and it backhands a question of what kind of coach CMD is. I have always presumed she was not someone that has "hard" conversations with players that is, run them off. Now, of course all coaches have conversations with players after the season that can be hard at least point out reality but it seems they have been pretty good deals in the past I think both Ekh and Baker wanted to play more basketball (always thought Baker was Ekh's catch-and-shoot replacement in Kenny's system) and well they got to do that. So, I'm a little perplexed at Baker's leaving although she was called into do a little rebounding too, that may not have been as much fun. So, my working theory is this: Hurst replaces Baker as a better player with three years left. Sears is going to get some minutes to develop. so the door is partly closed even if they wanted to come back (same thing on the men's side with Cool Attack replacing Avadalas) So I'm thinking this is a Mackie/Baker initiative. CMD would take them back b/c well, why not, same deal they were told with their respective conversations senior experience vs Hurst but could end up losing minutes through the season, same with Mackie and Sears. It would be a desultory year for both of them and why not go somewhere you're the big cheese for a final year (Baker) or two more for Mackie. So yes, I don't think things changed. they were offered a conversation and it's still up to them to take it or not CMD of course can't afford to wait around and will look to fill their schollies maybe so that would end it. ** Edited by `lag at 4/13/2026, 8:30:31 AM

they had at VT, assuming they go to a top program. Maybe that is ok with them and what they wanted, but playing almost 100% of the minutes (like Baker did unless foul trouble) on a good P4 team is a bit of a rarity. It will be interesting if the grass ends up being greener for them. Regardless, the die has been cast now so we move on....

Hurst will take some of Baker's time, maybe a Sear will eat into Mackie's time. Obvious that depends on how good the newcomers are.

if Nelson had stayed, I would bet that either one of Wells or Suffren transferred out. Sears was not going to cut much into the time of the top 4 guards if all 4 were here. Nelson was still going to get 30 minutes a game, Suffren/Wells could get 12-25+, Wenzel would get 30+ ... Baker might get some time at the 3 depending on Hurst/Latham/Trent/Jenkins.

So I would seriously doubt it Also read Baker was easily influenced by others so maybe she gets a pass But most of us know nothing on the inside so all just a guess

If they were true Freshman and got caught up in the limelight of the portal, then maybe. But these two have been around awhile and know how this works. Dont get me wrong, I wish they hadn't portaled in the first place, but time to say thank you for your time in blacksburg and wish them well on their next stop.

The fact that it wasn't apparent to even most of us passionate fans, is a testament to the maturity of everyone involved. I hated to see them go as well.

They may have their degrees and just want a different experience

to her arsenal. It was not imposed on her