One of the most influential figures in St. Bonaventure basketball history, Baron earned respect with his blue-collar work ethic and winning attitude as a player and coach.
A hard-nosed, defensive-minded guard from Cooper Projects in Brooklyn, N.Y., Baron made his mark on the Brown and White faithful as a player from 1973-1977, during which he led the Bonnies to a 73-28 record.
As a senior co-captain, Baron led the Bonnies to one of the most magical seasons in school history that included 24 wins and a 1977 NIT Championship.
Baron was named the Ideal St. Bonaventure Student in 1977 and received the General Excellence Medal in Physical Education the very same year.
After a six-year stint as an assistant coach at Notre Dame, Baron was named the head coach at St. Francis (Pa.) where he led the Red Flash to their only NCAA Tournament appearance (1991) in school history. In 1991, he guided Panama’s Olympic team and took on the USA’s “Dream Team.”
Baron returned to St. Bonaventure in 1992, this time as the head coach, looking to lead his alma mater back to national prominence. A disciplined, well-respected coach, Baron led the Bonnies to an NIT berth in 1995, earning Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honors.
His most successful season came in 1999-2000, when he led St. Bonaventure to a 21-10 record, a second-place finish in the A-10 Tournament and the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 22 years.
Overall, Baron finished his nine seasons as the leader of the Brown and White with 132 victories, three NIT appearances and an NCAA Tournament Berth.
Baron moved on to fellow A-10 member Rhode Island where he has continued success, leading the Rams to four NIT appearances, and capturing three more A-10 Coach of the Year honors.
