Baron already planning his UVa career

There’s nothing Billy Baron would like to do more than wear uniform No. 20 when he plays for Virginia next season.

There’s just one problem — it’s not available.

The number, worn by former Virginia star Bryant Stith, is retired.

Baron, part of UVa coach Tony Bennett’s inaugural recruiting class, will have to pay homage to his older brother Jimmy — a former standout at Rhode Island who is now playing professionally in Turkey — in another way.

But the mere fact that Baron is already thinking about his Virginia uniform is one indication that he has no regrets about passing up the chance to play for his father, Jim, who is the head coach at Rhode Island. Baron, who prepped at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts this past season, had verbally committed to URI in October before changing his mind and signing with Virginia last Wednesday.

“It was difficult because playing for my father was something I always wanted to do,” Baron told The Daily Progress. “When I made the decision to go to Rhode Island, it was an emotionally-based decision, not a logical one. Virginia was a logical one and my dad understood.

“He knew that I always wanted to play for him, but Virginia is an opportunity that I can’t pass up. It’s a great school and it’s also in the ACC. It has the full package. My dad is my number one fan and did nothing but support me.”

However, Jim Baron would be lying if he said the loss of a top-flight player — not to mention his own son — didn’t sting just a little.

“There’s no question [it stung],” the coach said, “because he can shoot the ball and he can score the ball. He’s done that in high school, done it in prep school.

“[But] Tony Bennett and his staff are very good people and have been doing what we’ve been doing as far as rebuilding. It’s an excellent academic situation and both [my wife] and myself have endorsed it.”

Baron, a 6-foot-1 guard, should be able to compete for playing time next year. Rising junior Sammy Zeglinski and rising sophomore Jontel Evans are the only pure points on Virginia’s roster.

At Worcester Academy, Baron made a late surge in the recruiting process, averaging 27.5 points, 6.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals a game.

“His toughness, work ethic, and will to win are absolutely off the charts,” says a scouting report of Baron on ESPN.com, “and no one loves having the ball in pressure situations more than he does.”

Baron is looking forward to playing for Bennett.

“Back in his day, he was in the same position that I am and he got to where I want to go, which is the NBA,” Baron said. “He knows what I aspire to do and I really admire him.”

Clearly, Bennett is seeking players with high basketball IQs with his first recruiting group. Fellow incoming freshman Joe Harris, like Baron, is also a coach’s son.

“As the son of a coach, I know Billy understands what competing at a very high level is all about,” said Bennett in a press release. “He brings a level of completeness and toughness to the floor along with a great personality off the court that will benefit our program.”

Baron said he owes much of his basketball development to big brother Jimmy. When asked about a career highlight, Baron doesn’t bring up any of his own games. Instead, he talks excitedly about his brother’s performance against Duke in 2008 in which he nailed eight 3-pointers, including seven straight in the second half.

“My brother is the biggest reason why I’m here today,” Baron said. “He’s given me all the inspiration and motivation and work ethic. Every time I go out there, I think about him.”

Jim Baron, who grew up with six brothers of his own, said his sons practically killed each other as kids because they were so competitive. He recalled a father-son shooting contest that took place when he was the coach at St. Bonaventure several years ago.

“Jimmy was supposed to carry us, but Billy saved the day,” Baron said. “Billy hit about six 3s in a row to win the contest.

“I remember how elated he was and how much pride he had because he carried us.”

Now Billy can’t wait to build similar memories at Virginia.

“I’ve worked so hard for this,” he said, “and I’m just honored to be coming to such a prestigious university and coach Bennett — one of the best coaches in the country.

“I couldn’t ask for anything else.”

With the possible exception of a certain uniform number.