Florida A&M Rattlers guard Antonio Baker Jr. handles the basketball during a NCAA game versus the Albany State Golden Rams at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center in Tallahassee, Florida, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The Rattlers defeated the Golden Rams 93-77.
After transferring from Chipola College, Baker averaged 1.2 steals for the Rattlers last season, which ranked in the top 25 SWAC stats. Baker also had 10 games with two or more steals, including a stretch of 12 steals over three games, per the SWAC’s press release.
Baker is a bucket-getter on the offensive side, also.
He averaged 9.9 points per game, including getting on an eight-game heater to end the season. Baker scored 13.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, 2.62 assists, and a steal during that stretch while averaging 30 minutes per game.
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Baker and fellow guard Jaquan Sanders are the pair of Rattler representatives on the All-SWAC Preseason Team. Baker is on the second team, and Sanders is on the first.
On Wednesday, Baker is set to preview the FAMU basketball season alongside guard Ralph Martino Jr. and head coach Charlie Ward in Birmingham at the SWAC Tipoff Men’s Basketball Media Day.
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Charlie Ward listens to the finalist’s speeches during the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year luncheon held at Mission Inn Resort and Club on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Charlie Ward, a former FSU standout and Heisman Trophy winner, spoke at the function and presented the award. [AMBER RICCINTO / DAILY COMMERCIAL]
(Daily Commercial)
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Charlie Ward listens to the finalist’s speeches during the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year luncheon held at Mission Inn Resort and Club on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Charlie Ward, a former FSU standout and Heisman Trophy winner, spoke at the function and presented the award. [AMBER RICCINTO / DAILY COMMERCIAL]
(Daily Commercial)
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Oct 9, 1993; Tallahassee, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Charlie Ward (17) runs with the ball against Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium. FSU defeated Miami 28-10 Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY Sports)
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Florida State University football coach Jimbo Fisher shakes hands with Charlie Ward, former FSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, on Tuesday at the Pensacola Yacht Club as part of the Seminole Boosters Champions Tour.
(Ben Twingley/btwingley@pnj.com)
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Florida State University college football national championship quarterback Charlie Ward speaks during a ceremony in which Gov. Ron DeSantis presented retired FSU football coach Bobby Bowden with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
(Tori Lynn Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Charlie Ward addresses the crowd during the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year luncheon held at Mission Inn Resort and Club on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. Charlie Ward, a former FSU standout and Heisman Trophy winner, spoke at the function and presented the award. [AMBER RICCINTO / DAILY COMMERCIAL]
(Daily Commercial)
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FSU coaches Bobby Bowden, left, and Pat Kennedy with Seminole quarterback Charlie Ward during Ward’s Heisman Trophy presentation in 1993.
(Pat Kennedy)
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NCAA champion, Heisman winner, and FSUS boys’ basketball head coach Charlie Ward says a few words of encouragement to students before the “walking school bus” event began on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
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FSU alumni and 2018 homecoming parade grand marshal Charlie Ward waves as Florida State University holds its annual homecoming parade through the streets of Tallahassee Friday, Oct. 19, 2018.
