The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/589596
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? "I had a few dunks at the end that kind of sealed the deal," Baston said. "Just being there with my family and celebrating the Big Ten champion- ship was great. I know everything has an asterisk on it, but it's still my memory." His voice grows wistful when he talks about the asterisk. NCAA infrac- tions involving Taylor, Robert Tray- lor and Louis Bullock officially wiped away much of his career, including that initial Big Ten Tournament title. But it's still my memory. "I was investigated, too," Baston re- called. "I went through the process. We were waiting to see what was going to be. The aftermath that stung the most was after I left. "We saw our careers were going to be gone for good. The banners were never going to go back up. That kind of hurt." To this day, Baston's memories are a mixed bag. He revels in the battles against Michigan State and Duke, the NIT title, Traylor shattering the back- board glass with an resounding slam dunk. At the same time, the promise of the class never fully developed. Even what they did accomplish wouldn't be com- memorated long term. "When I played professionally, all over the world, I was always repre- senting Michigan," Baston assured. "Not just myself and my family, but also the university, because of the stan- dard that we have. "For that to be erased and forgotten about … the NCAA can do their thing on the national level, but for me, I wish the Michigan family could … His voice trailed off, searching for words. "We were young," he added. "Things happen. But we were put in the doghouse. As a competitor, and with how I love my school, it's tough. I didn't do anything wrong. It was being in the group." He certainly learned resilience, and moving on. Those traits served him incredibly well in the years that followed. He considered leaving after his ju- nior season, but didn't, and after get- ting drafted No. 58 overall by the Chi- cago Bulls, got caught up in an NBA Baston and two other U-M grads started Taste Love Cupcakes in Royal Oaks, Mich., in 2012. Later that year, they won TV's "Cupcake Wars." PHOTO COURTESY MACEO BASTON