Guard Billy Baron

Email to a friend Permalink

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

John Barone, GoLocalWorcester Sports Contributor

When Billy Baron left Worcester Academy following a postgraduate stint in 2009-2010, no one could have predicted what the future would hold for the former Hilltopper guard. Baron’s college career has included stops at the University of Virginia, the University of Rhode Island, and now, Canisius College – his third school in as many years. At URI and Canisius, he’s had the opportunity to play for his father, Jim Baron. The younger Baron is enjoying a career season to date, leading the Golden Griffins with averages of 16.3 points and 5.7 assists.

GoLocalWorcester: How did your year at Worcester Academy prepare you for Division I basketball?

Baron: The biggest thing for me was the consistent competition in the NEPSAC. Pretty much every team you played had guys that were bigger and stronger than I saw in high school. It was also another year for me to grow and mature off the court. I was able to learn how to take care of my body and get stronger.

GoLocalWorcester: In hindsight, was it the right move to do a prep year before advancing to the D-I level?

Baron: Yeah, for sure. I recommend a lot of guys think about taking the extra year if they can. It is only one year, but it gives you time to mature as a player, as a student and as a person. It also lets you live on your own for the first time and you learn a lot that way, too.

GoLocalWorcester: Any theories as to why this has been your best college season?

Baron: I feel like I’m getting better as a player because I’m in an environment that allows me to learn and get better from my mistakes. It also helps that I’m playing with guys here at Canisius that are good as well. We are a good team and we’re working well together.

GoLocalWorcester: How would you describe the unique experience of attending three schools in three years?

Baron: Yeah, being at three different schools has taught me a lot of things. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great people. I’ve taken something with me from each stop.

GoLocalWorcester: How would you describe the also unique experience of playing for your father at the college level?

Baron: Playing for my dad has been a really great experience. He knows me better than anyone, so there’s that ability to know what we’re both thinking. It is hard at times, don’t get me wrong, because he’s always on me, but it is only because he wants me to be my best. He’s the reason I transferred to Rhode Island and he’s the reason I’m here at Canisius.

GoLocalWorcester: What is the primary goal for this year’s Canisius team?

Baron: Since day one, our goal is to win the MAAC championship and get to the NCAA tournament. That’s what we’re all about. We have a big stretch of games coming up here in the league and we’re locked in on taking one game at a time.

Related Articles

• Is The Clock Ticking On Jim Baron?
• SEASON PREVIEW: Could This Finally Be the Year for Jim Baron’s Rhody Rams?
• Worcester Academy Alum Baron Thriving At Canisius
• Baron & McClanaghan Return to Their Roots
• Baron Transfers From Virginia To URI

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink