It’s difficult to gauge prospects’ on-court abilities when they have yet to hit their physical peak. However, when ESPN published their 2021 class rankings, Patrick Baldwin’s (6’8″) number one rank was more than justified. As a freshman, Baldwin boasted a 16 ppg average to go along with 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.
We were able to contact Patrick via social media to ask him a few questions about his current and professional aspirations.
After being named number one recruit in his class we asked Baldwin if any pressure came with such a prestigious ranking. Baldwin answered, “I believe that there is no pressure to the point that I need to be the best me I can be. There are obviously some very talented players in my class that I am competing with, so if I continue running my own race and keep getting better each and every day there is no pressure.” Baldwin’s maturity is peerless at his age, which will only benefit him as a person and a player in the upcoming years.
Although only a freshman, Baldwin has already generated an abundance of interest in himself. Baldwin has offers from Illinois, Marquette, Minnesota and more. When asked about his college basketball future, Baldwin stated, “I haven’t really thought too much about that. I’m just enjoying the now. But when the time does come, I will make a decision based on where I am as a player and how mature I am as a person.”
Physical ability is put in the spotlight when it comes to most major sports, but what is not talked about enough is the mental awareness to make the right play. Baldwin models his game around players that are not only physically strong but mentally as well. “One player I model my game around is Jayson Tatum. His ability to make the right play off the bounce or off the dribble is something that I love to watch and hope to develop.”
It’s very easy to improve the physical part of a player’s game. But it’s a little trickier to improve the metal part of a player’s game.
Baldwin has been exposed to the game of basketball for most of his life, as his dad coaches division l basketball at UW-Milwaukee. Baldwin said, “A lot of it (The mental part of basketball) comes from watching a lot of basketball.
As for the AAU circuit, Patrick plays for Phenom U with fellow five-star recruit, Jalen Johnson. Playing with such an elite talent pool gives Baldwin a huge advantage. When questioned about how his AAU team has helped him improve as a basketball player, Baldwin said, “Obviously playing with great talent always helps your development. I came into a situation where all I have to do is play hard and everything else will sort itself out in the end. This has been one of my most fun AAU seasons and we hope to continue that success going into July.” Not only does playing on such a highly touted AAU team improve Baldwin’s game, but it also gives coaches and recruiters the chance to watch him perform.
When you first see Patrick Baldwin Jr. play you notice his 6’8 stature right away. But what you can’t see at first glimpse is his intelligence. Baldwin is a smart kid who is unselfish and makes the players around him better. Remember the name Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Authors: Grant Matheny and Collin Parker.
