“This is my place,” Baker said, as he stood at the center of the complex’s new basketball courts, addressing University leadership, distinguished alumni, donors, and representatives from the National Basketball Association and United States Tennis Association. Media were also in attendance; the ceremony was covered by NBC Connecticut, WTNH, the Hartford Courant, and other outlets.
Surrounded by some of his former Hartford Hawks teammates and acknowledging the unwavering support of his parents who were in the audience, Baker sounded a note of humility.
“I’ve done a lot of wonderful things in basketball and in life,” Baker said, “but this is the most extraordinary thing that’s ever happened to me. It doesn’t just speak to the accolades and what I was able to accomplish on the court, both professionally and here at the University of Hartford. It speaks to being able to fall down and the ability to get back up.”
University of Hartford President Lawrence P. Ward said that Baker’s story is one of resilience, determination, and service to others. “I often speak about the amplifying effect of the University of Hartford,” Ward said. “People find inspiration, opportunity, and purpose on this campus, and then carry those gifts into the world to inspire others. Vin personifies that amplifying effect. Vin, we are tremendously proud of all you have accomplished, but even more proud of the person you are. We are deeply grateful to call you a Hawk for life.”
In his time at UHart from 1989 to 1993, Baker garnered All-America honors two seasons in a row. He scored a single-season school-record 792 points over 28 games during the 1992–93 season, a mark that still stands. Drafted from UHart by the Bucks in 1993, Baker played for six teams in his 13-year NBA career and was a four-time All-Star. He was also a member of the gold-medal-winning 2000 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team. He continues to make an impact as an NBA coach, spending eight seasons as an assistant coach with the Bucks before joining the Miami Heat coaching staff in 2026.
Baker’s impact extends well beyond his accomplishments on the court. In his book, God and Starbucks: An NBA Superstar's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery, he candidly shares his experience rebuilding his life and returning to the sport he loves. Through his philanthropic work, he has also championed causes including mental health awareness and the education and personal development of young people.
Vin Baker, Miami Heat Assistant Coach"This is the most extraordinary thing that’s ever happened to me. It doesn’t just speak to the accolades and what I was able to accomplish on the court, both professionally and here at the University of Hartford—it speaks to being able to fall down and the ability to get back up.”
The new complex honors Baker's legacy while creating opportunities for future generations of UHart students. The $2.4 million facility will expand the University’s rapidly growing club and intramural sports offerings while providing additional training and competition space for its NCAA Division III student-athletes.
“We envision this as a place for everyone,” said Alicia Queally, assistant vice president of athletics and recreation. “It might be students meeting after class for a pickup basketball game, members of our pickleball club gathering for a match, or faculty and staff bringing a racquet or shooting hoops during the lunch hour.”
“We are intentional about creating spaces that foster connection and belonging,” Ward said. “The person you meet playing pick-up basketball or across the net playing tennis or pickleball today may become a lifelong friend or future colleague. When students find that connection—through a faculty member, a friend, an organization, or a teammate—their UHart experience becomes richer and more meaningful.”
The $2.4 million complex was made possible by alumni whose own experiences at UHart inspired them to help create new opportunities for future generations of students.
Loic De Kertanguy ‘69, who played tennis in his time at UHart, made a significant investment in the project. The tennis facility within the complex will be named in his honor.
Inspired by Baker’s legacy on campus, Anthony Assante '91 M'93 and Mike Daglio '91 rallied fellow members of Sigma Phi Epsilon to support the project, honoring their shared history, brotherhood, and a defining chapter of their University of Hartford experience.
Significant support was also provided through a grant from the United States Tennis Association. The USTA Foundation helps community organizations provide high-quality programs that make a sustainable difference in the lives of young people. The University anticipates the new facility will be utilized for a number of community programming initiatives in the Greater Hartford region.
“Let’s keep this going,” Baker said. “We don’t stop here. I will continue to represent this university.” Referring to his parents once again, he said, “I will continue to do my very best and continue to build it up the way those two people taught me to do it.”