Courtesy of Morgan State Athletic Communications
BALTIMORE, Md., Oct. 16, 2021 – The Chicago Bulls announced Friday night that they have signed undrafted free agent Troy Baxter, Jr.
This isn't the first time the Bulls have shown interest in the former Morgan State forward., as he was a member of the team's Summer League roster. Despite minimal playing time, Baxter still averaged 6.8 minutes over his four games, including a number of highlight dunks, and was able to make an impression on the Bulls front office.
Despite being a rookie, Troy Baxter Jr. would already be the sixth-oldest player on the roster. Of all draft-eligible players in 2021, Baxter was the elder statesman at 25 years old. In fact, the rookie is 2,000 days older than second-year forward Patrick Williams.
Baxter, a Tallahassee, Fla. native, made his mark as one of the top players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The senior, who was named to the All-MEAC First Team and All-Defensive Team, finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in scoring (17.1), No. 3 in blocks (1.7) and entered the Air Force Reserve MEAC Basketball Tournament shooting 44.5 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 73.4 percent from the free throw line.
Baxter recorded his sixth 20-point performance of the year against Norfolk State, scoring a game-high 21 points on Feb. 14 at Hill Field House. He also scored double-figures 14 times, including a season-high 28-point performance in a 95-82 victory at Coppin State on January 30, 2021.
Baxter's postseason awards also include being named: Second Team All-America; All-District Second Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC); and 2020-21 HBCU All-Stars by the HBCU All-Stars LLC & CBS Sports.
Baxter also won the 2021 College Slam Dunk Contest held at the 32nd annual State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships in Indianapolis. He became the first player to win both the American Family Insurance High School Slam Dunk and the college slam dunk titles.
Throughout the draft process, Baxter participated in the Tampa Bay Pro Combine, where he earned a spot of the TBPC All-Tournament team averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and a steal per game on 52.8% from the field in scrimmage play. He also worked out for a number of NBA teams including the Bulls.
With a 6-foot-9, 215-pound frame, 7-foot-2 wingspan and tremendous bounce, Baxter has the build to guard point guards, shooting guards and small forwards, and could find a home in the NBA.
Baxter, who came to Morgan State in 2019, graduated with his bachelor's degree in Applied Liberal Studies in May.