SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Recently, Savannah State women’s basketball coach Cedric Baker decided to leave The Marsh and take on a new role.
Baker will be the women’s head coach at South Carolina State.
Sports Director Joey Lamar caught up with the head coach to find out what made him leave after 22 seasons.
Joey Lamar: Coach, you spent 22 years at Savannah State. Can you explain what led to your decision to make a change?
Cedric Baker: It comes down to timing, the right match, and what I am familiar with. Then there’s also the challenge of competing at the Division I level, something I am ready to tackle thanks to my prior coaching experiences, including my stints at Benedict, Voorhees, and finally, Savannah State.
JL: What role, if any, did administration play in your decision to leave?
CB: The current administration has shown a lot of support. My direct supervisor is Opio Mashariki, the Savannah State Director of Athletics, and our leadership under Dr. Jermaine Whirl has been excellent. However, they were not involved in my decision. It’s a personal choice, and I’m grateful for the chance I had to lead the women’s basketball team at Savannah State University.
JL: When you think back on 22 years, what are some of the biggest accomplishments that you’ve had during that time?
CB: I give all the wins — give that credit to all the student athletes that I’ve coached and all the young women I have coached. I take full responsibility for the losses. And of course, you can always go back and reflect and review on some of those games. But of course, you know, the great memories really stand out. We had a victory against the University of Florida right here in Tiger Arena. I always remember that win against Georgia Southern and Kemetrius Hill scoring 36 points. Of course, going to the MEAC tournament and in 2015 playing Maryland Eastern Shore in that championship game. Also, in the NCAA tournament playing against South Carolina and then we hosted a lot of Power 5 teams right here in Tiger Arena.
JL: And then on the flip side, what are some areas where you maybe have some regret or things that you could have done better or areas or games where you thought that you could have won or wanted to win?
CB: Each and every day I came to work here at Savannah State, I encouraged the young ladies to strive for excellence. So passing up this opportunity, in my opinion, would not have been a good example for them because I want them to strive to play at the highest level. If that opportunity presents itself domestically or if it’s internationally, just like Ezinne Kalu came from Savannah State to play in the WNBA. So that’s what I encourage them to do.
JL: What do you think the future of this program is? Do you have any recommendations on who should be the next coach?
CB: Currently, Coach [Prescott] Mack, he’s my assistant coach. I definitely encourage him to apply for the position. I’ve had some great coaches over my tenure here at Savannah State. They know what right looks like. They understand the culture. They understand the processes. I think any of those assistant coaches that have been under my supervision or under my tutelage, they’re well qualified and also former student athletes that I have coached, I think they’ll be interested in the position as well.
