4-Star SG Jemarl Baker Reportedly Asks for Release from LOI with California

Jemarl Baker, a 4-star shooting guard from Corona, California, has reportedly asked for his release from the California Golden Bears after signing a letter of intent with the Pac-12 power in December 2015, according to Scout.com's Josh Gershon. 

Baker forwarded the following statement to Gershon explaining why he wants to reopen his recruitment: 

"

 I committed to Cal as a high school sophomore and signed with the Golden Bears last fall primarily based upon my close relationship with Cuonzo Martin and his ability to develop me not only as a player but also as a person.

Unfortunately that possibility no longer exists for me at Cal due to Coach (Cuonzo) Martin deciding to accept the Missouri job.

Due to those factors I just listed, I have decided to re-open my recruitment and explore all possible opportunities and options. This is in no way a reflection on Cal as an institution or program. Cal is a tremendous school with a historic basketball tradition.

I just feel that due to the current circumstances, I need to consider all my options. I appreciate people understanding the current situation I am in.

"

According to Scout.com, Baker is the 20th-ranked shooting guard and 87th-ranked player overall among all 2017 recruits. He's also the sixth-ranked 2-guard in the West Region and fourth-ranked player among that positional subset in the state of California. 

Baker isn't the most explosive player around, but he does have a jumper that's remarkably refined for a player his age. And while he projects as more of a 2 at the college level because of his smooth shooting mechanics, he has the size (6'3", 175 pounds) and vision necessary to be a supplementary on-ball playmaker for his teammates. 

As Scout's official analysis noted, "He's more prone to score with his jumper than attacking the basket, but he will find the open lane to the rim if it's there. He's more two than one but his handle has improved some and he's a good passer."

While it's unclear where Baker is headed in the fall, he figures to be linked to the Missouri Tigers after former Cal head coach Cuonzo Martin filled the school's vacant head coaching position. 

Should Baker end up with the Tigers, he would join a rapidly improving team that recently added 5-star wing Michael Porter Jr. following his release from the Washington Huskies.

Recruit information courtesy of Scout.com.