• Home
  • For Sale
  • Services
  • Now
  • Galleries
  • Contact

Gavin Baker Photography

  • Home
  • For Sale
  • Services
  • Now
  • Galleries
  • Contact
  • Menu

Best of 2016: Basketball

January 4, 2017

Basketball has got to be one of my favorite sports to photograph. The pace of the players, the open views of athletes faces, and the physicality of the game all help to create wonderful opportunities to capture stunning images. These are some of my favorites from last year.

All images are copyrighted by Icon Sportswire. And questions about using them should be directed here: Icon Sportswire

16 January 2016: Temple Owls guard Josh Brown (1) charges into the lane during the NCAA Men's basketball game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Temple Owls played at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswi

16 January 2016: Temple Owls guard Josh Brown (1) charges into the lane during the NCAA Men's basketball game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Temple Owls played at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

20 January 2016: Saint Joseph's Hawks forward DeAndre Bembry (43) poses after his dunk on the way down from the basket during the NCAA Men's basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Saint Joseph's Hawks played at the Palestra in Philadelphia

20 January 2016: Saint Joseph's Hawks forward DeAndre Bembry (43) poses after his dunk on the way down from the basket during the NCAA Men's basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Saint Joseph's Hawks played at the Palestra in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) on the way up for his slam dunk during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo

13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) on the way up for his slam dunk during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

03 February 2016: The Vilanova mascot warms up the crowd  during the NCAA Baksetball game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Creighton Bluejays played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

03 February 2016: The Vilanova mascot warms up the crowd  during the NCAA Baksetball game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Creighton Bluejays played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in action charges into the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavi

13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in action charges into the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

03 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) dives after the loose ball during the NCAA Baksetball game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Creighton Bluejays played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon

03 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) dives after the loose ball during the NCAA Baksetball game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Creighton Bluejays played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 23: Villanova Wildcats forward Darryl Reynolds (45) leaps over his defenders ready for the basket during the game between the Charleston Cougars and the Villanova Wildcats on November 23, 2016 at the Pavilion in Villanova PA

VILLANOVA, PA - NOVEMBER 23: Villanova Wildcats forward Darryl Reynolds (45) leaps over his defenders ready for the basket during the game between the Charleston Cougars and the Villanova Wildcats on November 23, 2016 at the Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

13 February 2016: St. John's Red Storm forward Ron Mvouika (24) looks to shoot over Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo C

13 February 2016: St. John's Red Storm forward Ron Mvouika (24) looks to shoot over Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) fires his jumper during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) fires his jumper during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in action charges into the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavi

13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in action charges into the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) fires his shot crowed beneath the basket during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) fires his shot crowed beneath the basket during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) is grabbed and fouled by La Salle Explorers guard Pookie Powell (0) during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Pale

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) is grabbed and fouled by La Salle Explorers guard Pookie Powell (0) during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) slides across the floor looking to pass during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo b

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 06: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) slides across the floor looking to pass during the game between the LaSalle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats on December 06, 2016 at the Palestra in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 17: N.J.I.T Highlanders guard Tim Coleman (2) arcs in his shot during the game between the NJIT Highlanders and the Temple Owls on December 17, 2016 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon S

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 17: N.J.I.T Highlanders guard Tim Coleman (2) arcs in his shot during the game between the NJIT Highlanders and the Temple Owls on December 17, 2016 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright looks on in frustration during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the American Eagles on December 21, 2016 at the Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Spo

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright looks on in frustration during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the American Eagles on December 21, 2016 at the Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) runs into his defender on the way to the basket during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the American Eagles on December 21, 2016 at the Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo b

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) runs into his defender on the way to the basket during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the American Eagles on December 21, 2016 at the Pavilion in Villanova PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  DePaul Blue Demons guard Billy Garrett Jr. (5) looks to pass during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  DePaul Blue Demons guard Billy Garrett Jr. (5) looks to pass during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) releases his lay up during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon S

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) releases his lay up during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) charges towards the net in a blur during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) charges towards the net in a blur during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in mid air eyes his shot during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/I

