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NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Patrick Baldwin Jr.’s top 10

By Lukas Harkins

UNCASVILLE, CT - MARCH 09: A detailed view of a basketball net and Wilson NCAA basketball at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 9, 2020 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CT - MARCH 09: A detailed view of a basketball net and Wilson NCAA basketball at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 9, 2020 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – FEBRUARY 15: Coach Calipari watches. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – FEBRUARY 15: Coach Calipari watches. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is one of the two in-state programs that made the first cut for Patrick Baldwin Jr. While it seems unlikely that the five-star wing will commit to the Badgers, the program was among the first to make him a major priority. Baldwin is definitely familiar with the program and he has stated in the past that he still talks to head coach Greg Gard “relatively frequently”.

Having grown up around Big Ten basketball, he could have the opportunity to play in the league for what is one of the two high-major programs in his now home-state.

Wisconsin has not been mentioned among the favorites in the past but could continue to hang around in this recruiting battle. Much like Jalen Johnson’s recruitment in the 2020 class, Wisconsin has been involved for a while and has plenty of positives to offer. If Baldwin cuts his list again (perhaps to five or six), it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Badgers remaining in the hunt.

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky is always difficult to turn down. Head coach John Calipari is arguably the nation’s most-feared recruiter and he does a superb job putting together highly-capable rosters every single year. The Wildcats have been consistently successful under his leadership as they are always a championship-contending team. There are other bluebloods in this final list, but there might only be one or two programs in the country that recruit on or close to Kentucky’s level.

Perhaps most importantly, Kentucky not only offers the opportunity to compete for a national title but also prepares its players for the NBA tremendously well. Arguably the most notable recent ‘Cat as it pertains to this recruitment is Tyler Herro, a Wisconsin native who turned a great season in Lexington into a high pick in the NBA Draft and a strong rookie year with the Miami Heat. Herro and Kentucky’s all-around NBA preparation could be the main part of this pitch.

It’s weird to think of Kentucky as a dark horse in any recruitment, but that might be the case with Baldwin. The Wildcats haven’t been mentioned much amongst the “favorites”, but they have a great pitch and are always dangerous on the recruiting trail.

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