(Tori Schneider/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Charlie Ward won the Heisman at FSU. He didn’t play pro football, rather signing with the NBA New York Knicks, who drafted him in the first round as a guard. As of March 2018, Ward was named the Ambassador of Football for Florida State University. Charlie became the Head Boy’s Basketball Coach for the Florida State University’s Developmental Research School, “Florida High,” in Tallahassee last year. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
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Oct 3, 1992; Miami, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Charlie Ward (17) looks to throw against Miami at the Orange Bowl. Miami defeated FSU 19-16. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY Sports)
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FSUS Seminoles head coach Charlie Ward looks on against the The Rock National Lions during the first half at The Rock School in Gainesville, FL on Friday, January 19, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
(Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun)
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PHILADELPHIA, : Philadelphia 76ers Allen Iverson (L) shoots over New York Knicks Charlie Ward (R) in the 2nd period of their game 10 March 2000 at the First Union Center in Philadelphia. New York won 82-77. AFP PHOTO/Tom MIHALEK (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images)
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP/Getty Images)
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30 Apr 2000: Charlie Ward #21 of the New York Knicks moves with the ball around Muggsy Bogues #14 of the Toronto Raptors during the NBA Eastern Conference Round One Game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 87-80. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
(Rick Stewart, Getty Images)
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29 Mar 2000: Coach Jeff Van Gundy of the New York Knicks talks to his player Charlie Ward #21 during the game against the Seattle SuperSonics at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Knicks defeated the SuperSonics 110-95. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport
(Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, : New York Knicks’ Charlie Ward (R) reaches for the pass that the Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson lost hold of in the first half of their game, 20 December, in Philadelphia. New York beat Philadelphia 110-103. AFP PHOTO/Tom MIHALEK (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images)
(TOM MIHALEK, AFP/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: New York Knicks guard Charlie Ward (L) and Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway (R) battle for a loose ball in the first quarter 06 February, 2000 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. AFP PHOTO/Matt CAMPBELL (Photo credit should read MATT CAMPBELL/AFP/Getty Images)
(MATT CAMPBELL, AFP/Getty Images)
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Florida High boys basketball coach Charlie Ward talks to a referee during the 2018 Capital City Holiday Classic at TCC.
(Brian Miller/Democrat)
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Florida High boys basketball coach Charlie Ward watches as the Seminoles beat Pensacola Catholic 47-42 during a Region 1-5A quarterfinal on Feb. 21, 2019.
(Brian Miller/Democrat)
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All-Big Bend boys basketball Coach of the Year Charlie Ward, Florida High School.
(Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Florida High head coach Charlie Ward hugs Florida High athletic director Anthony Robinson Sr. following the Seminoles state championship win over Riviera Prep, 66-67, on March 4, 2022, at R.P. Funding Center.
(Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Florida High head coach Charlie Ward looks on from the sidelines in a game between Florida High and Andrew Jackson on Jan. 21, 2023, at Florida High. The Seminoles won 56-40.
(Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Former Florida State University quarterback, Heisman trophy winner and NBA player Charlie Ward gives a speech encouraging graduates at the Florida State University Summer Commencement ceremonies on Friday, August 2, 2024.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Derrick Brooks, Pro Football Hall of Fame Linebacker, and Charlie Ward, Booker T. Washington High School football coach and Heisman Trophy winner,with a plaque at Washington High School on Monday during a Hometown Hall of Fame ceremony sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company. The plaque will be located at the school as a reminder of his career accomplishments and act as a model for students at the school.
(USA TODAY High School Sports Wire)
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Florida State point guard Charlie Ward, driving in a game against Duke, helped the Seminoles clinch the Metro Conference Tournament title in the team’s final year in the connference in 1991.
(Democrat files)
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Charlie Ward #17 of the Florida State Seminoles stands on the field during an NCAA game against the Clemson Tigers on September 11, 1993 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Flroida. The Seminoles defeated the Tigers 57-0. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
(Scott Halleran, Getty Images)
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Nov 27, 1993; Gainesville, FL, USA: FILE PHOTO; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Charlie Ward (17) rolls out to throw the ball against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. FSU defeated Florida 33-21 Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY Sports)
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Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward shakes hands with members of the FAMU basketball team during an introductory press conference introducing Charlie Ward as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Interim President of FAMU Timothy Beard (left) hold sup a jersey with Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward (middle) and Athletics Director Angela Suggs during a introductory press conference for Charlie Ward as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
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The Florida A&M Rattlers introduce Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Heisman trophy winner and former NBA player Charlie Ward speaks at an introductory press conference as the new head basketball coach for FAMU at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Monday, April 21, 2025.