VILLANOVA, PA - DECEMBER 28:  Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in mid air eyes his shot during the game between the Villanova Wildcats and the DePaul Blue Demons on December 28, 2016 at The Pavilion in Villanova PA.(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

In Basketball Tags Basketball, sports photography
Comment
17 Jan 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) ready for action during the NCAA Mens Basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Palestra in Philadelphia, PA

17 Jan 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) ready for action during the NCAA Mens Basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Palestra in Philadelphia, PA

Villanova Wildcats - NCAA Champions

April 16, 2016

I live fairly close to Villanova and I have history with the University. I can't say it's a family tradition to attend Nova, but I have multiple family members that know V stands for Villanova, as well as Victory.
It was great having a hometown team live the dream this year of charging through the season, enduring losses and celebrating wins. Watching the Wildcats as move through their challenges to the "Sweet Sixteen" then the "Elite Eight" and then the "Final Four" to become champions was just as exciting this time as it was back in 1985. I was able to witness first hand what makes a winning team become the best. It was a wonderful experience. I wanted to share some of my favorite Villanova Men's NCAA Basketball pictures from this past season with you.
All images are copyrighted through Icon Sportswire. Any questions about purchase or use should be directed to their website.

View fullsize 13 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright shouts orders during the NCAA basketball game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
View fullsize 13 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) slam dunks the ball during the NCAA basketball game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportsw
View fullsize 13 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) lofts his throw over the head of La Salle Explorers guard Cleon Roberts (3) during the NCAA basketball game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavi
View fullsize 13 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Jalen Brunson (1) charges towards the net during the NCAA basketball game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sports
View fullsize 13 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) looks to pass during the NCAA basketball game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
View fullsize 22 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats forward Darryl Reynolds (45) slides across the floor during the NCAA basketball game between the Delaware Blue Hens and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavillion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon
View fullsize 22 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Phil Booth (5) hangs on the rim after his dunk during the NCAA basketball game between the Delaware Blue Hens and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavillion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon
View fullsize 13 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright tries to explain to a referee why it was a bad call during the NCAA basketball game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo
View fullsize 22 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats forward Darryl Reynolds (45) and Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) and Delaware Fightin Blue Hens forward Barnett Harris (2) looks for the rebound to fall during the NCAA basketball game between the Del
View fullsize 22 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Phil Booth (5) charges towards the basket during the NCAA basketball game between the Delaware Blue Hens and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavillion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sport
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) looks for a way around St. John's Red Storm forward Ron Mvouika (24) during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo
View fullsize 22 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) defends the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the Delaware Blue Hens and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavillion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
View fullsize 28 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) holds the ball away from Pennsylvania Quakers forward Mike Auger (22) during the NCAA men's basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Villanova Wildcats played at Pavillion in Vi
View fullsize 13 January 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) passes around Marquette Golden Eagles guard Wally Ellenson (22) during the NCAA Men's basketball game between the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion
View fullsize 28 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) at the free throw line during the NCAA men's basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Villanova Wildcats played at Pavillion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sports
View fullsize 28 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) keeps Pennsylvania Quakers guard Darnell Foreman (3) from the rebound during the NCAA men's basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Villanova Wildcats played at Pavillion in Vill
View fullsize 28 December 2015: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) eyes the basket as he aims his shot during the NCAA men's basketball game between the Penn Quakers and the Villanova Wildcats played at Pavillion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon S
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) eyes his shot during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) comes up the court with his fingers crossed during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia,
View fullsize 13 February 2016: St. John's Red Storm forward Ron Mvouika (24) looks to shoot over Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo C
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) charges into the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Ic
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono (15) puts the pressure on St. John's Red Storm guard Malik Ellison (0) during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) in action charges into the lane during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gavi
View fullsize 13 February 2016: Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) on the way up for his slam dunk during the NCAA basketball game between the St. John's Red Storm and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo
View fullsize 01 March 2016: The Villanova mascot shows the crowd who's number one  during the NCAA basketball game between the DePaul Blue Demons and the Villanova Wildcats played at the Pavilion in Villanova, PA. (Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
In Basketball Tags Champion, Final Four, Victory, Basketball, Elite Eight, NCAA, Nova, Sweet Sixteen, Villanova
Comment