Four-time NBA All-Star Vin Baker returns to the University of Hartford as new athletic fields and a basketball court bear his name — and face.

By Mia Jaworski

The University of Hartford held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon to honor alumnus and NBA star Vin Baker as the university unveiled new tennis and basketball courts funded by donations from alumni. The basketball court features a mural of Baker along the sidelines.

Vin Baker Outdoor Athletic and Recreation Complex. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

The courts are part of the university’s new outdoor athletics complex, located near the campus athletic fields and Alumni Stadium. They are expected to open to UHart students soon.

Baker attended the University of Hartford from 1989 to 1993, playing for the Hartford Hawks men’s basketball team. He scored a school-record 2,238 points during his collegiate career and remains the only basketball player in the university’s history to have his No. 42 jersey retired.

Vin Baker Outdoor Athletic and Recreation Complex. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

The university recently honored Baker with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in April and named its new outdoor athletics complex the Vin Baker Outdoor Athletics and Recreation Complex.

A four-time NBA All-Star, Baker also earned two All-NBA selections and won an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2000 Sydney Games.

The Thursday evening ribbon-cutting ceremony featured food and drinks, with several current University of Hartford athletic teams in attendance.

The University of Hartford celebrated alumnus Vin Baker with the opening of the Vin Baker Outdoor Athletics and Recreation Complex on Oct. 22, 2026. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

The new complex is designed to expand the university’s growing club and intramural sports offerings with outdoor tennis, basketball and pickleball courts. The complex will also provide additional training and competition space for the university’s NCAA Division III student-athletes.

Vin Baker Outdoor Athletic and Recreation Complex, Tennis courts. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

The university plans to complete the remaining construction around the courts before inviting students to enjoy the new facilities.

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