Baron Transfers From Virginia To URI

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Friday, February 04, 2011

Scott Cordischi, GoLocalProv Sports Editor

It has been a bit of an up and down season for the University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team. Late Thursday, however, the Rams received some good news. Billy Baron, the son of URI head coach Jim Baron, announced that he will be leaving the University of Virginia and transferring to URI.

A press release issued by Virginia on Thursday made the announcement official. Both Billy Baron and Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett were quoted in the release.

“I love my coaches and my teammates at Virginia,” Baron said. “Virginia is a great place , but I want to go home, be with my family and play for my dad.”

Baron’s coach understands the freshman’s decision to leave UVA. “I knew when Billy decided to come to Virginia he had a very hard decision and labored over it,” said Bennett. “Obviously we’re sad to see him go and appreciate his contributions to our program, but the desire to play for your father is very strong, as I can personally attest. We’ll miss him and wish him well.”

Baron played in 17 games this season at Virginia averaging 3.0 points per game on 31% shooting from both the field and from three point range. He had a season-high 19 points against William & Mary in the team’s season-opener. However, his playing time has decreased as the season has progressed including 5 games where he did not play. Four of those five DNP’s came in ACC play.

Many thought that Billy Baron would follow in the footsteps of his older brother Jimmy Baron who played for his father at URI. Billy, however, felt it might be better to play elsewhere and looked at Virginia as a great opportunity.

Billy’s game differs from Jimmy’s. Jimmy was one of the best sharp shooters in all of college basketball. Billy is a good shooter, but not to the degree of his brother. Billy, however, is considered a better ball handler than Jimmy and because of that, he can create his own offense more easily than his older brother.

Baron is expected to enroll in classes immediately at URI but, because of NCAA rules regarding transfers, will be ineligible to play for the Rams until the 2012-2013 season. He will have 3 years of eligibility remaining.