Oregon State guard Chai Baker moved out of ICU

After suffering what has been described as a cardiac-related medical incident, Oregon State basketball player Chai Baker’s condition has been upgraded and he has been moved out of the ICU at Corvallis Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Ore.

The freshman guard collapsed while performing some preseason drills at the OSU Basketball Center on Tuesday, Aug, 19 and was rushed to the hospital after struggling to breathe on his own. Baker was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remained in critical, but stable condition.

[related category]

As his condition improved throughout the week, Baker was moved out of the ICU on Friday afternoon and was in seemingly good spirits, according to vice president for university relations and marketing Steve Clark. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you see him tweeting later today,” Clark said on Friday.

Baker had been cleared to participate in all team activities after clearing university-mandated heart screenings, so his incident comes a surprise to Baker’s Oregon State teammates and head coach Wayne Tinkle. As was initially feared, there is nothing to suggest that Baker suffered a blood clot and Baker’s only pre-exisiting medical condition was asthma related. The prognosis for Baker seems positive at the moment, but his incident is still concerning, especially after the recent deaths of Kent State football player Jason Bitsko and Morgan State football player Marquese Meadow.

Those hoping to reach out Baker and send him a get well card can do so at the following address:

Chai Baker
c/o Intercollegiate Athletics
Oregon State University
114 Gill Coliseum
Corvallis, OR 97331-4105