HAMILTON – Three new Raiders join the defending champs in 2022-23.
Colgate University Head Men's Basketball Coach Matt Langel has announced the addition of three newcomers, two freshmen and a third-year transfer, for this upcoming season.
This year's class features three guards with each player hailing from a different state. The three Raiders amassed nearly 4,000 points during their decorated high school careers, which includes three All-State selections and several single-game and program records.
"We are extremely pleased to have these three young men and their families join our Colgate Basketball Family," Langel said. "On the court, their individual basketball talents and skill set not only complement the strong group we have returning, but they very much complement one another. Beyond what we think they can achieve on the court, and critical to Colgate Basketball, their character and commitment to winning align with what has helped our program compete for championships."
Chandler Baker
G | 6-5 | 189 lbs.
Woodstock, Ga. | The Walker School
Before Colgate
Transferred to Colgate after two seasons at Division II Belmont Abbey, where he helped lead the Crusaders to back-to-back Conference Carolinas championships…appeared in 31 games as a sophomore and connected on 45.7% of his shots from behind the arc while averaging 13.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game…shot 54.9% from the field and 82.5% from the free throw line…All-State and All-Conference high school career…graduated from The Walker School as the third all-time leading scorer with 1,486 career points.
Personal
Born: Chandler Everett Baker in Woodstock, Ga.
Family: Son of Robert and Mindy Baker…has one brother, Robert.
Coach Langel on Chandler: "Chandler has already experienced individual success in college. In some ways, his statistics alone speak to his potential as a player. In getting to know him during the recruiting process, however, it wasn't just his talent that stood out. The value he places on being part of a team that is positioned for success is impressive and aligns with the values of our program."
Brady Cummins
G | 6-6 | 190 lbs.
York, Maine | Brooks School
Before Colgate
Played two seasons at the Brooks School, where he garnered All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) honors…averaged 20.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while playing for head coach John McVeigh at Brooks School…landed All-NEPSAC and All-ISL First Team honors in 2022…named All-State, Class A-South Most Valuable Player, and Western Maine First Team All-Conference after averaging 19.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a junior at York High School.
Personal
Born: Brady Harrison Cummins in York, Maine.
Family: Son of Bob and Karen Cummins…has two brothers, Chris and Ryan.
Coach Langel on Brady: "Brady has great size, length and versatility for a perimeter player. In watching him, it's easy to see that he has played for winning teams and great coaches during his scholastic and AAU basketball careers. Brady's commitment to improvement and his love for the game will fit perfectly the culture of Colgate Basketball."
Braeden Smith
G | 6-0 | 180 lbs.
Seattle, Wash. | Seattle Prep
Before Colgate
Two-time Metro League Athlete of the Year (2021, 2022) as a four-year starter at Seattle Prep…scored 1,403 points during his high school career and set the school record for career assists (502) and steals (210)...holds single-game records for assists (13) and steals (8)...garnered First Team All-State and First Team All-Metro honors…averaged 18.5 points, seven assists and 2.5 steals during senior campaign on his way to Metro League Athlete of the Year…also First Team All-League quarterback in 2022 and All-League wide receiver in 2021.
Personal
Born: Braeden Michael Smith in Charlotte, N.C.
Family: Son of Reggie Hunter and Kristin Smith…has three brothers, Bryce, Chevy, and Preston.
Coach Langel on Braeden: "Braeden has great speed, quickness and vision. He has competed at an extremely high level in the EYBL and won championships for a legendary high school coach. In watching him play basketball, it's not surprising to find out how accomplished he also was in football. He is a natural 'quarterback on the court' who sets up and celebrates teammates' successes, but is also capable of creating for himself. We believe Braeden is well positioned to continue the successes that other Colgate point guards have experienced in a Raider uniform."
