OSHAWA, Ont. – Ridgebacks men's basketball standout Keon Baker (Pickering, Ont.) has been recognized as an OUA Second Team All-Star after an outstanding 2023-24 season.

"I'm grateful and humbled to be recognized as a Second Team All-Star," said Baker. "Appreciation for my teammates, coaches, and the game that continually inspires me on this journey."

Baker was a crucial piece in the Ridgebacks' turnaround this year, hitting several critical shots to down Queen's and TMU in back-to-back ranked upsets early in the season while being a defensive stalwart. Baker ended the season fifth in the OUA in scoring, averaging 19.1 points per game, and is second in the OUA in steals with 2.4 per game.

He has picked up several Ontario Tech Student-Athletes of the Week awards, and he was also named U SPORTS Basketball Player of the Week after scoring 32 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and swiping two steals in an 87-79 win over the Windsor Lancers. That same weekend, he had 17 points, seven steals, and five rebounds in a 92-80 victory over the Western Mustangs.

The Ridgebacks secured their best regular season record ever, finishing 16-6 and making the playoffs for the first time in program history. The Ridgebacks took down the Lakehead Thunderwolves 89-78 in the opening round of the playoffs in a game where Baker had 19 points, four steals, and two blocks.

"A well-deserving award for Keon's performance this season," said men's basketball head coach Deluxshan Pathmanathan. "I hope this award pushes him to continue on the path of excellence. Big congratulations to Keon on this milestone accomplishment."