(Mishalynn Brown/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Florida A&M head men’s basketball coach Charlie Ward coaches the Rattlers during offseason workouts at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
(Photo provided by FAMU Athletics)
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Heisman Trophy winner and Florida A&M head coach Charlie Ward speaks at a press conference to announce the new HBCU Hoops Invitational coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The Rattlers are one of eight HBCU men’s and women’s basketball programs competing in the inaugural event Dec. 4-7 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. (Bennett Stoops, photographer)
(Bennett Stoops, Bennett Stoops, Photographer)
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Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward speaks during a pregame press conference at The Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center for the Florida A&M Rattlers at Florida State Seminoles NCAA men’s college basketball exhibition game, Tallahassee, Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
(Gerald Thomas, III // Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY FLORIDA NETWORK)
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Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward (left) shares a laugh with Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks during a pregame press conference at The Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center for the Florida A&M Rattlers at Florida State Seminoles NCAA men’s college basketball exhibition game, Tallahassee, Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025.
(Gerald Thomas, III // Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY FLORIDA NETWORK)
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FAMU basketball head coach Charlie Ward at his jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
(Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat)
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FAMU basketball head coach Charlie Ward speaks at his jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
(Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat)
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FAMU basketball head coach Charlie Ward at his jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
(Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Tonja and Charlie Ward stand with each other as they listen to speakers during the ground breaking ceremony for Champions Ranch on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
(Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat)
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Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward instructs his team during a practice for the HBCU Hoops Invitational at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.
(Provided by FAMU Athletics)
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Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward instructs his team from the sideline during an NCAA college basketball game versus the Albany State Golden Rams at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center in Tallahassee, Florida, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The Rattlers beat the Golden Rams 93-77.
(Provided by Vaughn Wilson/Mega Ace Media, HBCU Gameday)
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Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward instructs his team while preparing for a NCAA college basketball game at Tarleton State inside of the EECU Center in Stephenville, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Ward is wearing the Nike ‘FAMU’ Air Max 95 sneakers.
(Photo provided by FAMU Athletics)
The FAMU coach will have his media day Zoom availability at 11:20 a.m. Eastern Time.
The Rattlers open their year on Oct. 13, hosting Warner University for an exhibition game at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.
Nov. 2: vs. Florida State — Tampa (Orion180 Tip-Off Classic), 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 5: vs. Fort Valley State, TBD
Nov. 11: vs. Missouri-Kansas City — St. Petersburg (Showdown in St. Pete), Noon
Nov. 24: at South Alabama, TBD
Nov. 30: at Kennesaw State, 7 p.m.
Dec. 4: vs. Norfolk State — Washington, D.C. (Chris Paul HBCU Classic), 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: vs. Tennessee State — Washington, D.C. (Chris Paul HBCU Classic), 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: at Saint Louis, TBD
Jan. 2: vs. Bethune-Cookman — SWAC, TBD
Jan. 9: at Southern — SWAC, TBD
Jan. 11: at Grambling State — SWAC, TBD
Jan. 16: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff — SWAC, TBD
Jan. 18: vs. Mississippi Valley State — SWAC, TBD
Jan. 23: at Alcorn State — SWAC, 4 p.m.
Jan. 25: at Jackson State — SWAC, 8 p.m.
Jan. 30: vs. Alabama A&M — SWAC, TBD
Feb. 1: vs. Alabama State — SWAC, TBD
Feb. 6: at Texas Southern — SWAC, TBD
Feb. 8: at Prairie View A&M — SWAC, TBD
Feb. 13: vs. Jackson State — SWAC, 4 p.m.
Feb. 15: vs. Alcorn State — SWAC, TBD
Feb. 18: at Alabama A&M — SWAC, 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 20: at Alabama State — SWAC, 4 p.m.
Feb. 25: vs. Southern — SWAC, TBD
Feb. 27: vs. Grambling State — SWAC, TBD
Mar. 4: at Bethune-Cookman — SWAC, TBD
Mar. 8–13: vs. SWAC Tournament — College Park, Ga. (SWAC Tournament), TBD
Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat under the USA TODAY Network.
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